Nail Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Has your nail torn or separated from the nail bed?
See significance of a torn nail or nail separated from the nail bed 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 moderate to severe pain that has not gotten better with home treatment?
Yes Have you severely torn or separated a nail and you are unable to take care of it with home treatment?
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?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have a nail that has been separated from the nail bed for longer than 48 hours?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have unexplained separation of a nail from the nail bed?
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: January 12, 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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