Sophia Delgado
Green nails, also known as greenies, are a common bacterial infection caused by pseudomonas. This bacteria thrives in damp, moist environments with no fresh air circulation, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. While green nails can be unsightly, they do not usually cause any health problems. The discoloration will remain until the nail grows out, which can take anywhere from 6-18 months. In the meantime, there are several treatments available to get rid of green nails, including soaking nails in vinegar or rubbing alcohol, using antifungal creams, or simply letting the nails breathe and heal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria found in fresh and salt water, particularly around swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, and showers |
| Appearance | Dark green or black discolouration |
| Health concerns | Pseudomonas aeruginosa does not cause any health problems |
| Treatment | Soak hands in warm water with tea tree oil, use cuticle remover, apply antifungal cream, and moisturise hands |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean, dry, and free from fungal growth; avoid soaking nails in water for too long |
| Nail care | Remove nail, keep hands clean, and let them air out; use nail treatments to promote recovery |
| Time to grow out | Varies, can take up to several months or 6-18 months for complete nail growth |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome
The nail turns green due to the bacteria secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin. The green nail syndrome occurs rarely in healthy individuals but can affect the immunocompromised or those whose hands are frequently immersed in water or who have other nail problems. The elderly and people who have had trauma to a finger or nail are also at greater risk.
To treat green nail syndrome, it is recommended to soak the nails in vinegar (diluted with water 1:1) or a chlorine bleach solution (diluted with water 1:4) at regular intervals. Soaking the nails in alcohol and regularly trimming them back can also help to dry out the area and prevent bacterial colonisation. Antifungal creams can be used to stop further fungal growth and eliminate the greenish discolouration. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a 1% acetic acid treatment, an antibiotic, or an anti-fungal cream. In some cases, surgical removal of the infected nail may be required.
To prevent green nail syndrome, it is important to keep the nails clean, dry, and free from fungal growth. Wearing waterproof gloves or rubber boots can be effective in preventing prolonged exposure of the nails to water. Avoiding trauma to the nails and maintaining a healthy epidermis seal are also important in preventing the syndrome.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green nail syndrome is more common in certain occupations, including homemakers, barbers, nail salon technicians, dishwashers, janitors, bakers, and medical personnel. This is due to increased exposure to water, soaps, detergents, or mechanical trauma. The use of artificial nails and nail polishes may also increase the risk of infection.
To treat green nail syndrome, it is recommended to keep the nails clean, dry, and trimmed. Soaking the nails in vinegar (acetic acid) or diluted chlorine bleach solutions can also help. For more severe infections, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed if conservative treatments are unsuccessful.
It is important to note that green nail syndrome can be prevented by maintaining proper nail hygiene and avoiding exposure to damp environments without proper ventilation. Additionally, it is recommended to keep nails clean and dry before applying acrylics and to treat any cuts or injuries that could provide an entry point for bacteria.
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Treatment options
Green nails, or "greenies", are caused by a common bacterial infection known as pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in damp, moist environments with no fresh air circulation. The bacteria cause a green or black discolouration of the nails, which can be unsightly, but does not usually cause any health problems.
Rest and Recovery
Leaving nails bare and untreated can help to prevent the spread of the infection and allow nails to heal and grow out naturally. This method exposes the pseudomonas bacteria to air, causing it to die and preventing further discolouration. However, the stain may remain until the nail grows out completely, which can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. During this time, it is important to keep nails clean and dry to promote recovery and prevent further infections.
Sanitize and Soak
Sanitizing the nails with rubbing alcohol or vinegar can help to kill the bacteria and prevent its spread. Soaking nails in vinegar can also help to remove discolouration. It is important to note that these methods may not completely remove stains, and the discolouration may remain until the nail grows out.
Cut and File
Trimming nails short and filing or buffing the surface of the nail can help to remove the discolouration and get rid of the infection. However, it is important to throw away nail files and buffers after use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Antifungal Treatments
If the green nails are caused by a fungal infection, antifungal treatments can be used. Topical antifungal medications come in the form of creams, ointments, or gels that are applied directly to the nails. Oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole, may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions and complete the full course of treatment to prevent the fungus from returning.
Medical Advice
If the discolouration persists or worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice from a doctor or dermatologist. They can perform tests to identify any underlying medical issues and prescribe additional treatments to stop the discolouration and prevent future infections.
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Preventing green nails
Green nails, or "greenies", are caused by a bacterial infection, usually Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in damp, warm, and nearly oxygen-free environments. This is why it is important to thoroughly dry your hands and nails after washing them or exposing them to water. To prevent green nails, adopt the following habits:
Keep Your Hands and Nails Dry
Wash your hands with water and an emollient-free cleanser, then dry your hands and nails thoroughly. If you have naturally oily nail beds, you can use an additional dehydrator to prevent any bacteria from holding on to moisture.
Sanitize Your Nail Tools
Sanitize your nail tools and products that have come into contact with infected nails to prevent further contamination. Throw away disposable items like nail files and nail buffers.
Wear Gloves
If your work or lifestyle involves frequent exposure to water, wear waterproof gloves or rubber boots to limit your nails' exposure to moisture.
Avoid Trauma to the Nails
Avoid trauma or injury to your nails and the surrounding skin, as this can destroy the epidermis seal and allow bacteria to colonize.
Treat Any Infections
If you notice any signs of infection on your hands or feet, treat them promptly to prevent bacteria from entering through cuts or broken skin.
Soak Nails in Vinegar or Alcohol
To treat and prevent green nails, you can soak your nails in vinegar (diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio) or a 91% alcohol solution. You can also use Dr. G's Clear Nail to sanitize and treat the infection.
Use Antifungal Treatments
Apply antifungal treatments, such as clotrimazole, to your hands and around the nail bed. This will stop any further fungal growth and eliminate the greenish discoloration.
Keep Your Nails Short
Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent the infection from spreading and to allow the nail to grow out healthily.
Consult a Doctor
If the infection is severe or persists, consult a doctor or dermatologist for proper treatment. They may suggest a 1% acetic acid treatment, antibiotics, or an anti-fungal cream.
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Green nails and manicures
Green nails can be caused by a bacterial infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments. This bacterium is typically found in bodies of water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, and showers. While it may cause discolouration, it does not pose any health risks. The discolouration usually disappears within a couple of weeks if you remove the nail, keep your hands clean, and allow them to air out. To speed up recovery, you can soak your hands in warm water with tea tree oil, apply an antifungal cream, and use a moisturising hand cream to prevent future infections. It is important to sanitise your nail tools to avoid spreading the bacteria.
If you are experiencing green nail syndrome, it is recommended to let your nails grow out and recover before applying dip manicures again. You can care for your nails and cuticles during this period using products like the Mani Care Essentials Kit. Treating your nails with rubbing alcohol or vinegar can also help prevent the spread of pseudomonas. If the infection is severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper treatment, which may include 1% acetic acid treatment, antibiotics, or antifungal cream.
On a different note, green nails are also a trendy colour option for manicures. From serene shades of matcha to vibrant limes, there are various ways to incorporate green into your nail look. For a chic and sophisticated take, consider an olive green with yellow undertones. If you're feeling adventurous, try a neon green French manicure for a playful pop of colour. Marble nails in green are also a popular texture trend. Green nail polishes, such as the Green™ range, offer a clean, vegan, and plant-based alternative to traditional nail polishes while still providing durability and shine.
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Frequently asked questions
Green nails are caused by a common bacterial infection called pseudomonas, which thrive in damp, moist environments with no fresh air circulation. Pseudomonas are found in fresh and salt water and are commonly found in swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs and showers.
If you have green nails, it's best to let your nails breathe and heal. You can soak your hands in warm water for 10 minutes and add a few drops of tea tree oil to help kill the fungus. You can also use an antifungal cream to stop further fungus growth. If the infection is severe, reach out to your doctor for proper treatment.
It can take anywhere from 6-18 months for green nails to clear up completely. In some cases, the nails might not look the same as they did before the infection.
