Ava Monroe
A throbbing fingernail can be caused by a number of issues, including a subungual hematoma, a bacterial or fungal infection known as paronychia, or a hangnail. Treatment depends on the cause of the throbbing and can be done at home or may require a visit to a healthcare provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Smashing finger in a door, hitting with a heavy object, cutting with a sharp object, nail biting, skin conditions, etc. |
| Symptoms | Throbbing pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, bruising, nail damage, etc. |
| Treatment | Soaking in warm water, applying ice, keeping hand/foot elevated, antibiotics, antifungal medication, etc. |
| Prevention | Avoiding nail biting and skin picking, wearing protective gloves when working with chemicals, moisturizing hands, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Treat a hangnail
Hangnails are small but can be surprisingly annoying and even painful. They are usually a sign that the skin around your fingernails is dry and lacking oil. Hangnails can also be caused by frequent hand washing, cold weather, exposure to harsh chemicals, biting your nails, or picking at your skin.
Hangnails can often be treated at home and will often heal on their own. However, it is important to treat them properly to avoid infection. Here are some steps you can take to treat a hangnail:
Soak the Hangnail
Soak the affected finger in clean, warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also add soap to the water. This will help to soften the skin around the hangnail.
Trim the Hangnail
After soaking, gently trim the hangnail as close to the skin as possible using sanitized nail clippers, nail scissors, or cuticle cutters. Be sure to sterilize the tool with an alcohol swab before use. Avoid tearing or biting the hangnail, as this can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection.
Apply a Topical Treatment
Apply a small amount of vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or a fragrance-free moisturizing cream to the affected area to keep the skin moisturized and promote healing. You can also use an over-the-counter antibacterial or antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
Bandage the Area
If the hangnail is sore or bleeding, cover it with a bandage to protect it from infection and promote healing.
Prevent Future Hangnails
To prevent future hangnails, it is important to keep the skin around your nails healthy and moisturized. Use a daily hand cream or cuticle oil, especially during dry weather or when exposed to water and drying soaps. Wear gloves when in contact with detergents or chemicals, and when washing dishes, gardening, or going outside in cold weather.
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Treat a nail injury
A throbbing finger nail is usually a symptom of a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail. It is typically caused by a heavy object falling on the finger, or the finger getting caught between two objects or in a doorway.
To treat a nail injury, follow these steps:
Assess the injury
Determine the type and seriousness of the injury. If the nail is cut or torn, and/or there is a deep wound, seek medical attention. If the nail is still attached to the nail bed and the bleeding can be stopped, you may be able to treat the injury at home.
Remove jewellery and apply ice
Take off any jewellery from your hand, using soap if necessary to help rings slip off. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. Keep your hand or foot elevated above the level of your heart to reduce throbbing.
Clean the wound
Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes with soap and warm water. If there is a lot of blood under the nail (subungual hematoma), it can be drained through a small hole in the nail, usually made with a needle. This will also relieve pain and pressure.
Apply ointment and bandage
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the injured area and cover with a bandage.
Take medication
Take prescription pain relievers or over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen helps with pain but not swelling.
Prevent further injury
Keep the affected area dry and follow any other treatment instructions from your doctor.
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Treat paronychia
Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around the nail. It is characterised by throbbing pain, swelling, and redness in the damaged skin around the nail. The condition can be acute or chronic, with chronic paronychia being present for longer than six weeks. Acute paronychia is caused by bacterial infections, whereas irritants like detergents and other chemicals cause most chronic cases.
Acute Paronychia Treatment
If you have mild acute paronychia, you can treat yourself by soaking the finger or toe in warm water for 15 minutes, two to four times a day. You can also add Burow solution or 1% acetic acid (vinegar) to the water. If your symptoms do not improve with this treatment, or if pus develops near the nail, contact your doctor. They may treat it with an oral, topical, or intravenous antibiotic, and may also drain the pus.
Chronic Paronychia Treatment
Chronic paronychia usually requires several weeks of antifungal medication. It is important to keep the hands dry and clean throughout the treatment period. If your job requires your hands to be wet or exposed to germs, you may need to take time off.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that may help with mild cases of paronychia. These include:
- Soaking the infected area in warm water with lemon and salt
- Applying magnesium sulfate paste to the infected area
- Applying ice (inside a cloth) for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that
- Keeping your hand or foot above the level of your heart
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen
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Treat a broken bone in the finger
Throbbing pain in your fingernail could be a symptom of paronychia, a common nail condition caused by bacterial or fungal infection. It can be caused by biting your nails, exposing your nails to irritants, or having certain underlying skin conditions. If left untreated, paronychia can lead to severe infections and even bone infections. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have paronychia.
Now, if you have a broken bone in your finger, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A broken finger bone can cause your whole hand to be out of alignment and may result in long-term issues such as arthritis if not treated properly. Here are some steps you can take to treat a broken finger bone:
- Immobilize the finger: It is important to keep the broken finger immobilized to prevent further injury and promote healing. This can be done by using a splint or cast, or by strapping it to another finger to keep it in position.
- Manage pain and swelling: Apply ice packs wrapped in a thin cloth to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to help reduce swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Seek medical attention: Get medical advice as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely obtain X-rays or other advanced imaging tests to understand the fracture better and determine the appropriate treatment.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required, especially if the break is complicated or involves damage to nerves, tendons, or ligaments. Small devices, such as pins, screws, plates, or wires, may be used to hold the fractured bones together.
- Rehabilitation: Once the bone has healed, your doctor may recommend gentle hand exercises to improve finger mobility and prevent stiffness. It may take 3 to 4 months before full strength returns to your hand.
It is important to note that this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations.
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Prevent a nail injury
A nail injury can occur when any part of your nail becomes injured, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, and the skin around the sides of the nail. Smashing your finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer or another heavy object, or cutting it with a sharp object can cause a nail injury.
To prevent a nail injury, it is important to keep your nails short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Ensure your shoes fit well and have a wide toe box to prevent rubbing. Wear the proper gear to protect your nails while playing sports.
If you work with chemicals, wear protective gloves to lower the risk of developing a bacterial nail infection. Bartenders, dishwashers, and other people with jobs that require wet hands are also at higher risk of developing paronychia, a common nail infection.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range by following your diet and taking your medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Throbbing in the finger nail can be caused by a number of issues, including a subungual hematoma, paronychia, or a hangnail. To treat a subungual hematoma, you should seek medical attention for a simple drainage procedure. For paronychia, you should soak the finger in warm water for at least 15 minutes, two to four times a day. If symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor. To treat a hangnail, soak the affected finger in clean, warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently clip the hangnail with sterile nail clippers.
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail that develops after sudden trauma to the nail, like dropping a heavy object on it.
Paronychia is a common nail condition and bacterial nail infection that can cause throbbing pain, swelling, and redness in the area of damaged skin around a nail.
A hangnail is a piece of cuticle skin that can lead to an infection called paronychia.
To prevent nail injuries, avoid biting your nails, keep your nails moisturized, and wear protective gloves when working with chemicals.
