Fungal Viridionychia: Onychomycosis-Induced Chloronychia Caused by Candida parapsilosis-Associated Green Nail Discoloration

Abstract

Green nail syndrome is a form of chromonychia, discoloration of the nail plate, that describes fingernails or toenails that are green in appearance. Bacterial-associated green nail syndrome, referred to as chloronychia, is most common; however, fungal and polymicrobial etiologies have been reported. Two 70-year-old women presented with green discoloration of their nails for over five months; both women had prior unsuccessful treatments and were referred for further evaluation and treatment. The affected nails were biopsied and cultured. Bacterial cultures did not yield any organisms; however, fungal cultures grew Candida parapsilosis after four weeks. Both women were treated with a topical alcohol-based solution and ketoconazole cream with improvement in their nail discoloration after two months. We introduce a term that specifically describes fungal etiology-associated green nail syndrome: viridionychia.