Ava Monroe
Long nails can cause pain due to a variety of reasons. Nails are made of keratin, the same substance that creates hair and the top layer of skin. They grow from the nail root, which is hidden under the cuticle, and when new nail cells are formed, they push out the old nail cells, which then flatten and harden. As nails grow, they can exert pressure on the nail bed, causing pain. Additionally, long nails can increase the risk of physical injuries, such as catching your finger in a drawer or dropping something on your nails, which can lead to bruising or bleeding under the nail. Nail biting is also a common cause of nail pain, as it can damage the tissue that helps nails grow and increase the risk of nail infections. Other causes of nail pain include hangnails, ingrown nails, and nail deformities. When experiencing nail pain, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment, which may include home remedies, proper nail hygiene, or medical attention in severe cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Physical injury to the nail | Bleeding, bruising, or a subungual hematoma |
| Nail biting | Tissue damage, increased risk of nail infections |
| Hangnails | Painful if pulled or ripped, may lead to infection |
| Ingrown nails | |
| Infection | May require antibiotics, steroids, antifungals, or other medical interventions |
| Tumor under the nail | May require drainage or nail removal |
| Pressure on the nail bed |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nail biting
Long nails can exert pressure on the nail bed, causing pain. This pain can be alleviated by trimming or filing the nails.
To stop nail biting, it is important to identify the triggers and find replacement behaviours. For example, squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum can help distract from the urge to bite one's nails. Keeping nails trimmed can also reduce the temptation to bite them. If you are unable to break the habit on your own, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the psychological aspects of nail biting. In addition, habit-reversal training and self-control interventions can be effective in managing this behaviour.
While minor issues with nail biting rarely require medical attention, severe cases may cause long-term damage, especially if bitten nails are swallowed, as this can lead to stomach or intestinal infections. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the potential consequences and seek appropriate support to quit nail biting if needed.
Artificial Nails: A Popular Beauty Trend Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Physical injuries
Nails are strong, but they can be injured when something heavy falls on them, they get caught in a door, or when cut by a sharp object. These injuries are usually painful because there are many nerves under and around the nails. A physical injury to the nail can cause bruising or bleeding underneath the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail. The nail may fall off before it regrows, and a bruised nail may feel tender as it heals.
A nail injury can also result in a cut or laceration that pierces the nail and nail bed beneath. This can cause larger subungual hematomas and significant pain. In some cases, the nail may lift away from the nail bed, or the nail and part of the nail bed may pull away from the rest, either partially or entirely. This type of injury, called a nail bed avulsion, typically results from the nail being crushed or sustaining a high-impact injury.
If you experience a nail injury, the treatment will depend on the type and seriousness of the injury. Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, especially when no other injuries are present. However, it is important to seek medical advice if there is severe bleeding or if you suspect a broken finger or toe. In more serious cases, you may need to go to an urgent care centre or emergency room, where they will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and provide treatment to repair the nail and nail bed.
For any nail injury, it is important to practise good wound care. This includes cleaning the wound so that it can be examined more closely. If it has been more than ten years since your last tetanus shot, you may need another one. In some cases, the finger or toe may be numbed with medicine before treatment to reduce pain. In addition, a tourniquet may be used to slow blood flow and prevent bleeding during the procedure.
Soaking Nails in Olive Oil: How Long Is Enough?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Ingrown Toenail Treatment & Corrector with Latex Elasticity - Curved Toenail Straightener | Effective Daily Solution for Ingrown Toenail Pain & Growth Correction [M/0.75inches/18-20mm]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513bkHa42TL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Infections
Long nails can become a source of various infections, which can cause pain and discomfort. One of the most common nail infections is paronychia, which occurs when bacteria get under the skin around the nail. Paronychia causes pain, swelling, and redness or discoloration of the finger, especially around the cuticle. In some cases, pus may build up under the skin, leading to a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess that may require antibiotics or drainage. If left untreated, paronychia can lead to abnormal nail growth, with ridges or waves, and the nail may appear yellow or green, dry, and brittle.
Another type of nail infection is a fungal nail infection, which can affect both toenails and fingernails. This infection causes the nail to become thickened, discoloured, and distorted, making it easy to break. Fungal nail infections develop slowly, usually starting at the edge of the nail and then spreading. In some cases, the whole nail can break off, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding skin. Treatment for fungal nail infections involves using antifungal nail medicine or tablets, which need to be used consistently for several months.
Long nails can also contribute to the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Studies have found a correlation between long nails on healthcare workers and infection outbreaks in intensive care units, with microbes having more surface area to grow on, and proper handwashing being impeded. In some tragic cases, long nails on nurses have been linked to lethal infectious outbreaks in newborns.
To prevent and treat nail infections, it is essential to maintain good nail hygiene. This includes regularly cleaning and trimming nails, avoiding nail biting and picking at cuticles, and keeping nails dry and clean. In the case of severe infections, medical advice should be sought, as antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary.
The Best Duration for SNS Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pressure on the nail bed
Long nails can exert pressure on the nail bed, causing pain. This pain can be relieved by trimming or filing the nails.
The nail bed is the area of skin beneath the nail plate, where the nail meets the finger. When nails grow long, they can put pressure on this sensitive area. This pressure can cause discomfort and pain. In some cases, the pressure may be due to an injury to the nail bed, such as a heavy object falling on the nail or catching it in a door. Such injuries can cause bruising or bleeding under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which can be extremely painful and may require medical attention.
Leaving nails alone and allowing them to grow out is recommended for treating pain caused by hangnails, physical injuries, and nail biting. Maintaining good nail hygiene and trimming nails regularly are also important. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it is advisable to consult a doctor for advice and suitable treatments.
The location of nail pain can sometimes indicate its cause. For example, pain under the nail when pressed may be due to an injury or infection. In some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a subungal tumor, which may require medical diagnosis and treatment.
While long nails can cause pressure and pain on the nail bed, it is important to address the issue by properly trimming or filing the nails. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to further discomfort and possible injury to the nail bed.
Nail Care: Healthy Habits for Longer Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Poor acrylic application
Filing down your natural nail is part of the acrylic process, exposing your nail plate and the nerves underneath. This means that your nails will be more reactive to pressure. If your nails hurt for longer than two days, you should see a technician as soon as possible to have the acrylic nails removed. It is better to seek a professional in this situation as they can minimize the pain of taking the acrylics off.
In addition, improper cuticle preparation can lead to irritation or infection. The cuticle should be properly trimmed, but acrylic should not be applied directly to it. If the cuticle is not prepared properly, the acrylic will slowly and painfully separate from the nail as the cuticle grows out.
To prevent pain from acrylic nails, it is important to choose an experienced nail technician, use quality products, and avoid doing your own acrylics unless trained.
Kerasal Nail: How Long Until You See Results?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nails are strong, but they can be injured when something heavy falls on them or gets caught in a door. These injuries usually cause pain because there are many nerves under and around the nails.
-
Nail pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including hangnails, physical injuries, biting your nails, or infections.
-
Treatment for nail pain depends on the underlying cause. For minor issues, such as hangnails, it is best to leave your nails alone and maintain good nail hygiene. For more severe injuries or infections, you may need to seek medical advice and treatment.
