Definition:
Yellow nail syndrome is a medical condition which includes the pleural effusions, lymphoedema, discoloration of the nails.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis mainly depends on the symptoms as they manifests and usually includes x-rays, blood tests, or examination of the nail part that is affected in the laboratory (Book: Textbook of Dermatology. Ed Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJB, Champion RH, Burton JL. Fourth edition. Blackwell Scientific Publications).
Treatment:
Treatment includes the vitamin E solution and administration of oral itraconazole. Vitamin E supplements are also advised.
Symptoms and Signs:
Syptoms includes the swelling of the blocked or damaged lymphatic system. Usually it is manifests through the yellowish color of the nails.
Causes:
The exact cause of the yellow nail syndrome is not yet known though it is usually associated with patients with bronchiectasis, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease and soriasis. It may even be caused by ingestion of arsenic poison or by an injury where there is crushing if the base of the nail and where the nail is exposed to nail polish for a long time.
