sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Nail problems: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if a serious injury is accompanied by heavy bleeding that will not stop or other life-threatening symptoms.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for:

    • a new or changing dark stripe, especially in one nail
    • pigment spreading from the nail onto nearby skin
    • rounded fingertips with nails curving downward
    • persistent swelling, drainage, or soreness around a nail
    • nail problems when you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity

    Get same-day medical care if redness or swelling is spreading, pus is collecting, pain is severe, or you have a fever.

    These signs may mean an infection needs treatment.

    A major crush injury, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling, or a finger or toe that looks bent or poorly supplied with blood needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if a nail change has no clear cause, does not grow out, keeps returning, or is getting worse.

    You should also book an appointment if a nail becomes thick, distorted, painful, or detached, or if several nails change together.

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