What is Chloronychia and what causes it?

Chloronychia, also known as ‘greenies‘ or ‘green nail syndrome‘, is a condition where green, greenish-yellow, or greenish-brown spots appear on the fingernails. This is usually due to water being trapped between the natural nail and artificial nail enhancements or when nail sanitation is ignored during the preparation step of the sculpting services in salons. ​This is not a fungal infection, and so topical antifungals will not work.

 

. The condition can be extremely dangerous when the infection goes beyond the nail plate and infects the soft tissues, especially in immunocompromised people.

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It can be easily treated and removed while it is within the nail plate. If the condition remains untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding soft tissue and cause severe bacterial inflammation. If the condition appears in soft tissue around the nail plate, then the client should seek medical advice.

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Who does it affect?

It can affect anyone, especially clients of salons where sanitation is ignored. I

 

How can we help?

At Nail'd.It! We remove all artificial enhancements right away and allow the discolouration to grow out. Any reapplication of coatings should be avoided.

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If you need to attend a wedding or important function, then normal nail polish may be used under 3 conditions:

1. We apply regular nail colour that is easily removed. We do not soak or file the natural nail.
2. We remove the regular colour after the event, and care as advised is continued. 
3. The understanding that you waive your rights knowing that a nail covering could potentially cause further problems.

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