What Are the Common Causes of Pain under Fingernails

There are several common reasons you might feel pain under your fingernails. One frequent cause is a direct injury to the nail. When you hit your nail hard, it can create a subungual hematoma, which is a collection of blood under the nail that can hurt. Infections are another common cause. A type of infection called paronychia happens when germs get into the area around the nail, leading to swelling, redness, and pain. Sometimes, fungi can also infect the nail, causing discomfort. Additionally, other nail conditions, like inflammation from psoriasis or other autoimmune issues, can make the nail area painful. In some cases, tiny cuts or repetitive injury from biting or picking at your nails can lead to irritation and pain. If you ever experience this kind of pain, it is important to have a doctor look at your nail to make sure you get the right care.