Pseudomonas

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium known for its ability to cause
infections in various tissues and environments. It is particularly resistant and can thrive in conditions
difficile, making it a microorganism of clinical and environmental interest.

Characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
1.
Morphology:
• Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium.
• It has flagella that give it mobility.
2.
Where is it located:
• It is commonly found in humid environments: water, soil, wet surfaces.
• It is present in hospitals, bathrooms, swimming pools, plumbing systems and medical devices.
3.
Resistence:
• Extremely resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants.
• Suitable for difficult conditions thanks to its ability to form biofilm, which makes it
protect from external attacks.
4.
Pigmentation:
• Produces characteristic pigments (e.g. pyocyanin and pyo-melanin), which can
give a blue-green color to secretions or infections, as in the case of green nail.
Infections caused by Pseudomonas:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, which means that it generally infects
people with a weakened immune system or in specific conditions. Among the most common infections
municipalities:
1.
Skin and nail infections:
• Green nail (Green Nail Syndrome): The infection manifests itself with a reddish color
greenish under or around the nail, caused by the accumulation of pigments from the bacterium.
• It can result from microtraumas, constant humidity, or incorrect application of products
cosmetics (e.g. gels, acrylics).
2.
Respiratory tract infections:
• Common in hospitalized patients or those with diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
3.
Urinary tract infections:
• Often associated with the use of catheters.
4.
Eye infections:
• Can infect damaged corneas or improperly cleaned contact lenses.
5.
Systemic infections:
• In severe cases, it can enter the blood (sepsis), especially in patients
immunocompromised.
Pseudomonas and nails (Green nail):
Green nail is one of the most recognizable superficial infections caused by Pseudomonas. It is
occurs when the bacteria grow under the nail (between the nail and the nail bed) or in the cracks
caused by:
• Artificial nail lifts (gel, acrylic).
• Microtraumas or separations of the natural nail from the nail bed (onycholysis).
• Prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals.
Symptoms:
• Green or blue-green color under the nail.
• Unpleasant odor (in more advanced cases).
• Possible pain or swelling (if the infection gets worse).

Risk factors for Pseudomonas infections:
• Constant humidity: Hands or feet frequently immersed in water.
• Microtraumas: Lesions of the skin or nail.
• Weak immune system: Chronic diseases or use of medications
immunosuppressants.
• Hospital settings: Pseudomonas is a common agent in infections
nosocomial.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is based on:
1.
2.
Treatment:
1.
Clinical observation (e.g. green nail or localized symptoms).
Microbiological culture: Identification of the bacterium through a sample.
For nails:
• Moisture removal and thorough cleaning.
• Use of topical antimicrobials (e.g. 2-5% acetic acid or mouthwashes based on
chlorhexidine).
• In severe cases, systemic antibiotics (if indicated by a doctor).
2.
For other infections:
• Use of specific antibiotics (e.g. ceftazidime or piperacillin), but it is often
an antibiogram is necessary to choose the appropriate treatment, given the resistance of the bacterium.
Prevention:
• Maintain good hygiene, especially of hands and feet.
• Dry nails thoroughly after contact with water.
• Sterilize manicure/pedicure tools.
• Avoid nail trauma or low-quality cosmetic products.
• Change damp or wet gloves frequently.
Curiosities about Pseudomonas:
• It is not dangerous for healthy people, but it is feared for patients with open wounds
or immunosuppressed.
• Its ability to resist disinfectants and antibiotics makes it a problem in
hospitals.
• It is one of the most studied bacteria to understand resistance mechanisms.

Pseudomonas on nails: whose fault is it? The nail technician or the client?

The presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the nails may be the result of a combination of
factors related to both the nail technician's work and the client's habits. To determine "who it belongs to"
"the fault", several aspects must be considered:
Responsibilities of the nail technician:
1.
Instrument hygiene:
• If the instruments used have not been properly sterilized, they may
become a vehicle of infection.
• Using infected files or brushes between clients can transfer the bacteria.
2.
Nail preparation:
• Excessive filing of the natural nail can create micro-lesions, favoring
the entry of the bacteria.
Incorrect preparation of the natural nail:
• If the material (gel, acrylic, semi-permanent polish) does not adhere well or does not
If applied correctly, spaces may form between the product and the nail, where moisture can
accumulates and promotes the proliferation of the bacteria.
3.
Maintenance of artificial nails:
• The nail technician should educate the client on the importance of maintaining the nails in
good condition and book regular touch-ups.
• If the work is not performed regularly, the risk of infections increases.
Customer Responsibilities:
1.
Nail care at home:
• If the customer frequently immerses his hands in water or does not dry them well
nails, increases the risk of infection.
• Peeling or lifting the gel or acrylic yourself can create gaps where the
bacteria can proliferate.
2.
Personal hygiene:
• Poor hygiene can contribute to bacterial growth, especially under the
nails.
3.
Lack of maintenance:
• Delays in touch-ups or maintenance of damaged artificial nails (with
(lifting or breaking) promote the accumulation of moisture and bacteria.
Whose fault is it?
Responsibility can fall on both parties:
• If the nail technician has not respected hygiene protocols or has worked in a
incorrect, it's his fault.
• If the client has not cared for the nails properly or has ignored the advice
of the nail technician (such as avoiding humid environments or repairing a damaged nail), then the
responsibility lies with the customer.
How to prevent problems?
• For nail technicians: Ensure maximum hygiene of the instruments, carry out the work
correctly and educate the customer on maintenance.
• For the customer: Follow the instructions provided, maintain good hygiene and return
from the nail technician for any problems.
Ultimately, “blame” is attributed only by evaluating the specific case, but it is often the result of a
lack of cooperation between the two parties.

What happens if pseudomonas isn't treated immediately?

If a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is not treated promptly, the risks
may vary depending on the severity of the infection, the affected area and the patient's health status
general condition of the person. Let's see what can happen, especially in the case of an infection of the
nails and more systemic infections:
In case of green nail (Green Nail Syndrome):
1.
Progression of infection:
• If left untreated, Pseudomonas can continue to grow under the nail.
• The infection can spread to the nail bed and surrounding tissues, causing
pain, swelling and possible inflammation.
2.
Permanent nail damage:
• Chronic infection can lead to permanent nail deformity.
• The nail may become brittle, thicker or come off completely (onycholysis).
3.
Risk of secondary infection:
• An untreated infection can predispose the area to other bacterial infections or
fungal.
• In severe cases, Pseudomonas can invade underlying tissues, causing
deep infections.
If the infection is already old or chronic:
1.
Resistant biofilm:
• Pseudomonas can form a biofilm (a protective bacterial film) that
makes it even more difficult to treat.
• Antibiotics or topical treatments may become less effective.
2.
Need for more invasive treatments:
• In chronic or severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the infected nail
(procedure called nail extraction).
• Systemic antibiotic treatment may be required, in addition to treatments
local.
3.
Damage to surrounding tissues:
• If the infection continues, it may spread to the skin and adjacent soft tissues,
causing complications such as bacterial cellulitis (a deeper skin infection).
If the infection affects other parts of the body:
If untreated Pseudomonas is found in other areas (e.g. wounds, respiratory tract, urinary tract), the
complications can be more serious:
1.
Systemic infection (sepsis):
• In immunocompromised patients, the bacterium can enter the bloodstream and
cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
2.
Permanent damage:
• A chronic lung infection can cause scarring or worsen diseases
pre-existing (e.g. in cystic fibrosis).
• Untreated urinary tract or ear infections can lead to
permanent complications, such as kidney failure or hearing loss.
3.
Bacterial resistance:
• The longer Pseudomonas is allowed to proliferate without treatment, the greater the risk
risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
When is it too late?
• If the infection is very old or untreated for a long time, it may be
It is necessary to remove the infected tissue (for example, the nail or part of the skin).
• In more severe cases, treatment may take months, with an increased risk of
relapse.
• Once damaged, the nail may not grow back properly or may
not grow back at all.
What to do in case of advanced infection?
1.
Consult a doctor or dermatologist:
• An expert can assess the extent of the infection and prescribe the most appropriate treatments
appropriate.
• In complex cases, an antibiogram may be necessary to choose a
effective antibiotic.
2.
Topical and systemic treatments:
• Use antimicrobial solutions (e.g. acetic acid, chlorhexidine) to control
the superficial infection.
• Oral or intravenous antibiotics for deep or systemic infections.
3.
Prevent complications:
• Remove moisture and keep the area clean and dry.
• Avoid “do it yourself” which could worsen the infection.
Conclusion
Pseudomonas can cause significant damage if not treated promptly. Superficial infections
such as those of the nails can become chronic and difficult to manage, while infections
systemic infections can be life-threatening. Acting promptly and consulting a doctor is
essential to prevent complications and permanent damage.