Yellow Nail Syndrome and Associated Internal Disturbances

Abstract

Nail changes detected during the general physical examination can contribute to establishing an initial diagnostic hypothesis and may enhance the awareness of some associated internal disorders. In approximately half of the cases, the changes are detected without being a present complaint. The main causes are dermatological diseases, infections, trauma, drug-related, and genetic entities. Yellow nail syndrome includes lung disorder, pleural effusion, and lymphedema of lower limbs; renal failure, hypothyroidism, malignant tumor, Saint’s triad, and pericarditis are related. The aim of the comments is to emphasize the role of nails evaluation to yield diagnostic clues.