Living with Yellow nail syndrome
A very rare condition with yellow nails, breathing and sinus problems, and swelling in the legs from trapped fluid.
Understanding Yellow nail syndrome
The nails may also lack a cuticle, grow very slowly and lift away from the nail bed. Breathing problems can include chronic cough, damaged airways (bronchiectasis) and fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Chronic sinus infections may occur. It usually occurs alone but is sometimes linked with autoimmune disease, lymphatic disease or cancers.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Yellow nails
- Slow-growing or abnormal fingernails and toenails
- Cough and trouble breathing
- Repeated lung or breathing infections
- Sinus and nose inflammation
- Leg swelling from trapped fluid (lymphedema)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists, lung and breathing specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in CELSR1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Lung Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause remains unknown but lists changes in the CELSR1 gene. It is listed as autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.
Also known as: hereditary lymphedema and yellow nails; lymphedema and yellow nails; lymphedema with yellow nails; yns
Patient organizations
- American Lung AssociationYellow nail syndrome · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Yellow nail syndrome.
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