diff --git a/src/hooks/useArticleLoader.ts b/src/hooks/useArticleLoader.ts
index 0ab4c08b..3213bce5 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useArticleLoader.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useArticleLoader.ts
@@ -76,11 +76,16 @@ export function useArticleLoader({
     // First check: naddr is required
     if (!naddr) {
       console.log('[article-loader] Skipping load - missing naddr')
+      setReaderContent(undefined)
       return
     }
     
     console.log('[article-loader] Starting load for naddr:', naddr)
     
+    // Clear readerContent immediately to prevent showing stale content from previous article
+    // This ensures images from previous articles don't flash briefly
+    setReaderContent(undefined)
+    
     // Synchronously check cache sources BEFORE checking relayPool
     // This prevents showing loading skeletons when content is immediately available
     // and fixes the race condition where relayPool isn't ready yet