Dermoscopic patterns of green nail syndrome

Case report: Novel use of the conventional method- chemical nail avulsion may be effective for treatment of green nail syndrome

Green nail syndrome (GNS) is a triad of green discoloration of the nail plate, proximal paronychia, and distal onycholysis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to be the most common causative agent; however, there is no unified standard for the diagnosis and treatment of GNS. Thus, treatment is challenging and often refractory. Here, we report three representative cases with different predisposing factors, including trauma-related, occupation-related, and onychosis-related GNS. Patients with GNS accompanied by onycholysis were instructed to undergo chemical nail avulsion combined with topical antibiotics, and favorable curative effects were observed in all cases. Chemical nail avulsion with urea powder as a conventional method may be an effective treatment for GNS and warrants clinical generalization.

Fungal Viridionychia: Onychomycosis-Induced Chloronychia Caused by Candida parapsilosis-Associated Green Nail Discoloration

Green nail syndrome is a form of chromonychia, discoloration of the nail plate, that describes fingernails or toenails that are green in appearance. Bacterial-associated green nail syndrome, referred to as chloronychia, is most common; however, fungal and polymicrobial etiologies have been reported. Two 70-year-old women presented with green discoloration of their nails for over five months; both women had prior unsuccessful treatments and were referred for further evaluation and treatment. The affected nails were biopsied and cultured. Bacterial cultures did not yield any organisms; however, fungal cultures grew Candida parapsilosis after four weeks. Both women were treated with a topical alcohol-based solution and ketoconazole cream with improvement in their nail discoloration after two months. We introduce a term that specifically describes fungal etiology-associated green nail syndrome: viridionychia.