Nail disorders might not seem like a big deal, but they can really affect a person’s quality of life. When your nails don’t look or feel right, it can impact your self-esteem and even make everyday tasks more difficult.
One rare and somewhat mysterious nail disorder is called yellow nail syndrome. Doctors often refer to it as YNS. The classic signs of yellow nail syndrome are yellowing of the nails, problems with the lungs, and swelling in the arms and legs (lymphedema). Some people with YNS also have chronic sinus infections.
Because yellow nail syndrome is so rare—affecting fewer than 1 in a million people—and because everyone experiences it differently, it can be tough to diagnose. Not everyone with YNS will have all three of the classic symptoms. In fact, studies show that only about 27% to 60% of people with YNS have the complete set of symptoms.
Doctors don’t really know what causes yellow nail syndrome. They suspect it has something to do with problems in the lymphatic system. Sometimes, it’s linked to other conditions like autoimmune diseases, other lymphatic disorders, or even cancer.
This article will give you a complete overview of yellow nail syndrome, covering everything from how common it is and what it looks like, to how it develops, how doctors diagnose it, what treatments are available, and what the outlook is for people living with this condition.
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