Raised bumps on fingernails: what to know

First check whether the bump is on the nail plate, along the cuticle, or in the skin beside it. A ridge or uneven surface can follow picking, manicures, knocks, or repeated wet-dry exposure. A swollen, red nail fold may be inflamed. A rough growth beside the nail can be a wart, while a firm bump under a nail may alter its shape as the nail grows. New colour, separation, bleeding, or tenderness adds useful context. General Skin Bumps information may help you describe it.

Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length, moisturise the nail folds, and wear gloves for prolonged contact with water or cleaning products. Do not bite, drill, file deeply, or cut the cuticle. Remove artificial nails if they are lifting or causing pressure, and give the nail a chance to grow without repeated trauma. Avoid treating a suspected wart or infection until the diagnosis is clear.

Arrange an assessment if the bump persists as the nail grows, affects several nails without an obvious cause, or causes splitting, lifting, pain, or colour change. Seek prompt care for pus, spreading redness, throbbing pain, fever, or an injury with severe swelling. A clinician may examine the nail surface and surrounding skin and decide whether testing is needed.

Ask where the change appears to originate, whether a manicure or injury explains it, what nail care is safe, and how long normal growth should take to show improvement.