Why should we NOT cover “greenies”?

‘Greenies’ is a colloquial term for ‘green nail syndrome’ or chloronychia. It is a bacterial infection of pseudomonas.

It has been believed for a long time that exposing pseudomonas to the air (oxygen) will destroy it so it is safe to reapply a new coating.

In recent years research has discovered that this type of bacteria can survive with or without oxygen so this is not the case. A ‘greenie’ is an infected nail and should not be worked on. The coating must be removed very carefully and safely to ensure there can be no spread of the infection to other clients. It must then be correctly diagnosed by a medical practitioner, treated by them if necessary, and left until the infection has gone.

There is not always a secondary infection. But a bacteria infection can easily be mistaken for fungal infection and vice versa.

The most important aspect is to avoid the infection in the first place by a robust hygiene protocol. Plus, this type of infection can (but not always) occur where there has been product lifting off the coating. Correct and accurate nail preparation is essential to avoid this situation.

This is one of the reasons that a coloured and opaque coating should be removed regularly to make sure it isn’t hiding any problems with the nail plate or nail bed.

We recommend you watch the Face to Face with Doug Schoon Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_d0EMp1QHZuuBQRvIecQPw