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Do you know green nail syndrome, also called chloronychia? It’s a nail infection… sporting a funny greenish color.
As Christmas approaches, everyone wants to look good for family photos. A beauty treatment, which often involves the “manicure” box. Except that applying nails is not without risks: they can become infected and take on a strange greenish color. Explanations.
The nail in the affected area takes on a greenish color
It was on TikTok that the English doctor Dr Sermed Mehzer sounded the alert. In a video, he shows photos of a woman’s nails… with greenish reflections.
“Do you want to get acrylic nails done at a low price? Think twice“, warns the doctor.
@drsermedmezher The Greenies: A Beautician’s Worst Nightmare #acrylicnails Acrylic nails, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of fingernails, can create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas. The acrylic material can sometimes trap moisture underneath the nails, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Pseudomonas infection, commonly known as “green nail syndrome,” may occur when the bacteria infiltrate the space between the acrylic and the natural nail. This can lead to discoloration, typically presenting as a greenish hue, and potential discomfort or pain. To minimize the risk of Pseudomonas or other infections, it’s crucial to ensure proper hygiene during the acrylic nail application process. Regular cleaning and maintenance, along with allowing the nails to fully dry, can help mitigate the likelihood of bacterial growth. #AcrylicNails #PseudomonasInfection #NailHygiene #GreenNailSyndrome #NailHealth #NailInfections #ManicureSafety #FingernailCare #AcrylicNailRisks #HygienePractices #fyp #fypシ #medicine ♬ take a moment to breathe. – normal the kid
A bacteria involved
If the nails displayed in the video had a funny green color, it is because a bacteria, called “Pseudomonas aeruginosa“, had proliferated between the nail and the skin.
However, even if these bacteria like to sneak between artificial and natural nails, they can also infect other parts of the body, or even be transmitted to other weakened people, such as those who are immunocompromised, warns the doctor.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: what are the risk factors?
According to the newspaper ScienceDirectthe factors favoring the appearance of the bacteria “Pseudomonas aeruginosa” are:
- A manicure with hardening gel;
- Work in a hospital environment;
- Traumatic onycholysis (a single or repeated trauma which will cause the nail to detach) ;
- Paronychia (periungual tissue infection) with excess humidity and detergents.
According to MSD Manualgreen nail syndrome does indeed develop in people “whose hands are often in water or exposed to irritating products“, like acrylic for example.
Green nail syndrome can be treated with antiseptics or antibiotics. Sometimes, surgical intervention must be considered (removal of the nail).
Despite this potential treatment(s), “It takes between one and four months for the nail to grow back“, says Dr. Mehzer.
Enough to make you want to cancel your next appointment with the manicurist?