What causes a hard, painful lump inside the finger?
Disease description:
Today, I pressed on my fingernail and noticed a hard lump underneath—it’s slightly painful. What could cause a hard lump under the fingernail that hurts when pressed?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wan
A hard lump inside the finger that is tender to pressure may be caused by paronychia (a nail fold infection), a fungal infection, or accidental penetration of a foreign object (e.g., a splinter) into the finger tissue. Paronychia often develops after a puncture wound to the finger, allowing bacteria to invade and cause infection. A fungal infection in the finger can also produce a firm, painful nodule and may be accompanied by pus formation. Additionally, the presence of a foreign body embedded within the finger tissue could likewise result in such symptoms.
