[Green nail syndrome or chloronychia]

Rev Med Liege. 2002 Apr;57(4):233-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

"Green nails" or chloronychia is an infection mostly caused by Pseudomonas ueruginosa but also by other bacterial or fungal contamination. The clinical appearance consists in a typical triad: green discoloration of the nail plate associated with proximal chronic paronychia and disto-lateral onycholysis. Exposition to moist environment, microtraumatisms, oaychotillomania and associated nail diseases such as psoriasis may promote infection by Pseudomonas. Treatment consists in cutting of the detached nail plate, brushing the nail bed with a 2% sodium hypochlorite solution twice daily and eviction of the repeated immersions by wearing cotton and latex gloves.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Disinfectants / administration & dosage
  • Disinfectants / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Nail Diseases / microbiology*
  • Nail Diseases / therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / therapy*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / pathogenicity*
  • Sodium Hypochlorite / administration & dosage
  • Sodium Hypochlorite / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Sodium Hypochlorite