Nail Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

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 immediately 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 or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

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?

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.

Last updated:	November 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer