From the Guidelines
Picking at hangnails can lead to the formation of a bump along the nailbed, often a pyogenic granuloma, due to repeated trauma and inflammation, as supported by the study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2022 1. This condition is a benign, vascular growth that develops in response to the body's healing process going into overdrive, producing excess tissue that appears as a red, fleshy bump that bleeds easily. Some key points to consider in the management of this condition include:
- Keeping the area clean and avoiding further trauma
- Applying topical treatments such as petroleum jelly, topical antibiotics, or corticosteroids
- Considering medical intervention, including silver nitrate application, electrocautery, or surgical removal by a dermatologist, for larger or persistent bumps The study published in the Annals of Oncology in 2021 1 also highlights the importance of gentle skin care and prevention of repeated friction and trauma to prevent paronychia, which can also contribute to the formation of bumps along the nailbed. In terms of prevention, avoiding picking at hangnails altogether and instead clipping them carefully with clean nail scissors, as well as keeping hands moisturized, can help prevent hangnails from forming in the first place. It is essential to prioritize prevention and early treatment to minimize the risk of complications and promote optimal healing, as emphasized in the study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2022 1.
From the Research
Possible Causes of Nailbed Bump
- Chronic picking at hangnails can lead to irritation and inflammation of the nailbed, potentially causing a bump to form.
- Allergic reactions to topical antibiotics such as bacitracin 2, 3, 4, 5 or neomycin 3, 4, 5 may also contribute to the formation of a bump along the nailbed.
- Nail bed lacerations or injuries can cause a bump to form as the nailbed heals 6.
- Subungual hematomas, which can be caused by trauma to the nailbed, may also present as a bump under the nail 6.
Related Conditions
- Allergic contact dermatitis, which can be caused by topical medicaments, may also occur in conjunction with a nailbed bump 3.
- Chronic pain and deformity can result from mismanaged nail bed and fingertip injuries 6.
Treatment and Prevention
- Proper management of nail bed and fingertip injuries is critical to prevent chronic complications 6.
- Avoiding the use of topical antibiotics unless necessary, and using alternative treatments for hangnails and nail bed injuries, may help prevent allergic reactions and the formation of a bump along the nailbed 2, 3, 4, 5.