Noah Sinclair
Green spots on your nails can be a sign of a bacterial infection known as Green Nail Syndrome or 'greenies'. This is caused by a bacterial organism called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil. However, the presence of green spots on your nails does not always mean an infection exists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Infection name | Pseudomonas nail infections, "greenies", chloronychia, Green Nail Syndrome (GNS) |
| Cause | Exposure to the bacterial organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Symptoms | Green spots, stripes or discolouration on nails |
| Infection location | Between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome
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. 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.
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Chloronychia
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of an infection known as 'greenies', or more technically, chloronychia. It is caused by a common bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil. These 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 waste of this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration on your nails.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of a bacterial infection known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is the most common cause of green nail syndrome, but it is not the only one. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacteria found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
These bacteria do not usually survive on dry, healthy skin, but they can thrive in moist conditions. The seal between the nail and finger acts as a physical barrier to prevent infection, but hyper-hydration or destruction of the epidermis can impair the barrier, allowing the bacteria to colonise. As the infection progresses, the stain will spread on top or under your nails and turn dark green or black. The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate.
However, seeing green on your nails does not always mean an infection exists. For example, if you have recently had a green dip powder manicure, it may simply be that you did not apply enough Base & Finish powder to protect your nails from staining.
If you are concerned about green spots on your nails, you should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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Hyper-hydration
Green spots on your nails can be a sign of an infection known as green nail syndrome (GNS), which is caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is often associated with chronic paronychia, an inflammation of the skin around the nail. The bacteria thrive in moist conditions, so GNS is more likely to occur in individuals who frequently submerge their hands in water, or who have damaged nails.
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 and turn dark green or black. It may also occur as transverse green stripes that are ascribed to intermittent episodes of infection.
GNS is characterised by discolouration of the infected nail, inflammation of the skin around the nail, and an odour resembling fruit. Treatment options are available, but removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
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Green dip powder mani
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of a nail infection known as Green Nail Syndrome, or 'greenies'. This is caused by the common bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in moist conditions. The bacteria secrete pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin, which cause the green discolouration. However, if you have recently had a green dip powder manicure, the discolouration could simply be staining from the dye.
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Frequently asked questions
Green spots on your nails could be a sign of a bacterial infection known as Green Nail Syndrome or 'greenies'. This is caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
You will be able to spot the infection on the plate of your nail. As the infection progresses, the stain will spread on top or under your nails and turn dark green or black.
The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa does 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.
You should always seek medical help from a professional.
If you have had a green dip powder manicure, make sure you apply enough Base & Finish powder to protect your nails from staining.
