"What Should I Do if the Inside of My Nail Hurts Upon Pressure?"

Pain within the fingernail, particularly when pressed, frequently stems from paronychia, trauma, or excessive nail trimming. Tailored treatment should be administered contingent upon the specific underlying cause. Various strategies may be employed, including heat application, acupuncture and physiotherapy, topical medications, soaking in hot water approximately 40 degrees Celsius, and refraining from overusing the nails.

1. Possible Paronychia

Paronychia represents an inflammation of the fingernail attributed to bacterial infection. Symptoms may encompass pain, swelling, and potentially cysts in later stages. This condition often arises due to injury, abrasion, ingrown nails, or the removal of "hangnails." Consultation with a physician for diagnosis and treatment is imperative, which may encompass heat application, acupuncture and physiotherapy, topical medications, and the use of iodine or antibiotics. In later stages, if fluid accumulates, a longitudinal incision may be performed within the nail groove for drainage. If a subcutaneous abscess develops beneath the nail, nail removal or trimming may be necessary. When removing the nail, caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the nail bed, thereby preventing deformity of the new nail.

2. Trauma

Frequent nail usage, such as typing on a keyboard, squeezing, or bumping, can lead to bleeding and nail pain. Mild pain may be alleviated by soaking the hand in hot water around 40 degrees Celsius to promote blood circulation and relieve discomfort. In cases of severe pain, immediate medical attention is advised, as associated inflammation may necessitate medication-based treatment.

3. Excessive Nail Trimming

Many individuals tend to trim their nails excessively short during grooming. Over time, this practice can facilitate bacterial invasion and infection within the nail. If nails are trimmed too short and subsequently used for peeling hard objects or typing, it can exacerbate pain. If pain arises, avoiding excessive nail use is recommended, as the pain should resolve spontaneously within a few days. It is crucial to maintain nails at an appropriate length, ideally flush with the fingertip. Both excessively long and short nails are detrimental to fingertip health and can readily lead to injury, pain, and infection.