Isla Bennett
Experiencing pain in your nails can be uncomfortable and concerning. There are several reasons why your nails may hurt, ranging from temporary issues like injuries and irritation to more serious underlying conditions. In some cases, nail pain may be a result of physical trauma, such as smashing your finger or dropping something heavy on it, leading to a condition called a subungual hematoma. Additionally, ingrown nails, nail biting, hangnails, and fungal infections can also contribute to nail pain. While some causes of nail pain can be managed with home remedies, it is important to seek medical advice if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of pain | Infection, injury, nail biting, ingrown nails, fungal infection, gel manicures, hangnails, nail growths, nail deformities, inflammatory or infectious diseases, external or traumatic factors, subungual exostosis, subungual hematoma, subungal tumors |
| Symptoms | Sharp, burning or dull pain, inflammation, warmth, redness, swelling, bleeding, nail discolouration, nail thickening, nail thinning, nail crumbling, nail falling off, nail curving and growing into the skin |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, steroids, antifungals, drainage, nail removal, home remedies, medical treatments, soaking the nail in water, wearing appropriate footwear, applying topical products, applying a cold compress, applying a warm soak, applying antibiotic ointment, bandaging the wound |
| Action required | Contact a doctor for advice if the pain is severe, persistent, or recurrent, or if there is bleeding that cannot be controlled |
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What You'll Learn
Nail biting
If you bite your nails too far, you may experience throbbing pain a few hours later. This is likely due to exposed nerve endings and increased blood flow to the damaged area as your body tries to repair it. Biting your nails too far can also create an open wound that can get infected.
If you experience nail pain due to nail biting, there are several treatments you can try. Soaking the affected nail in warm water for 20 minutes at a time can help relieve symptoms. You can also try cleaning and softening any hangnails with warm, soapy water, then gently removing them with sterile nail clippers, being careful not to cut your cuticles.
If your nail pain is severe or does not improve with home remedies, it is important to contact your doctor for advice. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend suitable treatments, which may include medical treatments such as antibiotics or surgery to remove part or all of the nail.
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Hangnails
If a hangnail becomes infected, it may require medical attention, especially if the infection does not improve or worsens. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, and the presence of pus. To prevent hangnails, it is important to keep the skin around the nails healthy and hydrated by using hand lotion, cuticle oil, or moisturizer.
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Ingrown nails
If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet, you are at a greater risk of complications from ingrown toenails. Complications can be severe if you have poor blood circulation or nerve damage, and a minor injury may not heal properly and become infected.
Ingrown toenail symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the affected toe. In rare, chronic cases, an ingrown toenail infection can spread through the toe and into the bone.
Ingrown toenail treatment includes soaking the foot in warm water mixed with Epsom salt or soapy water twice daily, keeping the foot dry the rest of the time, gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or dental floss between the nail and the skin, using an antibiotic cream and a bandage, and wearing roomy shoes or sandals. Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also help ease toe pain.
If symptoms do not improve with home remedies, or if there are signs of infection or a severe ingrown toenail, it is important to see a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider may treat a mild ingrown toenail by placing a gutter splint under the nail to separate it from the overlying skin and ease the pain. For more severe cases, a healthcare provider may partially or completely remove the ingrown portion of the nail through a procedure called nail avulsion.
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Fungal infections
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, account for over 50% of all nail diseases. They can affect the toenails, fingernails, or both. Toenails are more commonly affected, but fingernails can also be affected. These infections are caused by different types of yeasts or molds that enter the nail through cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin.
Fungal nail infections usually start at the edge of the nail and spread to the entire nail, causing it to become thicker and turn white, yellow, or green. The nail may also become brittle and crumbly, and the whole nail can sometimes lift off, leading to swollen and painful skin around it. In some cases, the nail may become discoloured or tender to the touch.
Fungal nail infections are typically treated with antifungal creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor. For more severe infections, a doctor may recommend oral antifungal tablets, which can take up to 6 months to fully clear the infection. It is important to note that these tablets may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In some cases, badly infected nails may need to be surgically removed.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is recommended to keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you wear trainers for extended periods, as hot and sweaty feet provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. Additionally, maintaining short and clean nails can help reduce the risk of infection by limiting the areas where fungi can grow and spread.
While fungal nail infections are not typically serious, they can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Bruising or bleeding under the nail
A bruise or bleeding under the nail is called a subungual hematoma. It is caused by blunt or crush trauma, which damages the blood vessels under the nail plate. This results in blood collecting under the nail, causing pressure, pain, and discoloration. The nail may appear purple, brown, or black.
Subungual hematomas are typically minor injuries, and the pain usually subsides within a few days. However, if there is intense pain or it worsens over time, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may decide to drain the hematoma to relieve the pressure and provide relief from the pain. This procedure is known as decompression or trephination, and it involves creating a hole in the nail to allow the blood to drain.
After the procedure, the doctor will bandage the nail, and you may be instructed to use cold compresses and elevate the affected area for the first 12 hours. In some cases, a splint may be recommended for a few days until the tenderness subsides. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
Most subungual hematomas heal without complications, and any pain should subside within a few days or immediately after drainage. However, the nail may still appear discolored for several weeks as it grows out. In rare cases, nail discoloration and bleeding may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you have not had any recent injuries to rule out other possible causes.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including nail infections, physical injury, nail biting, gel manicures, and hangnails.
Treatment for nail pain depends on the underlying cause. Soaking the nail in warm water, applying topical antibiotic cream, and keeping your hands dry and warm can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, medical treatments such as antibiotics, steroids, antifungals, or surgery may be required.
It is recommended to seek medical advice if the pain is severe, if there is bleeding or injury to the nail bed, or if the pain persists or gets worse.
