Extremely Painful Fingertips. No swelling. Slight itching. Left hand only.

[NataR88]

Hi. A few weeks ago I cut my nails very short. Over the following weeks, I have noticed that my fingertips have become increasingly painful, especially when met with pressure(ie when I use my hands or push on my fingernails/pad tips). There is some aching in the joints, and some slight itching. They feel like they are radiating a slight heat. The pain is external and internal, just in the fingertips of my left hand. Does anyone know what this could possibly be/how I could treat it? Thank you.

[jemma116]

Make an appointment to see your doctor to get a prescription for an antibacterial cream to apply to your fingers.  

Your doctor will also be able to tell you if the joint pain is to do with any type of arthritis or from an infection from cutting your finger nails too short.

Your doctor will advise you with regard to pain relief medication and anti-inflammatory medication.  Not everyone can take this and it can upset the stomach, so should be taken with or after food.

If you do use your left hand a lot for your work, it is highly likely that you have arthritic joints.  You should consider not using the left hand until the pains settle.

[NataR88]

They were my tools but I live in a very moist environment. There is no redness or puss. No sign that they should hurt at all but they do. Quite a lot. No fever.

[Foggy2]

It sounds like you cut them too low and perhaps now have an infection.  Were these your tools that you used to cut your nails or tools that are shared with others?

Do you have any redness, drainage (pus) coming from around the nailbed?  Are you running a fever?

Have you tried soaking your fingers in warm water?

I suggest you see a doctor given your joint pain.  You may have an infection that will need to be treated.  Soak the tools you used to cut your nails in rubbing alcohol 70% or higher for at least 30 minutes to disinfect.