Liam Carter
Experiencing pain in your fingernails can be uncomfortable and concerning. There are several possible causes, including physical injury, nail biting, and irritation. In some cases, the pain may be due to a temporary issue and may resolve without medical treatment. However, it is important to seek medical advice if the pain is severe or persistent. One common cause of nail pain is a paronychia, or nail infection, which can result in swelling, redness, and pain. Ingrown nails, hangnails, and fungal infections can also lead to fingernail pain. Additionally, physical trauma, such as crushing your finger, can cause a hematoma, resulting in blood or fluid buildup under the nail that can be painful.
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What You'll Learn
Hangnails
If a hangnail becomes infected, it can lead to a condition called paronychia, an inflammation of the tissue on the side or base of the fingernail. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, and the presence of pus. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the finger and, in rare cases, can lead to a serious infection that may require the removal of the affected finger or toe. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of infection are present, especially if they do not improve or worsen over time.
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Hematomas
A subungual hematoma is a bruised fingernail or toenail. It occurs when blood pools under the nail plate, causing pain and nail discoloration. It is usually caused by blunt force trauma, such as crushing or dropping something heavy on the finger, which damages the blood vessels under the nail plate. The injury can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed, with the pooling blood creating pressure that lifts up the hard part of the nail.
Subungual hematomas can be very painful, but they are typically minor injuries, and the pain usually subsides within a few days. The pain and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It is important to keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.
If the pain worsens or the hematoma becomes extremely painful, medical treatment may be required. A doctor may recommend a simple procedure called trephination, which involves draining the hematoma to relieve pressure. This procedure should not be attempted at home as it can lead to infections or further injury to the nail bed. The doctor will make a small hole in the nail with a laser or needle, and the area may be wrapped with a bandage.
While subungual hematomas rarely lead to complications, there is a risk of developing a bacterial infection in the injured area, especially if the injury is severe or involves bone damage. It is important to seek medical advice if there are signs of infection or if the pain persists or intensifies. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be necessary to check for underlying injuries or fractures.
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Paronychia
The symptoms of paronychia include pain, redness, and swelling around the nail, particularly around the cuticle. There may also be pus-filled blisters, especially with a bacterial infection. If the infection is fungal, the nail may look detached, abnormally shaped, or discoloured. If left untreated, the nail can start to grow abnormally and may have ridges or waves. It may also look yellow or green and can be dry and brittle. The nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off.
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Ingrown nails
If the ingrown nail becomes infected, it is known as paronychia, which can cause pain, swelling, redness, and discolouration of the finger, especially around the cuticle. In severe cases, paronychia can lead to a serious infection that may require the removal of the affected finger or toe. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain that does not improve with home treatment.
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Fungal infections
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails, and the infection usually develops slowly. It is caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot infecting the nails. Candida is a type of fungus responsible for many toenail fungal infections.
Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to become discoloured, typically a thick, yellow, and brittle appearance. The nail may also become thicker or thinner, distorted, and flaky. In some cases, pieces of the nail may break off and crumble away completely.
Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so it is important to take steps to avoid this if you have an infection. It is also recommended to avoid walking barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms, and gyms.
Fungal nail infections usually clear up by applying antifungal cream. Antifungal medication comes in tablets or a special paint that is applied directly to the nail. For more serious infections, a doctor may prescribe oral medication, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, which are typically taken once or twice a day for several months.
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Frequently asked questions
Pain in the fingernails can be caused by a variety of issues, including injuries, irritation, nail biting, fungal infections, and paronychia.
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or dermatitis. Symptoms include swelling, skin redness, and pain.
Treatment for fingernail pain depends on the underlying cause. In general, it is recommended to maintain good nail hygiene by cleaning and trimming nails regularly. For pain caused by hangnails, it is best to leave them alone and allow them to grow out. For nail infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain an abscess or remove part or all of the nail.
