Nail fungus: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek urgent or emergency help if redness is spreading quickly, especially with fever, chills, confusion or feeling very unwell.

   Nail fungus itself is not normally an emergency, but a rapidly spreading skin infection can require urgent treatment.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical care for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or pain around the nail.

   These can be signs of a bacterial infection.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical advice if:

   • You are unsure whether the nail change is fungal
   • Several nails are affected
   • The nail is painful, very thick or difficult to cut
   • The condition is spreading or has not improved with self-care
   • You are considering antifungal tablets
   • You have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced foot sensation or weakened immunity
   • A dark stripe, bleeding or lump has appeared without a clear injury
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nail fungus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.