Do you have discolored spots on your natural nails? Find out if it could be a greenie!

Have you ever noticed greenish stains on your natural nails after removing your manicure? That can be scary! In this article, we unravel the mystery of greenies: what are they, how to avoid them and what if you do encounter them?

What are greenies?

Greenies are nail infections caused by the Pseudomonas bacteria. This bacterium leaves greenish spots on nails, especially in moist conditions such as liftings in dipping manicures. Although the spots look harmless, if neglected, the bacterial infection can lead to more serious nail problems.

Causes of greenies

Greenies can be caused by several factors:

1. Moisture build-up: When moisture gets trapped under artificial nails or manicure products, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
2. Damaged nails: Cracks or liftings in the nail covering allow bacteria to invade.
3. Lack of hygiene: Inadequate disinfection of nails and tools can promote the spread of bacteria.
4. Frequent use of nail products: Overuse of certain manicure techniques without adequate nail rest can weaken nails and make them more susceptible to infection.

Avoiding greenies.

Prevention is the key to avoiding greenies. Here are some tips:

1. Keep nails clean and dry: Make sure your nails and hands are always dry. Damp nails are a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Disinfect nails before every manicure: Use a disinfectant to clean your nails before applying a new manicure.
3. Avoid dipping over liftings or damaged nails: Do not apply new layers on nails that already show signs of damage. This can increase the risk of bacterial infections.
4. Work hygienically and thoroughly: Make sure all nail tools used are clean and disinfected. This helps to prevent the spread of bacteria.
5. Nail rest: Give your nails an occasional break from artificial nails and heavy manicure products to allow them to breathe and recover.

What to do if you have greenies

If you notice you have greenies, it's important to stay calm and act quickly:

1. Don't panic: Greenies are treatable and usually disappear with proper care.
2. Consult a specialist: Seek the advice of a dermatologist or specialized nail technician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Use daily disinfectants: Treat infected nails with 3% hydrogen peroxide or other appropriate disinfectant to fight the bacterial infection.
4. Avoid using nail products: Temporarily stop using nail polish, gel or acrylic until the infection is completely gone.

Can I continue dipping?

It is advisable to temporarily stop dipping if you have greenies. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Wait until the discoloration disappears: Give your nails time to recover before you start dipping or other manicure methods again.
2. Disinfect all tools used: Be sure to thoroughly disinfect any tools you have used to prevent further spread of bacteria.
3. Revise your nail care routine: Consider changes in your routine to prevent recurrence of the infection. This may mean getting dip manicures less often or taking other preventive measures.

Conclusion

Greenies can be annoying and unsettling, but with the right knowledge and care, they are easily treatable and preventable. By keeping your nails clean and dry, working hygienically and avoiding damaged nails, you can significantly reduce the chances of infection. If you do get greenies, consult a specialist and follow a good disinfection routine to get your nails healthy again quickly. Hopefully this article sheds some light on greenies and helps you avoid or fight them!