The pain you feel when pressing on your fingernail can be due to several reasons, often related to the sensitive tissue underneath.
Common Causes of Fingernail Pain Upon Pressure
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Injury | A recent bump, hit, or crush to the nail area can lead to inflammation and pain when pressed. |
| Infection | Bacterial or fungal infections under the nail can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness. |
| Subungual Hematoma | Blood trapped under the nail, often from an injury, causes pressure and discomfort. |
| Tumor | Though less common, a tumor growing under the nail can lead to pain upon pressure. |
Details on Potential Causes
- Injury: Even minor traumas can cause pain as the area under the nail is very sensitive and has many nerve endings.
- Infection: Infections might cause visible changes to the nail, like discoloration or thickening, alongside pain.
- Subungual Hematoma: If you recently hit your finger, the dark discoloration under the nail means blood is trapped, which can be painful.
- Tumor: A tumor is a more serious but rare possibility, requiring a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment, based on the reference that states that "more serious causes of fingernail pain may include a tumor under the nail".
Home Care for Fingernail Pain
For minor pain, you can try the following:
- Cold compress: Applying ice packs to the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Warm soak: Soaking your finger in warm water can provide comfort and may help with infections.
When to See a Doctor:
If the pain persists, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, pus, or discoloration, consult a doctor to rule out more serious causes.
