Overview
Lymphedema with yellow nails, also known as Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS), is a rare condition that affects the nails, the lymphatic system, and often the lungs. The three main features of this disease are thick, slow-growing, yellowish-green nails, lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup, usually in the legs), and pleural effusions (fluid collecting around the lungs). Not every person with this condition will have all three features at the same time, and symptoms may appear at different stages of life. The yellow discoloration and thickening of the nails is often the most noticeable sign. The nails may grow very slowly, become curved, or even detach from the nail bed. Lymphedema typically affects the lower legs and ankles, causing persistent swelling that can be uncomfortable and limit mobility. When the lungs are involved, patients may experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, or recurrent respiratory infections including bronchiectasis and sinusitis. There is currently no cure for Yellow Nail Syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing each symptom individually. Lymphedema is treated with compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, and skin care. Pleural effusions may require drainage procedures or pleurodesis (a procedure to prevent fluid from re-accumulating). Nail changes may improve with vitamin E supplementation or antifungal treatments in some cases. Respiratory infections are treated with antibiotics as needed. In some patients, symptoms may partially or fully resolve on their own over time.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Yellow or greenish discoloration of fingernails and toenailsSlow-growing or thickened nailsNails that curve excessively or detach from the nail bedSwelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (lymphedema)Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion)Shortness of breathChronic coughRecurrent sinus infections (sinusitis)Recurrent lung infections (bronchiectasis)Swelling in the hands or armsSkin infections in swollen areasLoss of the cuticle on nailsDifficulty breathing when lying down
Clinical phenotype terms (24)— hover any for plain English
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Lymphedema with yellow nails.
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Specialists
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Lymphedema with yellow nails.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Do I have all three features of Yellow Nail Syndrome, or just some of them?,What is the best way to manage my lymphedema on a daily basis?,Should I be referred to a lymphedema therapist for specialized treatment?,How often should I have my lungs checked for fluid buildup?,Would vitamin E or other supplements help improve my nail symptoms?,What signs of infection should I watch for, and when should I seek urgent care?,Is there any chance my symptoms could improve or resolve on their own over time?
Common questions about Lymphedema with yellow nails
What is Lymphedema with yellow nails?
Lymphedema with yellow nails, also known as Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS), is a rare condition that affects the nails, the lymphatic system, and often the lungs. The three main features of this disease are thick, slow-growing, yellowish-green nails, lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup, usually in the legs), and pleural effusions (fluid collecting around the lungs). Not every person with this condition will have all three features at the same time, and symptoms may appear at different stages of life. The yellow discoloration and thickening of the nails is often the most noticeable sign.