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Green nails, also known as 'greenies' or chloronychia, are caused by a bacterial infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste of this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration of the nail plate. The condition is also known as green nail syndrome and is characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Green Nail Syndrome, Chloronychia, Greenies |
| Cause | Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of the nail plate |
| Symptoms | Greenish-yellow, greenish-brown, greenish-black discolouration of the nail plate |
| Risk Factors | Constant exposure to water, soaps, detergents, mechanical trauma, elderly age |
| Treatment | Tobramycin eye drops, oral quinolone (ciprofloxacin), removal of the nail |
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Green nail syndrome
The condition is characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. It is often associated with chronic paronychia. The infection is most common in people whose hands are constantly exposed to water, soaps, and detergents, or those who have experienced mechanical trauma, especially the elderly.
If you are experiencing green nail syndrome, it is important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Chromonychia
Green nail syndrome, also known as chromonychia, is a nail disorder characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. The condition is often associated with chronic paronychia.
The most common cause of chromonychia is the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. This is a common bacteria, the waste of which is responsible for the green discolouration of the nails. People whose hands are constantly exposed to water, soaps, and detergents, or who are subject to mechanical trauma, are particularly susceptible to the infection.
A physical examination of the nail will reveal dark-greenish pigmentation and onycholysis. Neither paronychia nor eczematous lesion is usually found around the affected nail. The nails of the other fingers and toes are typically grossly normal in appearance.
A bacterial and fungal culture can be performed on a sample taken from the nail to identify the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. A sensitivity test can also be performed to determine the best course of treatment. In many cases, removal of the nail is still necessary. However, tobramycin eye drops have been found to be an easy and safe treatment option for chromonychia.
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Chloronychia
Green nails, also known as chloronychia or green nail syndrome, are characterised by green discolouration of the nail plate (greenish-yellow, greenish-brown, greenish-black), proximal chronic non-tender paronychia, and distolateral onycholysis. The cause is a pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of the nail plate in persons whose hands are constantly exposed to water, soaps, and detergents or are subject to mechanical trauma, especially in the elderly. Green or black coloration of the nails should raise suspicion for pseudomonas infection and be treated with an oral quinolone (ciprofloxacin), particularly in aged patients.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green nails, also known as chloronychia or green nail syndrome, are caused by an infection of the nail plate by the common bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This infection is characterised by a green discolouration of the nail plate, which can range from greenish-yellow to greenish-black. The waste produced by this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration.
Green nail syndrome can be treated with oral antibiotics such as quinolones (ciprofloxacin) or tobramycin eye drops. In some cases, particularly when the infection is severe or does not respond to antibiotic treatment, removal of the nail may be necessary.
Direct light microscopy and bacterial and fungal cultures can be used to diagnose Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. A sensitivity test can also be performed to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
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Pyocyanin
Green toenails are often a sign of a nail infection caused by the common bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste produced by this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration of the nail. This condition is known as 'green nail syndrome' or 'chloronychia'. It is characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. It is often associated with chronic paronychia.
The infection is most common in people whose hands are constantly exposed to water, soaps, and detergents, or who are subject to mechanical trauma, especially the elderly. Treatment options include oral quinolone (ciprofloxacin) and tobramycin eye drops. In many cases, however, removal of the nail is still necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a nail infection caused by the common bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Chloronychia, or green nail syndrome.
Greenish-yellow, greenish-brown, greenish-black discolouration of the nail plate, and onycholysis.
In some cases, the nail must be removed. However, tobramycin eye drops are an easy and safe treatment option.
