Nail Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have signs of a skin infection around or under your nail?
See significance of an infection around or under your nail if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease that causes problems with your immune system?
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around or under a nail?
Yes Is the area around a nail increasingly tender to the touch?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from a nail?
Yes Do you have pus in or around a nail?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 0.5 cm (0.25 in.) around the nail for longer than 24 hours?
Yes Is an ingrown nail causing mild to moderate pain that has not improved with 48 to 72 hours of home treatment?
Yes Have you had a swollen gland (lymph nodes) in the elbow, armpit, or groin for longer than 24 hours?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 14, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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