Your fingernails are fragile. Certain conditions such as a viral or bacterial infections can cause little red bumps under your fingernails, which can be painful. It's important to have such a condition properly diagnosed by a medical professional so you can treat the condition before it spreads to other parts of your body.
History
Fingernails are made of layers of protein and help protect your fingertips. Your fingernails can tell quite a bit about your health such as if you suffer from a vitamin deficiency, whether you're oxygen deprived or if you have certain conditions such as diabetes. It's important to pay close attention to your nails, as changes in nail growth or appearance can indicate possible underlying medical conditions.
Identification
Healthy fingernails and nail beds should be smooth and flat in appearance. Red bumps under fingernails may appear small or large and may be raised or flat. The bumps may also feel hard or soft. They will look and feel different ways depending upon the condition that caused the bumps.
Causes
A viral infection such as warts may cause a bump to appear under or along the sides of your fingernails, according to MedlinePlus. Bacterial infections such as a staph infection can change the appearance of your nails, which may result in small bumps, redness, tenderness and possibly other signs of infection such as pus drainage. Skin cancer can also cause small bumps to develop under your fingernail, according to MayoClinic.com.
Significance
Red bumps under your nails can cause an infection to spread to other areas of your body when you scratch your skin, while you eat or when washing your hair. It's important to determine the exact condition that is causing the red bumps and take care of it so that you won't have to treat other areas of your body later.
Considerations
Make sure your hands and nails are clean and dry at all times. Fungus tends to develop in moist areas; keeping your skin dry will help deter fungal infections. Avoid scratching open sores to prevent staph infection. A staph infection tends to develop in a wound and, when scratched, it can get under your nails and spread to other parts of your body. If you begin to notice any red bumps under your fingernail, see your doctor right away.
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