Ava Monroe
Fingernails are made of dead skin cells, so it can be surprising to experience pain in your nails. However, it is not uncommon to experience nail pain, and there are many potential causes. One common cause of nail pain is a paronychia, or a nail infection, which can be bacterial or fungal. In addition to pain, nail infections tend to cause swelling and redness or discolouration of the finger, especially around the cuticle. Other causes of nail pain include psoriasis, injury, and dryness. If you are experiencing nail pain, it is important to determine the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment. This may involve home remedies, medical treatments, or a combination of both.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pain during fingering | Soreness, dryness, irritation, stress and anxiety |
| Nail-related pain | Infection, ingrown nails, injury, nail biting, fungal infection, inflammation, paronychia, psoriasis, hangnails |
| Treatment for nail-related pain | Antibiotics, steroids, antifungals, drainage, nail removal, warm water soak, bandaging, moisturising, trimming nails |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernail pain can be caused by a fungal nail infection
- Bacteria entering an injury on the cuticle, nail bed, or finger can cause a nail infection
- Dryness, nail-biting, and injury can cause nail pain
- Fingernail pain can be caused by a tumour under the nail
- Artificial nails can damage the nail bed, making the area more prone to injury and infection
Fingernail pain can be caused by a fungal nail infection
Fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without treatment. However, treatment may not be necessary in mild cases. For more severe infections, antifungal medication may be recommended. Antifungal medication comes in tablets or a special paint that is applied directly to the nail. A small sample of the infected nail may need to be tested before treatment to confirm the presence of a fungal infection. If the treatment is working, a new healthy nail should start to grow from the base of the nail over the course of a few months. The two most commonly prescribed antifungal medications are terbinafine and itraconazole. These medications usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months. If medication is stopped too early, the infection may return. Antifungal tablets have many listed side effects and are not available over the counter. If you prefer not to take tablets, your doctor may suggest trying antifungal nail paint instead. However, nail paint may not be as effective as tablets because it can be difficult for it to reach the deeper layers of the nail.
Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted, with white or yellow streaks across the nail. The nail may become rough, soft, and prone to crumbling, and the area around the nail may become swollen and inflamed. In some cases, the infection may create a pocket of pus that drains. To relieve pain and swelling at home, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and soak the infected nail in warm water with Epsom salts or Burrow's solution.
Fingernail pain can also be caused by other conditions, such as psoriasis or hangnails.
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Bacteria entering an injury on the cuticle, nail bed, or finger can cause a nail infection
Fingernails are meant to protect vulnerable skin and make everyday tasks possible. However, a tiny break, crack, or cut in the skin around a nail can create an environment that is ripe for infection. Bacteria entering an injury on the cuticle, nail bed, or finger can cause a nail infection.
The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail come together. Bacteria can enter through tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin, causing a nail infection. Nail biting, picking at the cuticles, or even a manicure can create these small openings for bacteria to enter.
Bacteria can also enter the finger through a small cut or puncture wound. Although the wound can be anywhere on the hand, infectious flexor tenosynovitis is particularly likely to develop if the wound is near a joint in the palm side of the hand. A person can develop cellulitis when bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus, enter the skin through an opening in the skin, such as an injury. The bacteria enter the lower layers of the skin through an open wound and can spread to other parts of the hand and fingers via the bloodstream.
Frequent hand washing and dry weather can cause cracked skin and create an environment for bacteria to thrive. Prolonged exposure to water and cleaning products can also dry out the skin around nails, making them more prone to crack and providing a breeding ground for bacteria.
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Dryness, nail-biting, and injury can cause nail pain
Fingernails are meant to protect vulnerable skin and facilitate everyday tasks. However, dryness, nail-biting, and injuries can cause nail pain and sensitivity.
Dryness
Dry nails can become brittle and prone to breakage, which can lead to pain and sensitivity. Dryness can be caused by frequent hand washing, dry weather, and exposure to water and cleaning products. To prevent dryness, it is recommended to moisturize hands and nails regularly and use gloves when in prolonged contact with water or cleaning products.
Nail-biting
Nail-biting is a common habit that can be challenging to break. It can cause short-term issues such as dental problems and chipped teeth. Additionally, it can lead to nail pain and sensitivity by creating hangnails and ragged edges that can catch on clothing or other surfaces. In rare cases, swallowing bitten-off nails can lead to long-term damage, and ingesting bacteria on the nails can cause stomach or intestinal infections.
Injury
Nail injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries that require medical attention. The nail, nail bed, cuticle, and surrounding skin can all be affected by injuries. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired with stitches or glue. To reduce pain and swelling, it is recommended to apply ice and keep the hand or foot elevated above the heart. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
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Fingernail pain can be caused by a tumour under the nail
Fingernail pain can be caused by a number of issues, including bacterial infections, psoriasis, and fungal infections. However, in rare cases, it can also be caused by a tumour under the nail, known as a subungual glomus tumour.
Glomus tumours are rare, small, benign neoplasms that are most commonly found on the hand, especially the fingers. They are typically less than one centimetre in size and consist of glomus bodies, which are specialized smooth muscle cells that regulate blood flow in capillaries in response to temperature changes. While these tumours are usually benign, they can cause significant pain and discomfort.
The classic symptoms of a subungual glomus tumour include local sensitivity, pain associated with exposure to cold environments, and severe pain following minor trauma. The pain caused by these tumours can be throbbing or lancinating, and it can be difficult to detect due to their small size and slow growth rate. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of medical history, MRI findings, and histology confirmation.
It is important to note that fingernail pain can have various causes, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the context of sexual activity, fingernail pain during fingering can be caused by dryness, inexperience, or bacterial infections. It is important to ensure that hands are clean and well-groomed, and communication between partners is essential to address any discomfort.
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Artificial nails can damage the nail bed, making the area more prone to injury and infection
Artificial nails can damage the nail bed in several ways, making the area more prone to injury and infection. Firstly, to apply artificial nails, the surface of natural nails is often filed until it feels rough, which thins and weakens the natural nails. This process of roughing up the top plate of the natural nail allows the acrylic coating to bond and harden, resulting in stiff and strong artificial nails. However, this filing makes the natural nail bed more susceptible to damage and infection.
Additionally, the chemicals used in the application and removal of artificial nails can irritate the skin around the nails and increase the risk of infection. The removal process often involves soaking in acetone or filing, which can further damage the natural nail bed. Artificial nails also require frequent touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks as the nails grow out, leading to more filing and potential damage to the nail bed.
Furthermore, artificial nails can increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Nail separation, or onycholysis, can occur, creating an ideal space for fungi and bacteria to grow. This separation can be caused by cuticle abrasion, which happens when cuticles are cut or are too dry. Contaminated objects or unsterilized equipment can also introduce bacteria to the damaged or cracked skin around the nails.
To reduce the risk of infection and damage to the nail bed, it is recommended to reserve artificial nails for special occasions and allow time for the natural nails to recover. When getting artificial nails, opting for gel nails that soak off instead of acrylic nails can result in less damage to the nail bed. It is also important to skip cuticle trimming as cuticles protect the nails and skin from infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be painful if your partner has long nails. Nails, especially if they are fake, can cause dryness, soreness, and irritation. It is important to ensure that your partner's hands are clean and well-groomed to avoid transmitting bacteria.
To prevent soreness and irritation, you can ask your partner to go slow and take their time. It is also important to ensure that you are very wet to reduce friction and increase pleasure.
Fingering with long nails can increase the risk of transmitting bacteria and causing infections. It is important to ensure that your partner's hands are clean and their nails are well-maintained to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria and causing infections.
