Is it nail fungus or green nail syndrome? Nail fungus and Green Nail syndrome can easily be confused as the other because they have similar symptoms. Nail fungus symptoms include yellow or brown discoloration, deforming or crumbling nails, lifting from the nail bed, and foul odor similar to cheese. Green nail syndrome is caused by a bacterial infection. Its symptoms include yellow-green or greenish-black discoloration, misshapen nails, lifting away from the nail bed, odor similar to sugary fruit.

Green Nail Syndrome

Green nail syndrome is caused by a kind of bacteria that can be found in soil and stagnant water. This kind of bacteria can cause Pneumonia if it enters the lungs, wound infections, and necrotizing enterocolitis in the gut. It usually affects older people and can attack hands and feet that are regularly submerged in water. One can also catch it from gardening, even if wearing gloves.

Nail Fungus

Fungal nail infections are more common than green nail syndrome. The most obvious symptom is yellow or brown discoloration. In severe cases, the nail can turn brown. There are 4 different kinds of infection. Distal subungual onychomycosis is when the infection is under the nail. White superficial onychomycosis causes small white spots on the top of the toenails. Proximal subungual onychomycosis starts at the cuticle. 

Toenail fungus and Green Nail Syndrome can occur at the same time. In this case, the toenail becomes thick and green at the same time. It can also become brittle and crumbly. It is quite likely to get both at the same time because the two types of infection can work together. The fungal infection causes the nail to break apart, making it more likely to get a bacterial infection.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Long Island, NY recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (516) 256-8771 our Long Island, NY location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.