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AIBU?

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Does this sound infected?

4 replies

smellycat98 · 03/02/2026 21:23

I have gel on top of my natural nails maybe once every 3 weeks. Last week I was picking some off my thumb nail (awful habit I know) and caught some skin down the side of my nail. It felt sore for a few days but then seemed to heal so I perhaps stupidly got my nails done. Just gel on natural nails no acrylics or anything.

Since then it’s been really sore again and it looks like a tiny hole has opened up down the side of the nail. There is no swelling, redness or pus but it just hurts especially if I catch it. I’m worried it could have got infected from the tools used at the nail salon or something.

At this stage I don’t think I need to see a doctor because there are no visible signs of infection and it’s not unbearable but I’m still concerned. Ive just soaked my thumb in some cool boiled salt water. Has anyone got any other tips? And no I won’t be picking my gel off again!

OP posts:
smellycat98 · 03/02/2026 23:12

Bump

OP posts:
dizzydizzydizzy · 03/02/2026 23:45

Try showing it to a pharmacist.

Bones101 · 04/02/2026 00:45

Did you do a patch test ?

Doesn't sound too bad. Go to your locsl chemist and they should sort you out (I'm an ED doc)

isitmytime · 04/02/2026 00:53

It could be that you’ve picked off a hang nail and it’s pulled off deep into the nail bed. I do this far too often and it hurts for about2 weeks then goes away.
if it’s not red, hot to touch or any visible signs of infection I’d just keep an eye on it and see how it goes.

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