Have you ever experienced a “green nail”? No, we are not talking about green nail polish. It’s the green nail fungus. Just like the green mold on the bread. Have you seen it on your nails or someone else’s? We hope not! Because it can be a gross sight to watch. But, what if you get it? We aren’t scaring you. But, it is important to stay aware to prevent prospective problems.
It isn’t always necessary that you get a green fungal infection in your natural nails after getting fake nail enhancements. So what exactly are the causes and risk factors that may give you a nail fungus? Read on to learn about the green nail syndrome and how you can get rid of it following a treatment and prevention plan.
What is a Fungal Nail Infection?
A fungal nail infection, as obvious from its name, is a condition affecting your nails, commonly the toenails. Medically known as onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection is a condition that causes infection on the nail bed underneath the nail surface resulting in thick and discolored nails. These are more common than you think and are caused by fungi, living in the environment, entering through small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin. There are various kinds of nail fungal infections including black toenails, white nail fungus, green nail syndrome, etc.
What is Green Nail Syndrome?
The Green Nail Syndrome (GNS), also known medically as chromonychia, is a type of fungal nail infection characterized by the greenish-black discoloration of the nail. The condition is often associated with a nail disorder that causes discoloration in the nail bed. GNS is a bacterial infection caused by moisture accumulation and growth of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that leads to the fungus buildup on the nail bed.
You need not worry about all this scary information. We are here to guide you today on how you can prevent and treat green nail fungus using some practical solutions. Let’s get into the details of it.
Green Nail Fungus Pictures
Here are some pictures for your easy reference to understand how the green nail fungus looks when it grows at different scales:
Better to be safe than sorry! Develop a habit of checking your and your loved ones’ nails regularly to keep in check such fungal buildup. And if you notice any such problem, don’t ignore it. Treat it with the right measures to prevent pain and other problems.
Symptoms
With significant growth in the green nail fungus, you will experience various symptoms. In the initial stages, you will only notice a slight change in the appearance with a greenish spot on your nails. But as the infection progresses, certain other symptoms may follow:
- Green-black or yellowish-green discoloration of the nail
- Thickening of the nail making it flaky or fragile
- Brittle, misshaped, or crumbly nails separated from the nail bed
- Itching or pain, especially when the nail is pressed
- Swelling or redness on the surrounding skin
- A foul odor from the nail, like that of mold
You need to treat the GNS at home or with medical remedies if the condition worsens or the infection spreads further.
Causes
There can be various reasons that cause green nail fungus or GNS. The most common cause, as discussed above, is the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa which grows in wet and moist environments. If you come in frequent contact with water and your surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, loofahs, etc. are not clean and dry, you may be prone to such bacteria. Other causes include:
- Trauma or nail injury caused to the nail due to stubbing or pressure
- Moisture accumulation under fake nail enhancements like acrylic nails or press-on nails
- Underlying medical conditions like cancer that promote bacterial growth
- Poor-quality or ill-fitting footwear
No matter the cause, if the green nail fungal infections are ignored or left untreated for long, they may cause pains and problems in the future.
Complications and Risk Factors
Certain factors that can increase your risk of developing green nail fungus or GNS include:
- Heavily sweat-prone fingers or toes
- Minor nail or skin injury causing a cut or open skin for the fungi to enter
- Walking barefoot in wet zones, especially damp public areas like pools
- Old age or unhygienic habits
- Having a weak immune system or an underlying disease like psoriasis, diabetes, athlete’s foot, etc.
If the green nail fungal infection is not treated at an early stage and develops into a severe case, it may lead to various complications that may cause permanent and irreversible damage to the nails. In worse cases, it may also lead to some serious infections spread beyond toes and feet.
When to See a Doctor?
If the fungal buildup is new and small, follow some home remedies to get rid of the issue (Read tips in the later sections). But if you see the green nail infection covering the entire nail surface or is accompanied by pain, odor, or discharge, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider just to be sure and to get proper treatment. Consider seeing a doctor if:
- You face difficulty in walking due to swelling and/or pain in and around the nail;
- Do you see any bleeding or discharge from/around the nails;
- You already have diabetes and you observe fungal buildup in your nails.
Treatment
Early signs of GNS can be treated with some home remedies. However, you need to get medical treatment in case of severe infection.
How to Get Rid of Green Nail Fungus at Home
If you see a sign of green nail fungus or GNS while wearing acrylic enhancements or press-ons, the first step should be removing these fake nails and cleaning your nails with soapy water. Pat dry your hands or feet completely before stepping onto any of the following home remedies to get rid of green nail fungal infection:
1) Vinegar Solution or ACV
Vinegar is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can use the vinegar + water solution as an initial treatment in case of GNSes. Similarly, you can apply apple cider vinegar for fungal nail infections to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Soaking your hands and/or feet in the solution for 20 minutes daily may help heal the symptoms. Avoid applying directly owing to its acidic concentration.
2) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil and oregano oil also have antifungal properties that may be a helpful home remedy for treating green nail fungus. Unlike vinegar, you can apply a few drops of any of these oils directly to the affected area regularly and gently massage using a soaked cotton ball for best results.
3) Baking Soda Paste
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, has significant antibacterial properties. This can be your go-to remedy for treating fungal infections on your fingernails. Just making a paste of baking soda + water and applying it to the affected area for 10 minutes before removing can dry out and limit the fungal and bacterial growth. It also helps control the odor, if any.
4) Garlic Paste
As horrendous as it may sound, this remedy also works well for green nail fungus considering the antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic. You may avoid using it on your fingernails for obvious reasons but it works well on toenail infections due to its healing effects. Just applying a paste of crushed garlic mixed with olive oil and wrapping it in a bandage helps the affected area.
If even after experimenting with any of these DIY hacks for treating green nail fungus you are not seeing any improvement, you need to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment done.
Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
In most cases, doctors examine the condition and ask for symptoms before prescribing the treatment which may include any one of the following:
- Antifungal pills or ointments
- Topical antibiotics like medicated nail polish
- Antibacterial creams
- Over-the-counter antibiotic medicines
If the dermatologist feels the need, he may ask for a lab test of the fungal debris scraped from underneath the nails. Tests such as a potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear, or a fungal culture can be performed. These lab tests help identify if the green fungal infection is accompanied by any underlying health condition like lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Rather than going through the painful and unsightly experience of developing a green nail fungus or GNS, isn’t it better to just prevent it from happening in the first place? Here are some tips:
1) Make sure you dry your nails and the spaces between your fingers and toes properly after interacting with wet experiences like showering, swimming, doing household chores with water, etc.
2) Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and short at all times. If you use fake nails, make sure they are maintained clean and replace them after every few weeks.
3) Avoid walking barefoot in public places.
4) Keep your hands and feet dry as much as possible. Avoid ill-fitting gloves, socks, or footwear that cause moisture or sweat accumulation.
5) Maintain a hygiene ritual. DIY a mani-pedi session at home or indulge in getting professional manicures and pedicures at good salons regularly.
6) Invest in antifungal powders or sprays if you tend to wear socks and shoes daily or have sweaty palms and toes.
7) Incorporate good eating habits and include nutritional and protein-rich foods in your diet. Adding vitamins and folic acid to your everyday diet helps maintain nail health.
Wrap-Up
Green nail fungus or GNS is a challenging condition that requires prompt attention and proper treatment. By staying informed and proactive, you can effectively manage this condition and maintain healthy, beautiful nails. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for early intervention. Understanding the causes can help prevent future occurrences. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Treatment options range from OTC antifungal medications to prescription oral medications. Additionally, practicing good nail hygiene can help prevent green nail fungal infections. Remember, your nails are a reflection of your overall health, so take care of them with diligence and care.
