Ava Monroe
Green spots on your nails can be a sign of a nail infection, known as 'greenies' or green nail syndrome. The infection is caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in water sources, humans, animals and soil. It is more likely to occur in people who frequently submerge their hands in water, or have damaged or traumatised nails. The presence of green spots on your nails does not always indicate an infection, however, and could be the result of a green dip powder manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of condition | Green nail syndrome (chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome) |
| Cause | Exposure to bacterial organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Symptoms | Discolouration of the nail from shades of green to black; transverse green stripes; inflammation of the skin around the nail; fruity odour |
| Treatment | Antibiotics; antifungals; in some cases, removal of the nail |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome
The bacteria do not normally survive on dry, healthy skin, but can thrive in moist conditions. The seal between the nail and finger acts as a physical barrier to prevent infection, however, hyper-hydration or destruction of the epidermis can impair the barrier, allowing the bacteria to colonise. The nail turns green due to the bacteria secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin.
The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate. As the infection progresses, the stain will spread on top or under your nails and turn dark green or black. It may also occur as transverse green stripes that are ascribed to intermittent episodes of infection.
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Pseudomonas nail infections
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of a pseudomonas nail infection, also known as 'greenies' or green nail syndrome. This is a bacterial infection, most commonly caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can be found in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate. As the infection progresses, the stain will spread on top or under your nails and turn dark green or black. It may also occur as transverse green stripes that are ascribed to intermittent episodes of infection.
There are several treatment options available, but removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
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Chloronychia
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of a nail infection known as chloronychia, or 'greenies'. This is caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in moist conditions. The bacteria's waste is responsible for the green discolouration of the nails.
If you notice green spots on your nails, it is important to seek medical advice as treatment options are available. In some cases, removal of the nail may be necessary.
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Goldman-Fox syndrome
Green spots on your nails can be a sign of an infection known as green nail syndrome, or Goldman-Fox syndrome. This infection is caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
The bacteria do not normally survive on dry, healthy skin, but can thrive in moist conditions. This means that individuals whose hands are frequently submerged in water are at a higher risk of developing the infection. It may also occur as transverse green stripes that are ascribed to intermittent episodes of infection.
The seal between the nail and finger acts as a physical barrier to prevent infection. However, hyper-hydration or destruction of the epidermis can impair the barrier, allowing the bacteria to colonise. The nail turns green due to the bacteria secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin.
The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate. As the infection progresses, the stain will spread on top or under the nails and turn dark green or black. However, seeing green shouldn't immediately incite anxiety. The presence of this colour doesn't always mean an infection exists.
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Chronic paronychia
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of an infection known as 'green nail syndrome' or 'chloronychia'. This is caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in water sources, humans, animals and soil. The bacteria thrive in moist conditions and can cause discolouration of the nails from shades of green to black. The condition is also linked to hands being constantly moist or exposed to chemicals, or in individuals who have damaged or traumatised nails.
Green nail syndrome is often associated with chronic paronychia, which is an inflammation of the skin around the nail. The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate. Treatment options are available, but in many cases, removal of the nail is necessary.
If you notice green spots on your nails, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Do not ignore the issue, as it could lead to more serious problems if left untreated.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a bacterial infection known as Green Nail Syndrome, which is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The nail will turn green or black, and there may be inflammation of the skin around the nail, known as paronychia. An odour resembling fruit may also be present.
It is usually caused by constantly moist hands or exposure to chemicals, or in individuals who have damaged or traumatised nails.
Treatment options include oral antifungal and antibiotic agents, but in many cases, the nail must be removed.
Yes, it can be prevented by keeping your hands dry and avoiding exposure to chemicals or water.
