The Role of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Infections About the Nails

Discoloured nails

“…Acute paronychia is usually caused by invasion of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus 11 , whereas chronic paronychia is found in patients who have repeatedly traumatised their hands and nails due to frequent and extended immersion of hands in water (Figure 3) 10,11 . Chronic paronychia may be due to bacterial infection such S. aureus or P. aeruginosa (which may lead to a blue/ green discolouration of the nail) or chronic mycotic or yeast infection 11,12 . If attempts to keep the skin clean and dry are not effective then topical treatment with the compounded vinegar and thymol 4% may prove effective for mycotic or yeast infection.…”

Ungues nigri durch Proteus mirabilis

“…Dyschromien der Nagelplatte werden durch eine Reihe von Erregern, v. a. durch gramnegative Bakterien hervorgerufen. Am bekanntesten ist die Grünver-färbung der Nägel durch Pseudomonas aerugenosa, über die schon seit den 40er-Jahren berichtet wird [2,7,9,16,23]. Diese Bakterien bilden Pyocyanin, das von der Nagelplatte aufgenommen wird und diese grünlich verfärbt.…”

Pigmentations of the Nails (Chromonychia)

“…When the color is green, species of aspergillus are associated but the color seems to be paler and the onychodystrophy is more frequent than in discoloration caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Anyway past or present infection by this organism may be verified by the solubility of its pigment in water or chloroform and by its fluorescence under Wood's light …”