Sophia Delgado
Green nail syndrome, also known as chromonychia, is a nail disorder characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. This condition is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil. Pseudomonas, or 'greenies', are a common bacterial infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pseudomonas, or "greenies" |
| Cause | Bacterial infection |
| Environment | Moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted |
| Treatment | Removal of the nail is often necessary |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome
Pseudomonas, or as they are more commonly known, greenies, are a common bacterial infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. 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 can also develop on natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed.
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green under the nail is often a sign of a bacterial infection known as 'greenies' or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is a common infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. It can also develop on natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed.
The nail turns green due to the bacteria secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin. Green nail syndrome occurs rarely in healthy individuals but can occur in the immunocompromised or those whose hands are frequently immersed in water.
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. Despite the various treatment options available, removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
Proper nail preparation is one of the most important parts of doing any nail enhancements to prevent the risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
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Chronic paronychia
Green under the nail is usually a sign of a bacterial infection known as green nail syndrome (chromonychia). It is characterised by onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed) and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. The most common cause is pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterial organism frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in moist conditions, which is why it is often found under artificial nails that have lifted, creating small gaps between the natural nail plate and the artificial enhancement. However, it can also develop on natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed. Green nail syndrome is often associated with chronic paronychia, a condition that causes inflammation of the nail folds and cuticle. Treatment options for green nail syndrome are available, but in many cases, removal of the nail is still necessary.
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Hyper-hydration
Green nails are caused by a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is also known as green nail syndrome or greenies. It occurs when the nail is exposed to a bacterial organism, which leads to opportunistic infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 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, this barrier can be impaired by hyper-hydration or destruction of the epidermis, allowing the bacteria to colonise. Hyper-hydration occurs when someone drinks so much fluid that it overfills cells and dilutes the salt content in cells. This can lead to hyponatremia, which occurs when salt content in the body is below normal. Proper salt levels are critical for blood pressure control, muscle and nerve regulation, and preventing kidney failure. Pre-exercise hyperhydration may improve exercise capacity during constant work rate exercise due to a reduced heart rate and core temperature, stemming from an acute increase in plasma volume. However, it is important to note that hyper-hydration can be dangerous for young athletes and can cause a chain reaction of serious health concerns.
Green nail syndrome is a rare condition that occurs in immunocompromised individuals or those whose hands are frequently immersed in water. Despite the various treatment options available, removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
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Opportunistic infection
Green nails are usually a sign of a bacterial infection known as green nail syndrome or pseudomonas. This is an opportunistic infection that occurs when the nail is exposed to a bacterial organism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common cause, but not the only one. It is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
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. This is why green nail syndrome rarely occurs in healthy individuals but can occur in the immunocompromised or those whose hands are frequently immersed in water.
Artificial nails that have lifted 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. This moisture is the ideal place for the pseudomonas bacteria to grow.
Green nail syndrome is characterised by onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed) and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. Chronic paronychia and chronic fungal infection (onychomycosis) may also be present. Despite the various treatment options available, removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
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Frequently asked questions
Green under the nail is a bacterial infection known as green nail syndrome.
Green nail syndrome is caused by exposure to the bacterial organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently found in water sources, humans, animals and soil.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes green nail syndrome by secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives 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.
Green nail syndrome can be prevented by ensuring proper nail prep before any nail enhancements, as well as avoiding hyper-hydration or destruction of the epidermis.
