
Green nails, also known as 'greenies', are a common nail problem. They are caused by a bacterial infection, usually pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in moist environments. Greenies are often found in nails that have been damaged or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed before the application of enhancements. Although they are a common problem, they are avoidable and treatable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Green nail syndrome (chromonychia), also known as "greenies" |
| Cause | A common bacterial infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Appearance | Dark green or black discolouration of the nail bed |
| Location | Between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate |
| Treatment | Removal of the nail is often necessary, but there are many treatment options available |
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What You'll Learn

Green nail syndrome (chromonychia)
Green nail syndrome, also known as chromonychia or chloronychia, is 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.
Green nail syndrome is characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate. It is often associated with chronic paronychia.
The presence of green discolouration does not always indicate an infection. Green nail syndrome can occur in natural nails that are free of enhancements if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed. However, it is more commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements.
There are many ways to treat green nail syndrome, and removal of the nail is not always necessary. In one case, a 35-year-old man with green nail syndrome was treated with tobramycin eye drops after a positive bacterial culture and an antibiotic sensitivity test.
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Pseudomonas nail infections
Green nails, also known as 'greenies', are a common nail problem caused by a bacterial infection. The condition is called Green Nail Syndrome or chromonychia and is characterised by onycholysis and green-black discolouration of the nail bed. The most commonly identified organism in cultures from the affected area is pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way or where bacteria have not been completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. The presence of this colour does not always mean an infection exists, and pseudomonas are not often a cause for concern when present on a nail bed. However, when an infection does occur, there are many ways to treat it.
In some cases, removal of the nail is necessary. A 35-year-old man presented with dark greenish discolouration of the nail plate and onycholysis on the left thumbnail. He had been treated with oral antifungal and antibiotic agents for several months; however, the lesion showed no improvement. The diagnosis of Green Nail Syndrome was established after a positive bacterial culture, and on the basis of the antibiotic sensitivity test result, tobramycin eye drops were then prescribed.
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Chloronychia
Green nails, or 'greenies', are caused by a common bacterial infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa. The waste produced by this bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration of nails. The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate.
The presence of green nails does not always indicate an infection, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged or where bacteria has not been completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. They can also develop on natural nails if the nail plate has lifted from the nail bed.
If you notice green discolouration on your nails, it is important to take action to prevent the infection from spreading. Treatment options are available, and in some cases, removal of the nail may be necessary.
To prevent greenies, it is crucial to maintain proper nail hygiene and ensure that nails are free from damage or lifting. This will help create an unfavourable environment for the bacteria to grow and reduce the risk of infection.
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Greenies
The infection can be treated in several ways and is totally avoidable. Despite the various treatment options available, removal of the nail is still necessary in many cases.
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Bacterial infections
Green nails, or 'greenies', are usually a sign of a pseudomonas nail infection. This is a common bacterial infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. The waste of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria is responsible for the green discolouration.
Greenies are commonly found in nails that have been damaged in some way, or nails that have not had bacteria completely removed prior to the application of enhancements. The infection can occur in two places: between the nail plate and the nail bed, or between the acrylics and the nail plate.
The presence of green discolouration doesn't always mean an infection exists, and pseudomonas are not often a cause for concern when present on a nail bed. However, if you are concerned, you should seek medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a pseudomonas nail infection, also known as "greenies".
Greenies are a common bacterial infection found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted.
There are many ways to treat greenies, including oral antifungal and antibiotic agents. In some cases, however, removal of the nail is necessary.
Greenies are totally avoidable. Make sure that bacteria is completely removed prior to the application of nail enhancements.











































