The green discoloration beneath your acrylic nail is a common condition known medically as Chloronychia, or Green Nail Syndrome. This color change is not caused by mold, as is a frequent misconception, but by a specific type of common bacteria that has colonized the space between the natural nail and the enhancement. Understanding this issue is the first step toward effective treatment and preventing its recurrence.
The Identity of the Green Discoloration
The organism responsible for the characteristic greenish hue is a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is ubiquitous, meaning it is commonly found in the environment, including in soil, water, and even on the skin. The green color is a byproduct of this bacterium’s metabolic activity, specifically the production of pigments.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes two primary pigments: pyocyanin (blue-green) and pyoverdin (yellow-green). These pigments diffuse into the nail plate and the underlying nail bed, resulting in discoloration that can range from light yellow-green to dark greenish-black. The presence of this bacterium is a localized infection, which is distinctly different from a fungal infection, or “nail mold,” which often presents with white or yellowish discoloration.
Environmental Factors Enabling Bacterial Growth
The infection occurs when the seal between the artificial nail and the natural nail plate is compromised, a process often called onycholysis. This separation creates a subungual pocket, which is an ideal breeding ground for the Pseudomonas bacteria. The environment created under the lifting enhancement is warm, moist, and dark, providing all the conditions the bacteria need to multiply rapidly.
Water is a significant factor, as prolonged exposure allows moisture to seep into any gap between the acrylic and the natural nail. Common activities like washing dishes, frequent hand washing, or bathing can introduce water, trapping it against the nail bed. Improper preparation or removal of acrylics can also cause microtrauma to the nail plate, further compromising the nail’s natural barrier and allowing bacteria to thrive.
Necessary Steps for Treatment and Recovery
The most immediate step for treating Chloronychia is the complete removal of the artificial nail enhancement. Leaving the acrylic on traps moisture and exacerbates the problem, making effective treatment nearly impossible. Removing the enhancement allows the infected area to dry out and be exposed to air, which is hostile to the moisture-loving Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
After removal, the exposed nail should be kept as dry as possible to discourage bacterial growth. A common home remedy involves soaking the affected nail in a solution of diluted white vinegar or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for several minutes daily. The mild acidity of the vinegar helps to create an environment that inhibits the bacteria. The discoloration itself will not vanish immediately but must physically grow out with the healthy nail plate, which can take several months for a fingernail.
You should seek professional medical advice if the infection is spreading to the surrounding skin, becomes painful, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or pus. A healthcare provider may prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as a fluoroquinolone solution, to directly treat the bacteria. Oral antibiotics are typically reserved for more severe or persistent cases.
Preventing Future Episodes
Preventing the recurrence of Chloronychia involves careful maintenance and hygiene practices, especially if you continue to wear artificial nail enhancements. The first line of defense is ensuring that any lifting or separation of the acrylic from the natural nail is addressed immediately. A compromised seal is an open invitation for moisture and bacteria to enter the subungual space.
You should thoroughly dry your hands and nails after any prolonged exposure to water, such as showering or washing dishes. If your occupation requires frequent hand washing or water exposure, wearing waterproof gloves can help protect the enhancements and the underlying nail plate. Selecting a reputable nail technician who practices meticulous sterilization and proper application techniques, including thorough dehydration of the nail plate before enhancement application, is also a proactive step.