Green nail syndrome
Green Nail Syndrome
Green nail syndrome (pronounced: /ɡriːn neɪl ˈsɪndroʊm/), also known as chromonychia, is a medical condition characterized by greenish discoloration of the nails. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words "chroma" meaning color and "onyx" meaning nail.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of green nail syndrome is a greenish discoloration of the nails. This can affect one or more nails and can occur on the hands or feet. Other symptoms may include nail thickening, nail crumbling, and sometimes a foul smell.
Causes
Green nail syndrome is typically caused by a bacterial infection, specifically by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium thrives in moist environments and can enter the nail bed through small injuries to the nail or surrounding skin.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of green nail syndrome is usually made based on the characteristic green discoloration of the nails. A doctor may also take a nail clipping to examine under a microscope or send to a lab for culture to confirm the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Treatment
Treatment for green nail syndrome usually involves topical or oral antibiotics to clear the Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In some cases, the affected nail may need to be removed to allow a new, healthy nail to grow.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for green nail syndrome include keeping the nails clean and dry, avoiding nail injuries, and wearing protective gloves when in contact with water or damp environments for extended periods.
Related Terms
- Onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nails
- Paronychia - a skin infection around the nails
- Onycholysis - separation of the nail from the nail bed
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Green nail syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Green nail syndrome
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