An infection, also called paronychia, happens when bacteria or fungi gets under the skin around your cuticle. This could be acute (short) or chronic, depending on what’s causing the infection. [1] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source An allergic reaction is usually from acrylic nail products like artificial nails. If you have sensitive skin or an allergy, these products will cause itching and swelling in the spots that they touch. [2] X Research source
For an infection, soak your hands or feet in warm water 3-4 times a day until your nails heal. This this soothing and should help cut down the itching, pain, and inflammation. [3] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source For an allergic reaction, remove the fake nails or nail polish that you have on. This stops the allergen from irritating your skin. Then use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to fight the irritation. [4] X Research source
Infections cause redness, swelling, and pain around the base of the nail. You might also have pus-filled abscesses in infected spots. It’s less common for an infection to happen on multiple nails at once. [5] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source An allergic reaction usually starts shortly after exposure to the irritant, so if you’ve recently had nail work, this is a good possibility. Itching, swelling, and redness are the most common symptoms, and the reaction will probably be around multiple nails at once. [6] X Research source
Keep your nails clean and dry them thoroughly to stop bacteria from growing. Trim your nails straight across and round the corners gently. Moisturize around your cuticles to prevent irritation. [8] X Expert Source Lindsay YoshitomiNail Artist Expert Interview. 12 July 2019. Avoid biting and picking at your nails and cuticles. Wear gloves when handling chemicals or soap.
You can also pick up an infection from a manicure or pedicure if the nail tech used contaminated tools. An allergic reaction to skin products is usually not dangerous and only causes some itching, redness, and irritation. However, if the irritation is painful or you feel like you’re having trouble breathing, call your doctor.
Normal nail polish doesn’t have acrylic in it, so you can still paint and polish your nails if you want to. If you go in for a manicure or pedicure, tell the nail tech that you have an allergy to acrylic so they don’t use something that will irritate your skin. If you’re a nail tech yourself, then wear gloves while you’re working to protect yourself. [11] X Research source
Long-term exposure to nail chemicals might actually make you more sensitive over time. If you get manicures regularly or work as a nail tech, it’s not strange to suddenly develop an allergy. [13] X Research source
If you have an infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic cream or pill to kill the bacteria. If a fungus is causing it, then they’ll use a topical or oral antifungal medication. [15] X Research source For allergies, your doctor will probably try prescription creams like corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation. [16] X Research source
