The Most Important Causes and Factors of YellowingNailon Hands and Feet
Nails can tell a lot about the overall health of the body, and changes in their color usually mean they are affected by fungi or bacteria. Additionally, it may be due to the use ofnail polishor allergies. Sometimes, yellow nails may indicate serious conditions like chronic lung diseases, internal issues, lymphatic obstruction, and evenrheumatismjoint diseases. Read this section of SelMagz for more information on the causes of yellow nails and their treatment.Read on SelMagzto learn more about the causes of yellow nails and how to treat them.
What is Yellow Nail Syndrome?
While yellowing nails are often seen as a cosmetic problem, yellow nail syndrome is actually a complex and potentially painful disorder that affects multiple systems in the body and has been recognized for over 50 years.
Yellow nail syndrome is regarded as very rare, with fewer than 400 cases published in medical literature and occurring in fewer than 1 million people.
This disease affects both men and women globally, and although it is uncommon, it can impact children and infants as well.
Symptoms of Yellow Nail Syndrome:
Yellow nail syndrome is typically diagnosed after a complete evaluation of a person’s symptoms. The obvious signs of this rare disease include:
Nail Changes:
Nails on the fingers or toes may become yellow and thick and have a very pronounced curve. Nail growth is often halted, and they may separate and fall off.
Pleural Effusion:
Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid between the membranes surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. Pleural effusion often causeschest pain,coughing, andshortness of breath.
Chronic Respiratory Infections:
This condition may indicate sinus infections, coughing,bronchitis, orpneumonia.
Lymphatic Swelling in Arms and Legs:
Lymphatic swelling is the buildup of fluid in lymph nodes that typically moves throughout the body to help fight infections. When obstructed, it can cause swelling, heaviness, tightness, and difficulties moving the affected limb. In yellow nail syndrome, lymphatic swelling usually affects one or two legs.
Diagnosis of yellow nail syndrome is often made when a person has symptoms of yellow nails alongside lymphatic swelling and a respiratory problem.
Causes and Risk Factors for Yellowing Nails:
The cause of yellow nail syndrome is still unclear. In some cases, yellow nail syndrome may occur in two or more people within the same family. This suggests a genetic link, although it has not been proven.
Yellow nails can result fromvitaminand mineraldeficiencies, but sometimes individuals with cancer, immune system conditions,diabetes, psoriasis, thyroid diseases,and rheumatoid arthritis may have a higher risk of yellow nail syndrome. Some medications used forarthritis treatmentmay also play a role in yellow nail syndrome, but this remains unproven.
Lymphatic disorders or leaks are causes of yellow nail syndrome. This means there is a defect or abnormality in the lymphatic system that transports lymph fluid and removes toxins and waste from the body. However, the cause of the lymphatic disorder remains unknown.
Exposure to titanium is another possible cause of yellow nail syndrome. Titanium can be found in many products, includingsunblock, cosmetics, medications, foods, implant materials, anddental fillings.
Smoking: Smoking can cause yellow nails. The ideal solution for nail health and overall body health isto quit smoking.
Excessive use of nail polish: If you continuously use nail polish, your nails may not get enough oxygen, leading to a change in their natural color. This is why you should avoid constant nail polish application.
Other common causes of yellowing nails include:
- Iron deficiencyand zinc
- airway damage
- liver disease(jaundice)
- lung diseases and oxygen deficiency
- kidney diseases
- psoriasis
- lung infections
- deficiencies of various vitamins
- thyroid diseases
- diabetes.
Treatment for Yellow Nail Syndrome:
Diverse treatments are prescribed for yellow nail syndrome because they do not all have a single cause. We thoroughly explained natural treatments to remedy yellow nails in the previous health section of SelMagz; treatment may vary widely depending on medical history and individual symptoms. Some treatment options include:
Combining vitamin E with an antifungal medication such as fluconazole: Studies show that vitamin E treatment is the most effective remedy for addressing symptoms related to nails.
Antibiotics for respiratory infections: People suffering from chronic bronchitis, sinus infections, or coughs may benefit from takingantibiotics.
Surgery for treating pleural effusion: This may involve draining excess fluid to relieve symptoms.
Special bandages and elastic pressure garments: These tools can help relieve lymphatic swelling in the legs. Additionally, exercise andmassagemanual lymph drainage techniques can be beneficial.
Preventing Yellowing of Nails:
You can prevent discoloration by maintaining nail hygiene. Beauty salons and swimming pools can lead to the spread of fungal infections and diseases among clients. A good nail technician should use a clean or new manicure service for each client. Do not use nail polish remover more than once a week on your nails and choose acetone-free removers as they are less problematic.
Regularly clean your nails andfilethem once or twice a week. Always wear clean socks to keep your feet regularly exposed to fresh air and prevent toenail infections.
