YELLOW NAIL SYNDROME

YELLOW NAIL SYNDROME

Yellow nail syndrome is a very rare disorder affecting nails. As the name itself indicates discoloration of nails to yellow is the primary indication of yellow nail syndrome. This discoloration will usually be followed by swelling in different parts of the body, a condition medically known as lymphoedema. This swelling may some times lead to the blockage of one’s lymphatic system.

In some patients it has been reported that yellow nail syndrome even cause collection of fluid in the space around the lungs and in some others bronchiectasis may also appear along with yellow nail syndrome.
Generally men at their middle ages are seen affected by yellow nail syndrome. However in rare occasions, young children are also seen found to be affected by this disease.

The nail growth of a person affected by yellow nail syndrome slows down significantly when compared to other healthy persons. In some cases the nail does not grow at all. The growth rate becomes nil.

The nail plate of patients affected by yellow nail syndrome gets thickened and the colour of the nail may turn yellow varying from pale yellow to greenish yellow. The edges of the nail plate may even turn dark.

In this kind of disease, the nails tend to remain smooth. However it may have a wavy character with the nail surface remaining uneven.

In acute cases of yellow nail syndrome, the nails may get detached from the nail bed due to the loss of cuticles which hold the nail to the body.

Majority of patients suffering from yellow nail syndrome complain about swelling in their legs. The primary symptom of yellow nail syndrome is the discoloration of the nail rather than the swelling. In some cases swelling may appear even on the hands, face and genitals.

In about 36% of the patients, a condition called pleural effusions occurs. Pleural effusion may appear as a primary symptom of yellow nail syndrome. Respiratory disorders associated with yellow nail syndrome are often found in patients with along history of Bronchitis, acute sinusitis and pneumonia.

The exact cause for yellow nail syndrome is still unknown to the medical world. However the most commonly affected persons are those with a recurrent history of various respiratory complications like chronic bronchiectasis or sinusitis. Persons suffering from internal malignancies, immuno-deficiency syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis are also prone to yellow nail syndrome.