Yellow nail syndrome causes thick, yellow-green nails that may separate from the nail bed. Swelling in arms and legs, damage to airways and lungs, and other disorders may also occur. The cause is unknown, but it is often accompanied by lymphedema, pleural effusions, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and sinus infections.
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare medical condition characterized by significant changes in an individual’s fingernails. The nails thicken noticeably, take on a yellow to yellow-green color, and may separate from the nail bed. Additional complications may include swelling of the body, usually in the arms and legs, as well as damage to the upper airways and lungs.
An individual who is affected by yellow nail syndrome typically experiences changes in the fingernails and toenails, and all nails may be involved. The affected nails may be slow growing or may have stopped growing altogether. The nails may have ridges on them and develop humps. Also, the edges of the nails may appear dark and there may be cuticle loss. In most cases, the nail changes are permanent, although there have been cases where the nails have returned to their normal state.
Although the cause of yellow nail syndrome remains unknown, the disease is commonly accompanied by one or more disorders, including lymphedema, pleural effusions, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, and sinus infections. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works in tandem with the circulatory system to deliver oxygen, nutrients and hormones to cells and with the immune system to filter out harmful disease-causing organisms in the body. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, it typically causes swelling. Individuals who have lymphedema generally have swelling in the arms or legs due to the buildup of lymph fluid that is unable to drain properly.
Pleural effusions occur in about 36% of people with yellow nail syndrome. When excess fluid builds up in the space surrounding the lungs, the accumulations are commonly referred to as pleural effusions. Excessive fluid accumulation in the lungs impairs breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs during inhalation.
Typically, about 40 percent of individuals who have yellow nail syndrome also have a condition called bronchiectasis. This ailment is caused by damage to the airways, also called bronchi, which carry air to and from the lungs. The damage is usually the result of chronic infections that have produced scar tissue. Bronchiectasis causes these airways to widen to compensate for the buildup of scar tissue.
An individual who has yellow nail syndrome may also have chronic sinusitis or bronchitis. Sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the sinuses, caused by an infection. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi.
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