Yellow Nail Syndrome Facts

Yellow nail syndrome, named for its primary symptom, is extremely rare. It usually begins in middle age or older, and is associated with various other conditions involving the lymphatic system, lungs and immune system.

Primary Symptom

• In yellow nail syndrome, fingernails and toenails become thicker and turn pale yellow or greenish-yellow, with slightly darker edges. All the nails may be affected.

Additional Characteristics

• The nails grow very slowly or seem to stop growing altogether. They may have cross ridges, be missing cuticles, and separate from the skin by curving into a hump. The nail changes usually are permanent.

Lymphoedema

• Yellow nail syndrome commonly occurs with lymphoedema, an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid that causes swelling. This occurs in about 80 percent of patients with yellow nail syndrome, typically in the legs.

Lung Conditions

• Lung conditions also can accompany yellow nail syndrome, including chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. There also may be recurrent fluid collection around the lungs.

Other Disorders

• Other disorders associated with yellow nail syndrome include sinus infections, immunodeficiency conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and malignancies.