Possible causes of the nail becoming green include the following.

Infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Individuals with a weakened immune system are prone to Pseudomonas infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is highly resistant to disinfection and antibiotics, making treatment very difficult. Furthermore, they are also known to develop resistance to drugs after application.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium with a green pigment which causes the green colour change in the nail.

If the immune system isn’t weakened there is no threat, however if the immune system weakens there is a chance that the bacteria will infect neighbouring nails.

Treatment can take up to a year depending on the severity of the condition
In worst case scenarios, the patient may lose the entire infected nail, or have the infection enter the body. If the bacterium infects the body, the following conditions may occur.

  • Keratitis
  • Otitis externa
  • Rash and eruption
  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis
  • Secondary Pneumonia
  • Endocarditis
  • Infection of the central nervous system (CNS)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis has a mortality rate of above 80%. To avoid such a condition, please visit a medical professional as early as possible.

Blue coloured nails

When there isn’t enough oxygen being supplied to the blood, cyanosis occurs. During cyanosis, the face and lips may also become a blueish colour.