Why Acrylic Nails Hurt When Hit - Causes and Prevention

Why Acrylic Nails Hurt After Hitting Them

It's common for your acrylic nails to become tender, sore, or downright painful after accidentally hitting or bumping them into something. But what causes this sudden acute pain when you bang acrylics? And how can you prevent and treat the discomfort?

This article explains why acrylics hurt when hit, what you can do to alleviate the pain, and tips to avoid sensitizing your nails and making them prone to throbbing after impacts.

The Acrylic Is Pressed Into the Nail Bed

One main reason acrylic nails hurt after being hit is that the impact pushes the hard acrylic extension up against the natural nail bed underneath. This collision of the artificial material on top against your real nail causes pain.

The nail bed contains a network of sensitive nerve endings that get aggravated when compressed by the acrylic above it. Even a minor bump can create enough force for the acrylic to jam into the tender nail bed, resulting in discomfort.

The Seal With Your Nail Weakens

Acrylic powder is bonded to your natural nail using liquid monomer. This creates a seal attaching the acrylic to your real nail.

However, bumping your acrylics can weaken this seal between the product and your nail. Gaps in the bond allow space for the acrylic to push painfully into the nail bed when hit.

If the seal is compromised enough, the acrylic may partially detach and become loose, causing pain until fixed. So impacts can degrade the critical bond with your real nail.

It Can Expose Rough Edges

A hard knock can create small cracks, chips, or peeling in the acrylic surface. These roughened edges become pointed and jagged areas.

When you bang the nails after this damage, the uneven acrylic catches onto the nail bed and irritates it. Exposed sharp edges increase pain by digging into the tender nail bed.

Your Nails May Be Overfiled

Aggressive filing to shape or thin the acrylics can inadvertently remove too much material from the natural nails beneath.

This overfiling leaves the real nails thin and fragile. With less strong nail to cushion impacts, the acrylic presses more intensely on the nail bed when hit, amplifying pain.

Poor Application or Design

Improperly applied or fitted acrylics are prone to hurting when bumped. Key issues include:

Too much acrylic piled near the cuticles and sides, allowing pressure to focus on those tender areas when hit.
Overextending the tip length and curve excessively beyond your natural nail.
Applying the product over the nail folds or sealing it to the skin, which tugs on contact.
Not properly sealing the entire edge to your nail, allowing gaps where impacts push in.

Avoiding these application errors helps minimize nail bed irritation and potential pain when knocked.

Allergic Reactions or Infections

In rare cases, underlying issues like allergic reactions to acrylics or bacterial infections can make your nails ultra sensitive and prone to throbbing when bumped.

See your doctor if you suspect either of these problems so proper treatment can be prescribed. Leaving these conditions unchecked will allow the pain to worsen.

How to Alleviate the Pain

If your acrylic nails hurt after getting hit or caught on something, here are some tips to ease the discomfort:

Run cool water over the nail to reduce inflammation.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
File down any snagged edges gently with an emery board.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to numb the area.
Massage the cuticle gently with a soothing lotion or oil.
Avoid tapping or putting pressure on the aching nail.

If pain persists more than a few days, see your manicurist or doctor to identify any underlying issues requiring intervention.

Preventing Nail Bed Irritation

You can help minimize chances of acrylic-related pain when bumped by:

Choosing a skilled, experienced manicurist to apply and shape them properly.
Opting for a shorter, conservative length and curve to avoid overextending.
Skipping extreme embellishments like heavy charms or jewels that add pressure.
Building adequate natural nail length before adding acrylics.
Filing down growth gently to avoid thinning natural nails excessively.

Also watch for early signs of allergic reactions like redness or itching and avoid reapplying acrylics if you suspect sensitivities.

When to Remove Painful Acrylics

In some cases, acrylic nails may need to be fully removed by a professional to resolve pain and discomfort. This is recommended if you experience:

Consistent or severe pain when bumped after multiple applications.
Visible infection or inflammation around the nail folds.
Loose, cracked, or falling off product.
Discoloration, crumbling, or thickening of your natural nails.

Removing poorly applied or overly damaged acrylics allows your nails to heal and regain strength. You can try shorter, thinner applications again after a few weeks if desired.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your doctor promptly if you have any of the following:

Intense throbbing pain that does not improve with self-care after several days.
Pus, foul odor, increased redness, or streaks coming from the nail.
Nails separating from the nail bed.
Unusual nail discoloration not caused by bruising.
Tingling, numbness, or highly sensitive nails.

These may indicate a nail infection or injury needing medical treatment. Ignoring these symptoms risks complications.

Protect Your Natural Nails

While acrylic nails offer the benefit of long-lasting polish and decorative options, they do carry risks of irritation, infection, and damage when not properly applied and cared for.

Pay close attention to your nail health and comfort level with acrylics. Avoid excessive length or embellishments. Seek professional help early if you have any concerns.

With careful maintenance and prompt treatment of any issues, you can enjoy the perks of acrylic nails safely and minimize the chances of painful impacts.

FAQs

Why do my acrylic nails hurt when I bump them?

Acrylic nails often hurt after being hit because the impact presses the artificial material into the sensitive natural nail bed. It can also weaken bonds, expose rough edges, or irritate already thin nails.

How can I stop my acrylics from hurting when hit?

Choose an experienced technician, opt for shorter lengths, build adequate natural nail, and file gently to prevent thinning the nails. This helps minimize pain by avoiding application errors that sensitize the nail bed.

What should I do if my acrylic nail is painful after a bump?

To alleviate pain from hitting acrylic nails, apply ice, take an OTC pain reliever, gently file any snagged edges, massage the cuticle with oil, and avoid tapping the aching nail. See a doctor if pain worsens or persists.

When should I have painful acrylics removed?

It's best to have acrylic nails fully removed if you experience consistent severe pain when hit, visible infection, loose or falling off product, or nail discoloration and damage. This allows your natural nails to heal.

Could a nail infection cause acrylics to hurt when bumped?

Yes, bacterial infections can make the nail bed extremely sensitive, so acrylics will likely cause significant pain when hit or caught on things. See a doctor for treatment if you suspect infection.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.