Isla Bennett
Green nail syndrome, also known as chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome, is a nail infection that causes discolouration of the nail, ranging from light or bluish-green to darker green or black. The infection is caused by exposure to a bacterial organism, most commonly pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Green nail syndrome (chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome) |
| Cause | Exposure to bacterial organism pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Symptoms | Discolouration of nails (from light or bluish green to darker green or black), inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia), odour resembling fruit, nails separated from nail bed (onycholysis), green stripes from repeated infections, chronic fungal infection (onychomycosis) |
| Risk factors | Hands frequently submerged in water, damaged or traumatised nails, exposure to chemicals, inadequate gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome
The syndrome is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia), and an odour resembling fruit. The colour may range from light or bluish-green to yellow-green, or darker green to black. Nails may be separated from the nail bed (onycholysis) and may have green stripes from repeated infections. Chronic fungal infection (onychomycosis) may also be present.
There are several treatments available for green nail syndrome, and it is a totally avoidable condition.
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Chloronychia
The syndrome is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia), and an odour resembling fruit. Diagnosis can typically be made from a physical examination of the nail, although cultures are sometimes needed. Nail scrapings can be performed to rule out fungal infections.
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Goldman-Fox syndrome
Green nail syndrome, also known as chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome, is an infection that can develop in individuals whose hands are frequently submerged in water. This can lead to discolouration of the nails, from shades of green to black. It may also appear as transverse green stripes, which are linked to intermittent episodes of infection.
The syndrome is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail (known as paronychia), and an odour resembling fruit. The colour may range from light or bluish-green to yellow-green, or darker green to black. Nails may be separated from the nail bed (onycholysis) and may have green stripes from repeated infections.
It is important to note that Goldman-Fox syndrome is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the nail, although cultures or nail scrapings may sometimes be needed to rule out other conditions, such as fungal infections. Treatment options are available, and the condition is avoidable and totally treatable.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green nail syndrome, also known as chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome, is an infection that causes discolouration of the nails, ranging from light or bluish-green to darker green or even black. It is usually caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
Individuals at higher risk of contracting Pseudomonas aeruginosa nail infections include those whose hands are frequently submerged in water, leading to constant moisture, or those exposed to chemicals. Additionally, individuals with damaged or traumatised nails are more susceptible. The infection can also be transferred to patients in clinics by medical practitioners, even when they are wearing gloves.
To diagnose Pseudomonas aeruginosa nail infections, a physical examination of the nail is typically sufficient. However, in some cases, cultures or nail scrapings may be necessary to rule out other conditions, such as fungal infections. Treatment options are available, and the condition is preventable by taking appropriate precautions.
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Onycholysis
Green nail syndrome, also known as chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome, is a bacterial infection that causes discolouration of the nail. The colour may range from light or bluish-green to dark green or black. The infection is caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil. The waste produced by this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration.
Green nail syndrome is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia), and an odour resembling fruit. The nails may also be separated from the nail bed (onycholysis) and may have green stripes from repeated infections. Chronic fungal infection (onychomycosis) may also be present.
Individuals at risk of developing green nail syndrome include those whose hands are frequently submerged in water, such as individuals who work with chemicals or in jobs that require constant hand moisture. It is important to note that even when wearing gloves, the bacteria can still be transferred, as the gloves may not provide adequate protection.
Treatment options are available for green nail syndrome, and it is a totally avoidable condition. If you suspect you have green nail syndrome, it is recommended to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Green nail syndrome (chloronychia or Goldman-Fox syndrome) is an infection that can develop in individuals whose hands are frequently submerged in water, resulting in discolouration of the nails from shades of green to black.
Green nail syndrome is caused when the nail is exposed to a bacterial organism, which leads to opportunistic infection. The most common cause is the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
Green nail syndrome is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail (paronychia), and an odour resembling fruit. The colour may range from light or bluish-green to darker green or black. Nails may be separated from the nail bed (onycholysis) and may have green stripes from repeated infections.
Although green nail syndrome is a common nail problem, it is totally avoidable and treatable. Diagnosis can typically be made from a physical examination of the nail, although cultures are sometimes needed. Nail scrapings can be performed to rule out fungal infections.
