Sophia Delgado
Green nails, also known as greenies or Green Nail Syndrome (GNS), are caused by a common bacterial infection called pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is often found in moist environments, such as under artificial nails that have lifted. This bacteria is typically harmless and is easily killed by alcohol, but it can cause discolouration of the nails, which can take a long time to grow out. To prevent green nails, it is important to ensure proper nail care, including regular moisturization and avoiding picking or peeling off polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the condition | Green Nail Syndrome (GNS), Greenies, Chloronychia |
| Cause | Bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Appearance | Bluish-greenish hues, greenish pigments called pyocyanin and pyoverdin that vary from blue-green, to green-brown, or green-yellow |
| Occurrence | Affects one or two nails |
| Symptoms | Not painful, harmless to healthy people |
| Prevention | Wash hands thoroughly, disinfect or dispose of manicure equipment, avoid exposure of artificial nails to water for at least two hours after application, keep hands dry, avoid long-term water exposure, wear gloves when doing chores or work involving prolonged contact with water |
| Treatment | Remove artificial nails, disinfect natural nails, trim nails, file or buff off the greenies, disinfect with rubbing alcohol, soak nails in diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution or diluted acetic acid (vinegar) |
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What You'll Learn
Green nail syndrome or chloronychia
Green nail syndrome, or chloronychia, is a discolouration of the nail caused by exposure to certain bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common cause, but not the only one. This type of bacteria is frequently found in nature, including in water sources, humans, animals, and soil. While it does not usually survive on dry, healthy skin, it can thrive in moist conditions. The seal between the nail and finger acts as a physical barrier to prevent infection, but hyper-hydration or damage to this seal can allow bacteria to colonise.
The nail turns green due to the bacteria secreting pigments such as pyocyanin and pyoverdin. This syndrome occurs rarely in healthy individuals but can affect the immunocompromised or those whose hands are frequently immersed in water or who have other nail problems. The elderly and people who have had trauma to a finger or nail are at greater risk of contracting green nail syndrome.
Green nail syndrome is often mistaken for mould due to its colour, but it is actually an opportunistic infection caused by bacteria. It is important to note that this is not an infection that is transmitted from nail to nail or person to person. The bacteria that cause green nails are commonly found in the environment and can easily get underneath gel nails or nail sculptures, especially if they are starting to lift, or if there are gaps, cracks, or chips. Working with water or in wet environments can also increase the likelihood of developing green nail syndrome.
To prevent and treat green nail syndrome, it is recommended to remove any remaining gel or acrylic nails to expose the bacteria to air, which will kill it. The discolouration will remain until the nail grows out. Soaking the nails in alcohol and regularly trimming them back can help dry out the area and prevent further bacterial colonisation. Proper daily nail care, including avoiding picking and peeling off polish, getting proper removal of polish, and moisturising with cuticle oil, can also help prevent green nail syndrome.
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Bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa
Green nails, or "greenies", are often caused by a bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. This type of bacteria is commonly found outdoors in the environment, such as in soil and water, and can also thrive in moist places indoors. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore forming rod that is capable of causing a variety of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. It is known for its ability to form biofilms, which increase antibiotic resistance and protect against host defenses. This makes it a challenging organism to treat in modern medicine.
In the context of nail treatments, pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause green nail syndrome or chloronychia. This occurs when the bacteria get underneath gel nails or acrylic extensions, especially if they are starting to lift, creating gaps, cracks, or chips. Working with water or in wet environments can also increase the likelihood of bacterial growth. While green nails are often mistaken for mold, they are caused by this bacteria, which flourishes in moist environments.
It is important to note that green nails are not contagious and cannot be transmitted from nail to nail or person to person. The bacteria that cause green nails are easily killed by alcohol, but the green stain may persist until the nail grows out. To prevent and treat green nails, it is recommended to practice proper daily nail care, including not picking and peeling off polish, getting proper removal of polish, and moisturizing the nails and cuticles with cuticle oil.
In addition to green nails, pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause a range of infections, including skin rashes, swimmer's ear, eye infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and infections in the blood, lungs, stomach, or tendons. It is commonly associated with infections in healthcare settings, particularly in hospitals, where it can grow in medical equipment such as catheters and ventilators if they are not properly cleaned. Patients with cystic fibrosis may also be prone to recurring lung infections with pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can lead to a decline in lung function.
To prevent and manage pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, good hygiene practices are essential. This includes washing hands frequently and ensuring that healthcare workers clean their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before touching patients. In healthcare settings, targeted infection control practices and interprofessional team approaches are crucial to prevent the spread of this challenging bacteria.
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Treatment and prevention
Green nails, or "greenies", are typically caused by a buildup of moisture, which leads to the growth of a common bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is found in fresh and salt water and thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments.
Treatment
If you notice a green discolouration on your nails after removing fake nails, the first step is to remove the rest of the fake nails to check if the issue is more widespread. Disinfect and dry your nails and the surrounding skin, and file the nail bed. You can also soak your nails in vinegar for at least 30 minutes to help kill the fungus.
If the discolouration persists, you may need to seek medical advice. A doctor or dermatologist can examine your nails and recommend an appropriate treatment, such as an antifungal medication. They may prescribe medicated nail polish, oral antifungal medicines, or antifungal creams.
Prevention
To prevent green nails, it is important to practice proper nail care and maintain good hygiene. Here are some specific tips:
- Keep your hands and nails dry, especially after showering or swimming.
- Wear rubber gloves when cleaning, doing dishes, or performing other tasks that involve water.
- Avoid picking and peeling off your polish.
- Get proper removal of polish by a professional, as they have the tools and experience to do so without damaging your nails.
- Apply cuticle oil to moisturize your nails and cuticles, which will also help your nail polish last longer.
- Wash your hands frequently with water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer to keep bacteria at bay.
- If you are prone to nail fungus, use an antifungal powder or spray on your nails.
- Avoid placing sharp objects under your artificial nails.
- Sanitize or dispose of nail tools that have come into contact with infected nails.
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Greenies
Green nail syndrome, or "greenies", is a common bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria is found in moist environments and can get underneath artificial nails, such as gel or acrylic nails, if they are not properly fitted or removed. While it is mostly harmless, it can cause an inflammatory disorder of the nail folds if left untreated.
To prevent greenies, it is important to ensure that your hands and manicure equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after application or removal of artificial nails. Choosing the correct size of press-on nail and following application instructions carefully can also help to avoid gaps between the natural nail and the artificial nail, which can allow water and bacteria to penetrate.
If you do get greenies, it is important to remove the artificial nails and disinfect the natural nails with rubbing alcohol or vinegar to kill the bacteria. Keeping your nails clean and dry will also help to stop the infection. Unfortunately, the green discolouration may take several weeks or even months to grow out.
Practicing proper daily nail care and getting regular nail treatments at a reputable salon can also help to prevent greenies.
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Removing fake nails
If you've had your fake nails for a while, you might notice that your natural nails have started to turn green. This is known as green nail syndrome or chloronychia, and it's caused by a bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria is found commonly in the environment, including in soil and water, and it flourishes in moist environments. If your fake nails have started to lift, crack, or chip, there's a high chance that the bacteria can get underneath them.
It's important to address the issue of green nails before attempting to remove your fake nails. If you already have thin nails, it's recommended to take a break from fake nails and let your natural nails recover. This is because the process of removing fake nails can be quite harsh and may further damage thin nails. Once you've confirmed that your natural nails are healthy, you can proceed with removing your fake nails.
There are several methods for removing fake nails, and it's important to do it properly to avoid damaging your natural nails. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for removing fake nails at home:
File and buff the surface of your nails: Use a coarse nail file to rough up the surface and remove the top layer of your fake nails. This will help the acetone penetrate and soften the fake nails more quickly.
Apply cuticle oil: Before soaking your nails in acetone, it's important to moisturize your cuticles and the skin around your nails. Acetone can be very drying, so applying cuticle oil will help keep your nails and skin moisturized during the removal process.
Soak your nails in acetone: You can either soak your nails in bowls filled with acetone or soak cotton balls in acetone and wrap them around your nails with foil. This will help break down the fake nails, and it usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove the softened fake nails: Once your nails have soaked for long enough, gently push or flake off the softened fake nails using an orange stick or a scraping tool. Be careful not to force it, as this can cause pain and damage to your natural nails.
Buff and moisturize: After removing the fake nails, lightly buff any remaining residue from the nail plates with a fine-grit file or buffing block. Finally, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to rehydrate your nails and get them looking their best.
It's always a good idea to give your nails some time to recover after removing fake nails. You can focus on caring for your natural nails and strengthening them with a base coat before applying any new nail treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Green nails are often the result of a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which produces a green pigment. This bacteria is commonly found in fresh and saltwater environments and thrives in damp places with no fresh air circulation. It can get underneath your fake nails if they are not properly sealed or if there are gaps, cracks, or chips.
To get rid of the green discoloration, you can try disinfecting and filing the nail bed, ensuring it is thoroughly dry. You can also try home remedies such as soaking your nails in apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or tea tree oil. In some cases, you may need to seek medical advice from a doctor or dermatologist for additional treatments.
To prevent your nails from turning green, it is important to properly care for your nails and practice good hygiene. This includes regularly washing your hands, keeping your hands and nails dry, and maintaining proper nail moisture. Additionally, when applying fake nails, ensure that you are thoroughly dehydrating the nail plate and sealing the cuticle area to prevent lifting and moisture accumulation.
