How To Treat Green Nails At Home?

Dealing with any nail fungus can be bothersome and unsightly. Fortunately, there are various practical solutions on “what kills toenail fungus instantly” that provide actual results and restore your nail health. But have you heard of green nail syndrome? Or Have you recently experienced a spot of blueish-greenish color in your acrylic nails? Well, this spot is generally termed a green nail! Well, green nail, also called green nail syndrome, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Accumulation of moisture and the growth of bacteria leads to fungus on nails. This infection is typically marked as green discoloration of artificial nails, which may vary from blue-green to green-yellow. You will quickly see the infection on the plate of the nails, which can become severe if not treated well. Do not worry, we can help you know how to treat green nails at home. Some practical solutions in this article can thoroughly guide you in treating your nail fungus.

What Causes Nail Fungus On Acrylic Nails?

Before knowing the effective remedies for how to treat green nails at home, first learn the causes behind the nail fungus with artificial nails. Nail fungus is associated with many nail disorders and is primarily familiar in people with acrylic acid. According to one research, out of 68 women who experienced nail issues after removing acrylic nails, 67 were diagnosed with an infection. Professionals use adhesive to stick the artificial nails on the natural fingernails. 

After such salon treatment, moisture can occur between the acrylic nails and the fingernails if there’s any problem like nails getting loose or not correctly attached. The moist environment becomes a thriving place for fungi and helps them grow in the accumulated water. Dermatophytes are the group of fungi that are commonly known to cause fungal infections on fingertip. Additionally, one study says that nail polishes can cause nail fungus, as many fungi can live and multiply in some types of nail polishes. It will be better to avoid sharing them with anyone. Contaminated nail tools at salons can also lead to fungal infection exposure. 

Also Read: Types of Fungus Infection

Symptoms Of Fingernail Fungus From Green Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nail fungus might only cause symptoms in the initial stage once it significantly grows. The first main symptom you can notice is the slight change in the appearance of your fingernails. However, as the fungal infection progresses, you may experience some other changes which may include: 

• A flaky, fragile, or thickened fingernail

• Swelling or pain, especially when you put pressure on your green acrylic nail

• A green, black, yellow-green, or white acrylic nail discoloration

• Itchiness or redness around the surrounding skin

• A foul odor from your nail

As you experience these symptoms, you would want to know how to treat green nail syndrome at home first! Right? Hence, we have listed some of the best home remedies that can help treat such fungal infections to make it easy for you. 

Also Read: Skin Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Preventions

How To Get Rid Of Green Fungus Under Acrylic Nail Treatment? 

Are you suffering from green nails? Do not worry; we have adequate remedies for removing green nail fungus. The first thing you need to do as soon as you notice the fungal infection is to remove the acrylic nail. Then, clean your fingers using soap and water. Do not put any new nails till the infection goes away. 

Here, you can try these home remedies to treat green acrylic nails. 

1. Use Tea Tree Oil 

Having antibacterial and antifungal effects, tea tree oil can be a helpful remedy to treat nail fungus. According to research, the external use of tea tree oil is effective for nail fungus. You can directly apply the undiluted tea tree oil to the infected green nails, which is only up to 3 drops. For the diluted tea tree oil, blend 2 parts with 12 parts of base or carrier oils such as coconut or almond oil. Spread the oil straightly on the affected fingernails using a cotton swab twice daily. You can also soak a cotton ball first in the oil and then place it on the affected nail for some minutes.

2. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another effective home remedy you can try to get rid of fungal infections in your acrylic nails. It has been used for a long time for the fingernail fungus because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vinegar can help hinder the growth of bacteria and fungi, causing infection. If you want to use vinegar for green nail fungus:

1. Make a solution by combining 1 part of vinegar with 2 parts of warm water.

2. Soak your infected fingernails in this mixture for 20 minutes daily until the symptoms heal.

3. Have patience; this remedy can take a few weeks to show results. 

3. Make Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is significantly known for its antibacterial effects. This makes it a perfect home remedy that you can give a try to treat your fingernail fungus. It dries out the fungal infection and limits bacterial growth. In addition, it reduces odor, which is one of the rare symptoms of green nails. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected fingernails, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, and then clean it off. Besides this, you can also prepare a baking soda soak in the same manner and dip your affected finger into it for some minutes. This method will add an extra kick.

4. Try Garlic Paste

Another home remedy that you can give a try for your fingernail fungus is garlic. A fresh slice of garlic consists of active compounds: ajoene and allicin. These compounds have antibacterial and antifungal effects, making them practical for healing infections. How to use it? Well, crush a piece of garlic and blend it with a small amount of carrier oil, like olive oil. Spread this mixture on your affected fingernail. You can put the bandage around the nail to keep the garlic in place. Then, leave it for about 30 minutes before you clean it off. 

If these home remedies don’t show any results, it indicates the fingernail fungus is severe and needs professional care. Seeking a medical treatment will be the better option.

Medical Treatment For Fingernail Fungus On Acrylic Nails

If your nail fungal infection is worsening and you’re looking for effective ways to cure fingernail fungus fast, medical treatment is the best and quickest option to heal the disease. Consulting a licensed dermatologist will help you know the exact cause and the proper treatment. Professionals will examine your affected nails and surrounding skin and provide an effective solution. They may prescribe antifungal medications you apply to your green nails or take orally. 

For instance, medicated nail polish is applied to the infected nail once a day. After 7 days, it is cleaned using tissue soaked with alcohol and applied again. Moreover, doctors also recommend some oral antifungal medicines like itraconazole. This drug helps replace the affected part of the fingernails and allows the growth of infection-free new nails. Sometimes, doctors provide antifungal creams like tavaborole (Kerydin) and Efinaconazole (Jublia). It would help if you rubbed these creams on your affected nails. However, considering the prevention measures will be the better option to avoid fungal infection. 

How To Prevent Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Follow these prevention measures to get rid of fungal infections on acrylic nails: 

• Get your nails done at a high-end beauty salon that looks after a good hygiene ritual.

• Well-dry your nails always after taking a shower or after practicing swimming.

• Wear rubber gloves to prevent water overexposure if you frequently use water.

• It is better to keep your hands dry as much as possible.

• Do not place any sharp objects under your artificial nails.

• Use an antifungal powder or spray on your acrylic nails if you are prone to nail fungus.

Conclusion

The trapped moisture under your fingernails commonly causes fungal infections. This leads to excessive growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to complications in green acrylic nails. Initially, most fungal infections are not that severe and can be treated with some remedies at home. But, if the infection progresses, it would need medical care. Scheduling an appointment with the dermatologist can help get the proper treatment. Doctors provide antifungal oral medicines or creams that can safely and efficiently cure the fungus. 

Also Read: Toenail fungus laser treatment: How Effective is it?