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Nails may hurt due to an infection, nail biting, injury, or other causes. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve home remedies and medical treatments. Nail pain may be due to

temporary issues like injuries and irritation. It may resolve without medical treatment. However, it’s important to contact a doctor for advice if pain is severe or if it keeps returning.

Your doctor can determine the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments. Read on to learn more about what can cause sore fingernails or toenails, including possible causes of pain

by location, and how to treat nail pain. Why do my fingernails or toenails hurt? There are numerous possible causes of fingernail or toenail pain, NAIL INFECTION (PARONYCHIA) One common

cause of nail pain is a paronychia, or a nail infection. In addition to pain, nail infections tend to cause swelling and redness or discoloration of the finger, especially around the

cuticle. Nail infections may also cause the nail to thicken, and pus to drain from around the nail. Fingernails and toenails are most often infected when bacteria enters an injury on the

cuticle, nail bed, or finger. Nail infections can be serious, and in some cases require medical attention. FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION When a fungus enters an injury on, under, or around the nail,

a fungal nail infection can arise. In most cases, fungal nail infections are caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Other fungi, including yeasts and molds, can also affect

the nails. In addition to causing pain, fungus can make nails turn yellow or white. Other symptoms of a fungal nail infection include: * nail thickening * crumbling * splitting * separation

from the skin Without treatment, a fungal nail infection can spread to other nails and to the skin, in rare cases causing permanent damage to the nail bed. INGROWN NAIL Ingrown nails cause

the sides of the nail to curve into the skin. This painful condition can develop when nails are trimmed improperly, after an injury to the nail, or when a person wears shoes that are too

short or tight. Ingrown nails most commonly affect the big toe. However, it can affect any toenail. Signs of ingrown nails include: * swelling * tenderness * pain * redness or discoloration

* soreness * infection HANGNAIL Hangnails are not actually nails, but pieces of skin that tear off the edge of your nail. Hangnails are a type of painful nail condition with a variety of

possible causes, including: * nail biting * dry skin * irritating soaps * cold temperatures Hangnails might bleed. It’s important not to rip off hangnails, as doing so puts you at risk of an

infection. PHYSICAL INJURY While nails are strong, it’s possible to injure them when something heavy falls on them or when they get caught in a door. These injuries are usually painful,

because there are many nerves under and around the nails. Sometimes, a physical injury to the nail causes bruising or bleeding under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma. The nail may

also fall off before it regrows. A bruised nail may feel tender as it heals. NAIL BITING Nail biting can cause pain, and it may damage tissue that helps nails to grow. Nail biting, which

includes biting the skin around the nail, and the cuticle, also increases the risk of nail infections. Usually, stopping biting nails is enough to stop the painful symptoms it causes. You

may require medical treatment if an infection develops. Learn about what can cause pain under the nail when pressing it. Pain by location The location of your nail pain can sometimes offer

insight into its cause. WHY DOES THE SIDE OR CORNER OF MY NAIL HURT? Pain on the side or corner of a nail may be caused by: * hangnail * nail biting * ingrown nails * nail injuries *

infection WHY DO MY NAIL BEDS HURT? When your pain affects your nail bed, beneath your nail, most often it’s caused by: * infection * fungal nail infection * nail abnormality * physical

injury Learn more about fingernail bed injuries. WHY DO MY CUTICLES HURT? Cuticle pain can be caused by: * nail biting * hangnail * physical injury * infection * fungal nail infection Learn

about dry cuticles. Why do my nails hurt after getting them done? It’s possible to receive an injury to the nail during a manicure or pedicure. An infection, or paronychia, may also develop.

It can be helpful to take your own clippers and other nail tools to the salon to avoid exposure to bacteria or fungus carried on others’ nails. Why do my nails hurt when I put on or take

off nail polish? Nail polish and nail polish remover contain chemicals that may damage the skin around the nails. When painting your nails or removing polish, try to only work on your nails.

Avoid getting polish and remover under your nails, on your cuticles, and on your fingers. Using natural nail polishes and removers, and regularly moisturizing your hands, may help reduce

discomfort. Why do my acrylic nails hurt? The process of applying acrylic nails can cause damage to the nail, leading to pain. In most cases, those who prepare to apply acrylic nails begin

by cutting down the cuticle of the nail, and filing down the nail. This leaves the nail prone to infections. Additionally, gluing on nail extensions and adding acrylic can cause irritation

and dryness, leading to hangnails, ingrown nails, and nail deformities. Less damaging alternatives to acrylic nails include gel nail extensions and dip powder. Treating the cause of nail

pain Ways to manage or treat nail pain can depend on the underlying cause. HANGNAILS, PHYSICAL INJURIES, AND NAIL BITING For nail pain caused by most hangnails, physical injuries, and nail

biting, the best treatment is to leave your nails alone. Avoid ripping off hangnails and allow them to grow out. Maintaining good nail hygiene by cleaning and trimming nails regularly is

important. If you have a severe injury to the nail, or if there is a lot of bleeding, it’s best to seek medical advice. It’s possible that the finger or toe may be broken. INGROWN NAILS You

can treat ingrown nails and related pain by: * soaking your hands or feet in warm water 3 to 4 times per day * wearing footwear that does not pinch your toes if the toenail is ingrown *

taking pain relief medication You may require medical treatments, such as antibiotics, if the nail becomes infected. Surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the nail. NAIL

INFECTIONS For bacterial infections, you may require topical antibiotics that you can rub on the affected nail. Fungal nail infections will usually clear by applying antifungal cream. For

more serious infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication. Learn about home remedies for toenail fungus. The bottom line Nail pain may develop due to a nail infection, ingrown

nails, or injury to the nail. Nail biting and hangnails can also cause sore fingernails or toenails. Treatment can depend on the underlying cause, but can include a combination of home

remedies and medical treatments. Soaking the nail in water, wearing footwear that does not pinch, and applying topical products may all help. Contact your doctor if you have concerns about

nails that hurt. You may require prescription-strength medication or surgery to directly treat the underlying cause. You should also seek medical advice if you experience a serious injury to

your nail, as the bone in the finger or toe could be broken.