Yellow Nail Syndrome (Holistic)
About This Condition
Healthier-looking hands and feet start with healthier-looking nails. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
About
About This Condition
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.
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.
Supplements
What Are Star Ratings?
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
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Why |
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2 Stars
Vitamin E
800 IU daily
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Vitamin E has been used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in several preliminary reports.
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.
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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.
