Transient Yellow Finger Nails Discoloration: Two Different Causes

Abstract

Background: Nail disorders comprise approximately 10% of all dermatological conditions. Abnormalities in the color of nails are called ungal dyschromia or chromonychia. Ungual dyschromia may be endogenous or exogenous. Yellow discoloration of the nails has been reported during the last years as separate observation related to drug administration, during hemodialysis and associated with pulmonary diseases as yellow nail syndrome.

Case reports: A 23-year-old female patient was diagnosed with yellow nails induced by application of a specific nail polish. A 67-year-old man presented with transient nail discoloration as a result of the exacerbation of his chronic pulmonary disease.

Conclusion: Our cases illustrate transient yellow discoloration of finger nails associated with the use of nail polish, and with an acute episode of chronic bronchitis, with full recovery in the absence of any treatment.