Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Taking Accutane. Nail Started Turning Yellow. Is This Serious?
I have been taking accutane for about 2½ months now, and my nails , especially my roots, are beginning to take on a faint yellowish color. Is it connected? Is it serious? I read somewhere that yellow nails could be a symptome of liver problems, and as accutane, or isotretinoin actavis, is disposed through the liver, I m kind of concerned.
Thu, 6 Dec 2012
Hi there,
Thank you for writing to us.
The yellow color of the nails/roots of the nails that you are experiencing certainly is a side effect of accutane. This is not something serious or anything to worry about.
Yellow nails actually does not usually indicate a liver problem at all.
It is the yellowish discoloration of the eyes that indicate a liver problem.
In liver failure the nails actually turn white which is called as leukonychia.
You can have your liver enzymes checked by having a liver function test or a metabolic profile done which will make sure that your liver is fine and your drug is not affecting the liver.
I have the feeling that everything will turn out fine.
Kindest Regards
Thank you for writing to us.
The yellow color of the nails/roots of the nails that you are experiencing certainly is a side effect of accutane. This is not something serious or anything to worry about.
Yellow nails actually does not usually indicate a liver problem at all.
It is the yellowish discoloration of the eyes that indicate a liver problem.
In liver failure the nails actually turn white which is called as leukonychia.
You can have your liver enzymes checked by having a liver function test or a metabolic profile done which will make sure that your liver is fine and your drug is not affecting the liver.
I have the feeling that everything will turn out fine.
Kindest Regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Liver failure
Loading Online Doctors....