Nail pain is not inherently painful; however, various conditions and injuries can cause nails to become painful. The sensation of pain is linked to underlying issues affecting the nail, its surrounding tissues, or the nail bed.
Causes of Nail Pain
Several factors can lead to painful nails. These include:
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Injury: A direct blow, a crushing injury, or even a minor trauma can cause pain under the nail. A torn or cracked nail exposing the nail bed is particularly painful until new skin grows back (typically a month or two). [Source: You might experience pain when pressing on your nail if it is torn or cracked, which can reveal your nail bed. This can be painful before new skin grows to cover the open and raw area. New skin will grow after a week, and the nail should regenerate or grow over the tender spot after a month or two.09-Aug-2021]
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Infection: Paronychia, an infection of the skin around the nail, leads to swelling, redness, and significant pain. [Source: Paronychia (pahr-uh-NIK-ee-uh) is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. The infected area can become swollen, red, and painful. ] Nail fungus can also cause pain, especially if it thickens the nail. [Source: If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help.]
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Ingrown nails: These nails grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, inflammation, and potential infection. [Source: The Painful (and Gross) Truth About Ingrown Toenails]
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Improperly applied artificial nails: Pressing press-on nails too firmly can create pain due to the pressure on the natural nail. [Source: Tip: don't press the press ons down hard or use sticky tabs! The curve difference is what's causing the pulling pain.]
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Underlying medical conditions: In rare cases, nail pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying health problem. However, most nail pain stems from temporary issues. [Source: Nail pain is not linked to a serious health condition. Most are caused by temporary issues like injuries and irritation that resolve with treatment.]
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many nail pain issues resolve on their own, it's important to see a doctor if:
- Pain is severe or persistent.
- There's signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
- You have a suspected ingrown toenail.
