People who have long nails or fake nails often complain of pain in the nail bed. The problem is common and can be quite painful. If you are someone who has experienced this as well, read on to know why your nail bed hurt and what you can do about it. This is a warning sign that something isn’t right with your nails. The pain in the nail bed could be due to various reasons like dryness, fungi, infections, or stress among others. It could also mean that the artificial nails you have on are too tight and need to be removed immediately before they cause further damage. END
Why do my nail beds hurt?
There are several reasons why your nail beds might be painful. Nail beds are located at the base of your nails and provide support and protection for your nails. The two most common causes of pain in the nail bed are inflammation and infection.
What Is The Reason Nail Beds Hurt?
1. Infection
The most common reason for pain in the nail bed is an infection. The nail bed is a part of your body that is easily infected because of its proximity to the rest of the body. Other causes of infection can be the use of artificial nails, poor hygiene, and poor nail care.
2. Dryness
The second most common reason for pain in the nail bed is dryness. The nail bed is made up of dead cells, which dry out and become brittle when they are exposed to too much moisture. If you have dry nails, you need to moisturize them every day with a hand cream or lotion that has more than 10% oil in it. You should also make sure your nails are trimmed regularly so that they don’t get too long and cause problems for your circulation or cause chipping or splitting due to their length. If you have very dry skin on your hands or feet then make sure to wear socks or gloves that have a high percentage of wool.
3. Fungus
The third most common reason for pain in the nail bed is a fungus infection. The fungus can infect your nails and cause them to become thick and discolored. If you notice this, you must visit a doctor to get it checked out as soon as possible. Apart from the pain, there is also a risk of the nail splitting or breaking because of the fungus infection., discolored, and brittle. You can treat the fungal infection with a nail polish that is designed to treat fungi., yellow, and brittle. This can lead to pain in the nail bed. Fungus infection is an easy problem to solve and you can easily treat it by using a nail strengthener or a nail polish that has an antifungal in it.
4. Stress
The fourth most common reason for pain in the nail bed is stress. When you experience a lot of stress, you tend to lose sleep and this can cause your nails to become weak and brittle as a result of a lack of blood circulation. This causes the nails to become dry, brittle, and prone to breaking. and discolored. This can cause pain and infection in the nail bed. The best way to prevent this is to keep your nails clean and well-trimmed.
5. Dryness Or Damage Caused By Artificial Nails
The fifth most common reason for pain in the nail bed is dryness or damage caused by artificial nails, which are often too tight or too small for your nails, causing them to be painful and irritated when they touch something. If you have been wearing artificial nails for a long time then you should remove them as soon as possible since they can cause further damage to your natural nails if worn on for too long, yellow, and brittle. The fungus can also cause pain in your nail bed. If you have fungus on your nails, you need to get rid of it immediately before it spreads to other parts of your body. You can use a nail brush or soak in a solution of bleach and water before trimming your nails to remove the fungus from beneath the surface.
6. Infection With Bacteria
The fourth most common reason for pain in the nail bed is an infection with bacteria. The bacteria that cause this problem are found in damp or moist areas where there is poor lighting or high humidity. You can reduce the risk of infection by wearing cotton socks whenever you go outside and ensuring that you wash your hands regularly especially after going to places where there is poor ventilation like hospitals, restrooms, and locker rooms among others.
How To Get Rid Of Pain In The Nail Bed?
1. Keep Your Hands And Feet Dry
One of the simplest ways to prevent nail bed swelling is to keep your hands and feet dry. Whether you are washing dishes, gardening, or doing any other household task, try to avoid getting your hands and feet wet. Moisture can lead to infection and increase the risk of swelling in your nail beds. If you have an injury or other medical condition, there are some specific precautions you should take. Patients with diabetes, psoriasis, or eczema are more susceptible to infections. In these situations, keeping your hands and feet dry and clean is crucial.
2. Use A Cooling Gel
To reduce swelling in your nail beds, use a cooling gel. When you have an injury or the nail bed becomes infected, your body responds by sending a lot of blood to the area. If you put a cooling gel on the area, it will help to draw the blood away from the nail bed and back to the heart. This will reduce the swelling in your nail beds, which will reduce your pain. If you have diabetes, be careful with cooling gels. Over-the-counter blister gels can help reduce nail bed pain. When you get a blister, apply an ice pack for a few minutes, then cover the area with a blister gel.
3. Apply Anesthetic Cream Or Ointment
An anesthetic cream or ointment can help to reduce your nail bed’s pain. This type of product contains a numbing agent that will ease your discomfort. Anesthetic creams and ointments can also help to reduce swelling. This can make it easier to apply a bandage, which is one of the best ways to treat nail bed swelling. When you have an infection, anesthetic creams or ointments are not a good option. Instead, you should go for a medication that treats the cause of the infection. Be careful not to use an anesthetic product too frequently, as it can cause damage to the skin.
4. Try A Breathable Bandage
A breathable bandage is a good option to treat nail bed swelling. This type of bandage has tiny holes in it so you can still breathe while it is on your skin. You can also wear a bandage overnight to keep the swelling from getting worse while you sleep. When you have an injury or other medical condition that causes your nail bed to swell, you should use a bandage until the swelling goes down. In some cases, a bandage can help to prevent the swelling from getting worse. If you have an infection in your nail bed, a bandage will trap bacteria inside your skin. This can make the infection harder to get rid of.
5. Go For Warmth And Pressure
If you have an injury, warmth and pressure can help to reduce the swelling. This can be especially useful if you are suffering from a black or broken nail. You can apply warmth and pressure by putting a warm washcloth on your nail bed for a few minutes. While you have the warm washcloth on your nail bed, use your other hand to apply firm pressure to the area. This can help treat all types of nail bed swelling. If your nail bed is infected, you should avoid applying warmth. This can increase the swelling in the area, which can lead to more pain and complications.
6. Get A Manicure
A manicure can help to prevent nail bed swelling. This type of medical condition often happens when you are doing chores around the house. A manicure will remove the dead, rough skin from your hands. If you are suffering from nail bed swelling, your hands are a great place to look for the culprit. In many cases, a blockage in your nail bed can be treated with simple home remedies. In some situations, nail bed swelling can be a sign of an infection in your hands or feet. This could lead to a more serious medical condition. If your nail bed’s pain has lasted for more than four days, you should see a doctor.
7. Use An Anti-Fungal Cream Or Powder
If you have an infection in your nail bed, an anti-fungal cream or powder can help to treat it. An infection can cause swelling in the nail bed. This can lead to more pain and longer recovery times. A nail bed infection can also be a sign of a more serious condition. If you have signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain, you should see a doctor. A nail bed infection can be treated with an over-the-counter cream or powder. Be careful not to get a fungal infection in your nails, as this can be very difficult to treat.
Conclusion
You should see a doctor if your nail pain lasts more than a few days. It can indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Nail bed pain is common, but you don’t want to wait till it becomes unbearable. You can use these remedies to ease the pain in your nail beds and live your life normally.
