Nail Problems and Injuries

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• A cut on your finger or toe: Go to the topic Cuts.
• A scrape on your finger or toe: Go to the topic Scrapes.

Yes	Did you injure your nail?
Yes	Are you unable to remove an object from under your nail?
Yes	Has your nail torn or separated from the nail bed?
Yes	Do you have an ingrown nail?
Yes	Do you have signs of a skin infection around or under your nail?
Yes	Do you think you have a fungal nail infection?
Yes	Do you have unexplained color changes to your nails?
Yes	Do you have changes in the shape or texture of your nails?
Yes	Do you have a growth on, under, or next to a nail?
Yes	Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Injury to a finger: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries.
• Injury to a toe: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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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