title: [Black nails caused by Proteus mirabilis].
abstract: Black nails caused by Proteus mirabilis were seen in a motor mechanic and in a petrol pump attendant. Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative bacillus that generates hydrogen sulfide. This compound reacts with traces of metals in the nail plate such as zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, tin, copper and lead. Metal sulfides blacken the nail plate. The protracted course of the discoloration over months corresponds to the slow reactions of metals with hydrogen sulfide. The disappearance of the blackening after topical treatment with chinosol, tincture of iodine and chloramphenicol solution supports the etiologic connection between black nails and Proteus mirabilis. Wet and dirty work encourages the colonisation of Proteus mirabilis between nail fold and nail plate.
authors.affiliation: Hautklinik, Abteilung Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universitäts-Klinik Göttingen, von-Siebold-Strasse 3, 37075 Göttingen.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Qadripur
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schauder
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002701:Chloramphenicol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003116:Color; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D009262:Nails / Q000382:microbiology*; D009790:Occupations; D015125:Oxyquinoline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011512:Proteus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011513:Proteus mirabilis / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D015125:Oxyquinoline; D002701:Chloramphenicol; D007455:Iodine