Green Nail Syndrome: See If You Can Relate
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Green Nail Syndrome: See If You Can Relate
In green nail syndrome (GNS), also called chloronychia, the nail bed turns a dark green. When nails turn green, it's a sign of a much bigger issue, and no amount of scrubbing will fix it.
In all likelihood, you need to see a doctor. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about GNS, its causes, treatments, and prevention in order to help you figure out what to do.
What is green nail syndrome?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria infect the nail and nail bed, exacerbating GNS. When it first appears, the disease may only affect a small part of the nail or no nails at all. Eventually, it can affect the entire nail and spread to neighboring nails. The majority of objects are green. The color can range from yellow to bluish-green.
Toenail fungus is a common misdiagnosis for this condition, especially in mild cases when the discoloration isn't too severe. But GNS is completely resistant to mold and yeast. Anti-fungal drugs will be ineffective against GNS. However, it is possible to satisfy both conditions simultaneously.
Why Does GNS Occur?
GNS can occur whenever conditions are favorable for the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria. Green nails are a sign that the nail bed is either too high or too damaged, allowing bacteria and debris to collect there. This bacteria grows rapidly in dark, damp places where air circulation is restricted.
What Are the Risk Factors for GNS?
Green nail syndrome is most common when the nail is kept wet and confined. Suppose you wear tight-fitting athletic shoes and work out for long periods of time, for example. In that case, you may be encouraging the growth of bacteria in your toes. Working as a waiter or constantly using rubber gloves also increases your risk.
Although it's not always the case, some believe that using synthetic nails or nail polish causes GNS. However, if an infection already exists, removing your natural nail bed before getting a synthetic one can worsen things.
Bacteria thrive in the damp, poorly circulated environments created by artificial nails. But if you keep your natural nails clean and use synthetic ones properly, you shouldn't have any problems.
How can GNS be treated?
Treatment for Green Nail Syndrome typically involves a combination of medication and medical intervention prescribed by your doctor. In medical intervention, the nail substrate is typically removed, or at most the elevated sections.
A topical antibiotic may be helpful for mild symptoms. Sometimes oral antibiotics aren't enough, and shots of the stuff are needed to eliminate the microbes. There may be a need for multiple treatments and checkups before the infection is declared under control.
How to reduce the risk of GNS?
It's common to carry Pseudomonas bacteria on your toes and fingers. You should avoid green nail syndrome if you don't want situations to get out of hand. Think about the consequences of where you put your hands and feet.
Keep the following points in mind if you want to lower your chances of this infection.
Blow out your toes and get a new pair of shoes after a long workout.
Keep your fingers dry as much as possible.
The right footwear is essential for relieving stress on the feet.
Those with a high nail bed, in particular, should keep a close eye out for accidental injuries to their toes and fingers.
Untreated, unsightly green nails can spread bacteria to the rest of the finger. In rare cases, the disease can be transmitted to other fingers or even other parts of the body. Nail polish is a band-aid solution that doesn't fix the underlying problem. A trip to the doctor is your only option for getting rid of your green nails.
How can green nails be treated?
Green nail syndrome is easy to diagnose in its acute form. If there is any doubt, a sample of the nail can be taken for culture.
Conditions that cause green nails can be effectively treated. The treatment includes:
Removing the damaged portion of the toenail.
Keeping the nails clean.
Reducing any trauma to the area as much as possible.
Oxacillin or polymyxin B applied topically twice or thrice daily for one to four months will cure most people.
Sodium hypochlorite, diluted 1:4 with water, can be applied topically to infected fingernails or toenails to inhibit further P. aeruginosa growth. It has also been suggested that balsamic (acetic acid) would be helpful here.
When these treatments fall short, it may be necessary to get a new toenail. Systemic medications like doxycycline are commonly used in these cases.
What should you remember for GNS?
The onset of green nail syndrome is not typically related to any underlying medical conditions. A few cases of people accidentally infecting themselves by scratching with an afflicted nail have been documented. Possible skin or tissue infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a result of this.
If you've recently had an operation or procedure for broken skin and then developed green nail syndrome, you should not expose the damaged nail to the puncture or the surgical wound dressings.
If you work in an environment where you may contract this condition, remember to take enough breaks. Do not wear gloves for long, and keep washing your hands and feet with antimicrobial soap.
In conclusion
If caught early enough, treatment for green nail syndrome is straightforward. In extreme cases, the affected finger may need to be amputated. This usually happens only when all other treatments have failed and there is a fatal risk of the infection affecting other body parts. So, take great care to maintain sanitary conditions.
In all likelihood, you need to see a doctor. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about GNS, its causes, treatments, and prevention in order to help you figure out what to do.
What is green nail syndrome?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria infect the nail and nail bed, exacerbating GNS. When it first appears, the disease may only affect a small part of the nail or no nails at all. Eventually, it can affect the entire nail and spread to neighboring nails. The majority of objects are green. The color can range from yellow to bluish-green.
Toenail fungus is a common misdiagnosis for this condition, especially in mild cases when the discoloration isn't too severe. But GNS is completely resistant to mold and yeast. Anti-fungal drugs will be ineffective against GNS. However, it is possible to satisfy both conditions simultaneously.
Why Does GNS Occur?
GNS can occur whenever conditions are favorable for the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria. Green nails are a sign that the nail bed is either too high or too damaged, allowing bacteria and debris to collect there. This bacteria grows rapidly in dark, damp places where air circulation is restricted.
What Are the Risk Factors for GNS?
Green nail syndrome is most common when the nail is kept wet and confined. Suppose you wear tight-fitting athletic shoes and work out for long periods of time, for example. In that case, you may be encouraging the growth of bacteria in your toes. Working as a waiter or constantly using rubber gloves also increases your risk.
Although it's not always the case, some believe that using synthetic nails or nail polish causes GNS. However, if an infection already exists, removing your natural nail bed before getting a synthetic one can worsen things.
Bacteria thrive in the damp, poorly circulated environments created by artificial nails. But if you keep your natural nails clean and use synthetic ones properly, you shouldn't have any problems.
How can GNS be treated?
Treatment for Green Nail Syndrome typically involves a combination of medication and medical intervention prescribed by your doctor. In medical intervention, the nail substrate is typically removed, or at most the elevated sections.
A topical antibiotic may be helpful for mild symptoms. Sometimes oral antibiotics aren't enough, and shots of the stuff are needed to eliminate the microbes. There may be a need for multiple treatments and checkups before the infection is declared under control.
How to reduce the risk of GNS?
It's common to carry Pseudomonas bacteria on your toes and fingers. You should avoid green nail syndrome if you don't want situations to get out of hand. Think about the consequences of where you put your hands and feet.
Keep the following points in mind if you want to lower your chances of this infection.
Blow out your toes and get a new pair of shoes after a long workout.
Keep your fingers dry as much as possible.
The right footwear is essential for relieving stress on the feet.
Those with a high nail bed, in particular, should keep a close eye out for accidental injuries to their toes and fingers.
Untreated, unsightly green nails can spread bacteria to the rest of the finger. In rare cases, the disease can be transmitted to other fingers or even other parts of the body. Nail polish is a band-aid solution that doesn't fix the underlying problem. A trip to the doctor is your only option for getting rid of your green nails.
How can green nails be treated?
Green nail syndrome is easy to diagnose in its acute form. If there is any doubt, a sample of the nail can be taken for culture.
Conditions that cause green nails can be effectively treated. The treatment includes:
Removing the damaged portion of the toenail.
Keeping the nails clean.
Reducing any trauma to the area as much as possible.
Oxacillin or polymyxin B applied topically twice or thrice daily for one to four months will cure most people.
Sodium hypochlorite, diluted 1:4 with water, can be applied topically to infected fingernails or toenails to inhibit further P. aeruginosa growth. It has also been suggested that balsamic (acetic acid) would be helpful here.
When these treatments fall short, it may be necessary to get a new toenail. Systemic medications like doxycycline are commonly used in these cases.
What should you remember for GNS?
The onset of green nail syndrome is not typically related to any underlying medical conditions. A few cases of people accidentally infecting themselves by scratching with an afflicted nail have been documented. Possible skin or tissue infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a result of this.
If you've recently had an operation or procedure for broken skin and then developed green nail syndrome, you should not expose the damaged nail to the puncture or the surgical wound dressings.
If you work in an environment where you may contract this condition, remember to take enough breaks. Do not wear gloves for long, and keep washing your hands and feet with antimicrobial soap.
In conclusion
If caught early enough, treatment for green nail syndrome is straightforward. In extreme cases, the affected finger may need to be amputated. This usually happens only when all other treatments have failed and there is a fatal risk of the infection affecting other body parts. So, take great care to maintain sanitary conditions.
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