title: Successful use of topical vitamin E solution in the treatment of nail changes in yellow nail syndrome.
abstract: A double-blind controlled study was performed on a patient with long-standing yellow nail syndrome to investigate the potential beneficial role of topical vitamin E solution for the nail changes seen in this disorder. Three nails received active solution containing DL-alpha-tocopherol in dimethyl sulfoxide; three nails received dimethyl sulfoxide only; and the remainder were untreated. After 6 months of therapy, the three nails treated with active solution showed marked clinical improvement and a corresponding increase in nail growth rates. Dimethyl sulfoxide alone produced a small increase in nail growth rate and slight clinical improvement. Active solution was then applied to all of the nails for a further 6 months, resulting in clinical improvement and increased nail growth rates in the remaining nails. These beneficial effects require further study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, England.
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buffham
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: du Vivier
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009262:Nails / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide