Caleb Foster
Fingernail pain is a common occurrence that can be caused by a variety of factors. If you are experiencing a burning sensation under your fingernails, it could be due to several reasons. One possible cause is a fungal nail infection, which can result from nail biting, picking at hangnails, or over-exposure to water. Another reason could be physical trauma to the nail, such as dropping something heavy on it, causing a subungual hematoma, which is bruising or bleeding under the nail. Additionally, the process of applying acrylic nails or wearing nail polish for extended periods can lead to dryness, irritation, and nail damage, making your nails more susceptible to pain. In some cases, the pain may be indicative of a more serious condition, such as an ingrown nail, paronychia (a skin infection around the nails), or even a subungal tumor. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional if the pain persists or if you suspect an underlying issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning sensation | Burning sensation under the nail |
| Location | Index finger |
| Duration | Intermittent |
| Possible causes | Diabetic, nail polish, psoriasis, polyneuropathy, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Burning sensation could be due to a nail infection
A burning sensation in your fingernails could be due to a nail infection, which can be caused by bacteria or fungi. Paronychia, a bacterial nail infection, occurs when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail meet. In addition to pain, paronychia can cause swelling, redness, and discolouration of the finger, especially around the cuticle. Pus may also build up under the skin, and the nail may thicken.
Fungal nail infections can arise when a fungus enters an injury on, under, or around the nail. Nail fungus can cause changes to your fingernail and may result in pain when you press on it. Ingrown nails can also be a result of a fungal infection.
Nail infections can be caused by physical injury to the nail, such as biting your nails or clipping them too short, which can expose the nail bed. The process of applying acrylic nails can also lead to infections, as it often involves cutting the cuticle and filing the nail.
If you suspect you have a nail infection, you should seek medical advice. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication to treat the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the nail.
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Ingrown nails can be very painful
Ingrown nails are a common and very treatable condition, but they can be very painful. They occur when the skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the nail fold, damaging the skin. Ingrown nails are most common in the toes, particularly the big toe, but they can also occur in the fingernails. They are caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or diabetes and other conditions that cause poor blood flow to the feet.
Ingrown nails can be prevented by wearing comfortable shoes with adequate room for the toes, cutting nails straight across instead of curving them to match the shape of the toe, and keeping the feet clean and dry. If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood flow to the feet, it is important to follow all foot care recommendations from your healthcare provider and seek medical help for ingrown nails.
The symptoms of an ingrown nail include hardness, swelling, tenderness, redness, pain, and sometimes a small amount of pus. Ingrown nails can be treated at home by gently lifting the edge of the nail and placing a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss between the nail and the skin. This should be changed daily. Soaking the foot in warm water 3 to 4 times a day and keeping it dry for the rest of the day can also help. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to manage pain.
If there is no improvement in symptoms after a few days, or if the condition worsens, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist. Signs of infection, such as extreme pain, redness, or pus, also require medical attention. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the nail. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the infection.
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Bruising or bleeding under the nail
A subungual hematoma is the medical term for bruising or bleeding under the nail. It occurs when an injury breaks open the blood vessels under the nail, causing blood to collect and become trapped under the nail. This can be the result of blunt or crush trauma, such as dropping something heavy on your finger, or from wearing tight shoes. It can also be caused by repetitive stress from movements such as running.
The first symptom of a subungual hematoma is throbbing pain in the nail area due to the pressure of blood pooling under the nail bed. The second symptom is the discoloration of the nail, which can range from reddish-purple to dark brown or black as the blood clots. The pain typically goes away in a few days, but the nail will take longer to recover. The discolored nail will eventually grow out, fall off, or need to be removed and replaced by a new, healthy one.
Most bruised fingernails and toenails heal without complications, and any pain should ease on its own within a few days or right after drainage. However, it is important to watch for signs of infection, such as red or discolored skin around the nail, swelling, pus, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
In some cases, a subungual hematoma may be an indication of a more serious condition such as subungual melanoma, a rare but potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer. If you are concerned about the appearance of blood under your nails or if the hematoma does not heal, it is important to contact a doctor for advice.
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Fungal nail infections
Fingernail pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including fungal nail infections. Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, account for over 50% of all nail diseases. They can affect the toenails, fingernails, or both.
To treat a fungal nail infection, you can start with over-the-counter or home remedies, such as antifungal creams. For more serious infections, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medication or remove the nail entirely. In some cases, antifungal tablets may be prescribed, but these are not suitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Nail biting and hangnails
Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. It can cause pain and may damage the tissue that helps nails to grow. It can also increase the risk of nail infections, especially if you bite the skin around the nail and the cuticle. Usually, stopping biting nails will be enough to stop the painful symptoms.
Hangnails are small, loose pieces of skin that can appear next to a fingernail. They are a sign that the skin around the nail is lacking oil. Anything that causes dry skin, like frequently washing your hands, cold weather, and harsh chemicals, can deplete the oil in the skin and contribute to hangnail growth. Manicuring or cutting the nail too short, nail biting, and picking at or cutting the cuticle can also lead to hangnails and infections. This causes a weaker nail bed, which triggers hangnail growth.
To treat a hangnail, it is recommended to keep the area clean and soak the nail in cool water. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage while it heals. If the hangnail still hurts or does not heal after several days, it may be infected and require a doctor’s treatment.
To prevent hangnails, it is important to keep your skin moisturized and make simple lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding harsh soaps and chemicals, wearing gloves when cleaning or gardening, and drinking lots of water. It is also recommended to avoid biting your nails and cuticles, as this can lead to hangnails and infections.
If you are struggling to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try. Applying bitter nail polish and keeping your nails short are recommended by dermatologists. You can also try to stop biting one set of nails, such as your thumbnails, first, and then gradually eliminate other nails. If you have repeatedly tried to quit and are unable to stop, it may be a sign of a more serious psychological or emotional problem, and you should consult a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning sensations under the nail can be caused by polyneuropathy, especially if you are diabetic. It is recommended to check your blood sugar levels and consult a doctor.
There are many reasons you may experience nail pain. One common cause is a paronychia, or a nail infection, which can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. Other causes include ingrown nails, physical injury to the nail, and nail biting.
Symptoms of a nail infection include pain, swelling, and redness or discolouration of the finger, especially around the cuticle. Nail infections may also cause the nail to thicken, and pus to drain from around the nail.
Fungal nail infections will usually clear by applying antifungal cream. For more serious infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication.
To prevent nail pain, avoid getting polish and remover under your nails, on your cuticles, and on your fingers. Using natural nail polishes and removers, and regularly moisturising your hands may also help reduce discomfort.
