Isla Bennett
Many people experience pain in their nails due to various reasons. Some common causes of nail pain include hangnails, physical injuries, and nail biting. Hangnails can be painful and infected if torn or ripped, while physical injuries such as a heavy object falling on the nail or catching it in a door can cause bruising or bleeding under the nail. Additionally, nail biting can damage the tissue that helps nails grow and increase the risk of nail infections. Other causes of nail pain include subungal tumors, nail infections, and ingrown nails. Some people also experience pain when their nails grow out, which could be related to the shape and tenderness of the nails, especially with constant nail polish use. While long nails can be aesthetically pleasing to some, they may cause discomfort and get in the way of daily activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pain in fingers and forearms | When nails grow beyond a certain length |
| Pain due to nail biting | --- |
| Pain due to physical injuries | --- |
| Pain due to nail infections | --- |
| Pain due to ingrown nails | --- |
| Pain due to nail fungus | --- |
| Pain due to subungal tumors | --- |
| Pain due to nail polish use | --- |
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What You'll Learn
Nails can hurt when growing due to nail polish use
While there are many reasons why nails can hurt when growing, one of the main causes is the use of nail polish. Nails are strong, but they can be injured when something heavy falls on them or when caught in a door. These injuries are usually painful due to the many nerves under and around the nails.
Nail polish and nail polish remover contain chemicals that may damage the skin around the nails. When painting nails or removing polish, it is important to avoid getting these products under the nails, on the cuticles, and on the fingers. Acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, can be harsh and damaging to the nail plate, skin, and cuticles.
Additionally, the process of applying acrylic nails can cause damage to the nails, leading to pain. Preparing natural nails for acrylics often involves cutting and filing down the cuticles, which can weaken the nails and make them more susceptible to pain and injury.
Some people also experience discomfort or a feeling of suffocation when wearing nail polish, which can be alleviated by removing the polish and allowing the nails to breathe.
To reduce discomfort caused by nail polish, it is recommended to use natural nail polishes and removers and to regularly moisturize the hands and nails. Taking breaks between manicures and keeping nails and cuticles well-moisturized can also help maintain nail health.
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Pain can be caused by physical injuries to the nail
While nails are strong, they can be injured when something heavy falls on them or when they get caught in a door. These injuries are usually painful because there are many nerves under and around the nails. Sometimes, a physical injury to the nail causes bruising or bleeding under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. The nail may also fall off before it regrows, and a bruised nail may feel tender as it heals.
Hangnails are another common cause of nail pain. They can be painful and prone to infection, especially if you tear or rip them. To treat a hangnail, clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, apply an antibiotic cream to the nail, and wrap it in a bandage. If a hangnail continues to ache or does not recover after several days, it may be infected and require medical attention.
Nail biting can also cause pain and damage the tissue that helps nails grow. Biting the skin around the nail and the cuticle can increase the risk of nail infections. Stopping nail biting is usually enough to stop the painful symptoms.
In some cases, nail pain may be caused by an underlying condition, such as a subungal tumor or nail fungus. Subungal tumors are nodules that form underneath the fingernail and can cause severe pain. They may be benign or dangerous and require medical diagnosis and treatment. Nail fungus can affect the appearance of the nail, causing it to darken, thicken, thin, or become crumbly. It can also lead to pain, especially if the infection spreads. Treatment for nail fungus typically involves the use of antifungal creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor.
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Nail biting can cause pain and damage tissue that helps nails grow
While it is unclear why nails begin to ache as they grow out, nail biting could be a contributing factor. Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a common habit, especially among children, and can be difficult to stop. It is often associated with mental health and emotional factors, such as anxiety, boredom, or insecurity. Nail biting can lead to soreness and pain in the nails and surrounding skin, including the tissue that helps nails grow. This can result in abnormal-looking nails and increase the risk of nail infections. Additionally, biting the skin around the nail and the cuticle can damage the tissue that supports nail growth.
Nail biting can cause various issues, including fungal infections, stomach and intestinal infections from swallowing nails, and dental problems such as chipped teeth and misalignment. It can also affect nail growth, leading to abnormal-looking nails. While most nail biters do not develop long-term damage, it is possible for nail biting to cause pain and tissue damage that affects nail growth.
To alleviate nail pain caused by nail biting, it is essential to stop biting your nails and allow them to heal. This may involve finding alternative ways to cope with triggers, such as keeping your hands or mouth busy with other activities. Trimming your nails regularly and maintaining good nail hygiene can also help prevent biting. In some cases, seeking professional help or medical treatment may be necessary to address underlying issues or treat infections.
If you are experiencing pain when your nails grow out, it is important to examine your nail care habits and make any necessary adjustments to promote healthy nail growth. This may include avoiding nail biting, maintaining proper nail hygiene, and seeking professional advice if you have concerns or if pain persists. By taking care of your nails and addressing any harmful habits, you can help alleviate nail pain and promote healthy nail growth.
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Hangnails can be painful and prone to infection
Hangnails are small, but they can be surprisingly annoying and even painful. They are common and often appear when the skin around the nails becomes dry, cracked, or damaged. Hangnails are not part of the nail itself but a sliver of skin that can peel away from the nail's edge.
Hangnails can be painful, especially if they snag on something or get infected. Hangnail infections, also known as paronychia, are common and will often heal without complications. However, hangnails can sometimes lead to infections if not properly cared for. When the protective barrier of skin around the nail is damaged, it can let in bacteria or fungus that cause an infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, and pus.
If you notice symptoms of an infection, it is recommended to seek medical attention, especially if the infection does not improve or worsens. Infected hangnails can be painful, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the finger or, in rare cases, other parts of the body.
To treat an infected hangnail, use a topical antibiotic cream on the affected area for a few days and cover it with a bandage. If your symptoms do not clear within a week or worsen, consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you experience severe pain, major swelling of the finger, excessive pus, or other signs of infection.
To prevent hangnails, it is important to keep the skin around the nails healthy and hydrated. Maintain clean, dry, and moisturized skin. Wash your hands with gentle cleansers and ensure they are thoroughly dried.
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Subungal tumours can inflict pain under the nail
While it is not very common for long nails to cause pain, there are a few reasons why your nails might hurt as they grow out. Subungual hematoma, for instance, is a condition that occurs when an injury bursts blood vessels under the nail, resulting in a red-purple mark. This can be caused by something as simple as trapping your fingernail in a closing door or wearing tight shoes. Subungual hematomas can range from mild to severely painful.
Another possible cause of nail pain is subungual melanoma, also known as nail melanoma. This is a rare but serious form of skin cancer that appears under the nail. It usually presents as a dark, vertical streak on the nail, but it can also occur without the distinctive pigmented streaks, making it challenging to identify. When subungual melanoma is caught early, before the cancer spreads, it is more likely to be successfully treated.
Subungual melanoma can affect the big toe, thumb, or index finger and is not linked to sun exposure like other skin cancers. It occurs when melanocytes, a type of skin cell, become cancerous and produce excess melanin, resulting in hyperpigmentation under the nail. This can lead to discolored nails, which many people mistakenly assume is due to stubbing their toe or infection.
In addition to subungual hematoma and melanoma, other possible causes of nail pain include hangnails, physical injuries, nail biting, and fungal infections. It is important to maintain good nail hygiene and seek medical advice if you are concerned about any pain or changes in your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be that your nails are injured, infected, or inflamed. If the pain is unbearable, it is best to seek medical advice.
There are many reasons why your nails may ache when they grow out. It could be that you have an injury such as a subungual hematoma, or a subungal tumour. Your nails may also be infected, or you could be experiencing paronychia.
A subungual hematoma is bruising or bleeding under the nail, usually caused by a heavy object falling on the nail or getting caught in a door.
Paronychia is the swelling that surrounds your fingernail or toenail. It can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or dermatitis.
Maintaining good nail hygiene is important. Clean and trim your nails regularly, and avoid biting them. If the pain persists, seek medical advice.
