(See also Overview of Nail Disorders Overview of Nail Disorders Many disorders can affect the nails, including deformity and dystrophy, injuries, infections, and ingrown toenails. Infections can involve any part of the nail and may or may not change the... read more .)
Green nail syndrome is caused by an infection with Pseudomonas Pseudomonas Infections Any of several types of the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can infect different parts of the body, particularly in people who have serious... read more species. It usually develops in people who have onycholysis Chronic Paronychia Chronic paronychia is recurring or persistent inflammation of the nail fold, typically of the fingernails. (See also Acute Paronychia.) Chronic paronychia occurs almost always in people whose... read more (partial separation of the nail bed from the nail plate or loss of the nail plate) or chronic paronychia Chronic Paronychia Chronic paronychia is recurring or persistent inflammation of the nail fold, typically of the fingernails. (See also Acute Paronychia.) Chronic paronychia occurs almost always in people whose... read more
and whose hands are often in water or exposed to irritants. The nail in the area of onycholysis becomes greenish in color.
Green nail syndrome may be treated with antiseptics, antibiotics, and sometimes surgical removal of the involved nail.