
Green nails, also known as 'greenies' or chloronychia, are a nail infection caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste of this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration on nails. Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. They are also found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Greenies, Chloronychia, Pseudomonas |
| Cause | Common bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Occurrence | Found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted |
| Severity | Not often a cause for concern |
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What You'll Learn

Green nails are caused by a bacterial infection called pseudomonas
Pseudomonas is a common bacterial infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. The nail enhancements create small gaps between the natural nail plate and the artificial enhancement, where moisture will begin to build every time the hands come into contact with water. This moisture is the ideal place for the pseudomonas bacteria to grow.
Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. They can also develop on natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed.
Although it is a common nail problem, pseudomonas nail infections are totally avoidable and treatable. Proper nail preparation is one of the most important parts of doing any nail enhancements to prevent the growth of pseudomonas.
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Pseudomonas is commonly found in moist environments
Green nails, or "greenies", are caused by a common bacterial infection known as pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria is often found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted, creating small gaps between the natural nail plate and the artificial enhancement. Every time the hands come into contact with water, moisture builds in these gaps, providing an ideal place for the pseudomonas bacteria to grow.
While pseudomonas infections are a common nail problem, they are totally avoidable and treatable. Proper nail preparation is one of the most important parts of doing any nail enhancements to prevent pseudomonas infections.
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Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged
Greenies, also known as chloronychia, are a nail infection caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste of this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration on nails. Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements.
Nail enhancements that have lifted will create small, sometimes unnoticeable gaps between the natural nail plate and the artificial enhancement, where moisture will begin to build every time the hands come into contact with water, and the moisture is the ideal place for the greenie bacteria to grow. Greenies are not only susceptible to those who enjoy an acrylic manicure or gel polish; they can also develop on natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed.
Although it's a common nail problem, it's totally avoidable. And when you get the greenies, there are many ways to treat them. Proper nail prep is one of the most important parts of doing any nail enhancements.
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Greenies can be treated
Green nails, or 'greenies', are caused by a common bacterial infection known as pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste produced by this bacteria causes the green discolouration on your nails. Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way, or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements.
If the greenies are caused by a lifted nail enhancement, it is important to remove the enhancement and allow the natural nail to heal. This will help to prevent further moisture build-up and create an environment that is less conducive to bacterial growth.
In some cases, a topical antibiotic may be necessary to treat the infection. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if the infection does not clear up on its own or with home treatments.
To prevent greenies in the future, proper nail care and preparation are key. This includes ensuring that nails are clean and free of bacteria before applying any enhancements, as well as taking care not to damage the nails during the enhancement process.
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Greenies can be prevented
Green nails, or 'greenies', are a nail infection caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste of this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration on your nails. Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. They are also found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted.
To prevent greenies, it is important to ensure that nails are properly prepared before any enhancements are applied. This includes making sure that any bacteria are completely removed. It is also important to avoid damaging your nails, as this can create an environment where greenies are more likely to develop. If you have artificial nails, it is important to keep them well-maintained and to avoid any gaps between the natural nail and the artificial enhancement, as moisture can build in these gaps and provide an ideal place for greenie bacteria to grow.
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Frequently asked questions
Green nails, also known as 'greenies', are a nail infection caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Green nails are caused by the waste of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which creates a green discolouration on the nail.
Although green nails are a common nail problem, they are totally avoidable and treatable. Proper nail prep is one of the most important parts of preventing green nails.











































