Healthier-looking hands and feet start with healthier-looking
nails. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help you get
a handle on yellow nail syndrome:
- Take extra E
- Supplement with 800 IU of vitamin E every day for several months
to help control symptoms
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace
the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full yellow nail syndrome
article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and
dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
About yellow nail syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome is believed to be caused by congenital abnormalities in the lymphatic
system.
Although it primarily affects the nails and lymphatic tissue, it frequently is associated
with lung disease.
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What are the symptoms?
People with yellow nail syndrome may have symptoms including thickened, curved,
slow-growing, yellow-to-greenish nails; and swelling of the lymph system in various parts of
the body. Additional symptoms relating to the lungs may also occur.
Medical options
Prescription drug therapy might include oral
antibiotics to control infection in the airway, such as amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), cephalexin (Keflex), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Bronchodilators, such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), salmeterol (Serevent), and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), may be used to open
airways.
Treatment may include physical therapy, such as postural drainage, clapping, and vibration.
Healthcare practitioners typically recommend avoiding cigarette smoke and other respiratory
irritants, cough suppressants, and sleeping pills.
Vitamins that may be helpful
Supplementation with vitamin E has been
used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in several preliminary
reports.1 2 3 Although topical use of the vitamin has also
been reported to be effective,4 taking vitamin E supplements is much easier and
less messy. A typical amount is 800 IU per day, with results beginning to appear after several
months.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
References:1. Norton L. Further observations on the yellow nail syndrome with
therapeutic effects of oral alpha-tocopherol. Cutis 1985;36:457–62.
2. Ayres S Jr, Hihan R. Yellow nail syndrome: response to vitamin E.
Arch Dermatol 1973;108:267–8.
3. Ayres S Jr. Yellow nail syndrome controlled by vitamin E therapy.
J Am Acad Dermatol 1986;15:714–6 [letter].
4. Williams HC, Buffham R, du Vivier A. Successful use of topical vitamin
E solution in the treatment of nail changes in yellow nail syndrome. Arch Dermatol
1991;127:1023–8.