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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeSymptom HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a>Check Your Symptoms</p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Nail Problems and Injuries</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw257352"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="b4cb0a40" fingerprint-exact="e7c3d1bb">Overview</h2> <p fingerprint="8480f11e" fingerprint-exact="64982ea3">Minor fingernail and toenail problems are common. At one time or another, almost everyone has caught a nail on something, causing it to rip. Or they have smashed a finger in a door, leaving blood under the nail. These kinds of injuries can be quite painful, but they usually aren't serious. You can often relieve pain and prevent infection of minor nail problems at home.</p> <p fingerprint="016decca" fingerprint-exact="503bea94">Normally, fingernails grow about one-tenth of a millimeter each day. Toenails grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails. Aging and diseases that decrease blood flow to the hands and feet may slow nail growth.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="ed30596b" fingerprint-exact="c5835852">Common nail changes</h3> <p fingerprint="3735ec50" fingerprint-exact="60901f80">Common changes to nails include:</p> <dl> <dt fingerprint="9eb7ceae" fingerprint-exact="ee93232a">Splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.</dt> <dd fingerprint="4709eda8" fingerprint-exact="940b096a"> <p>These are common problems that develop when your hands are often exposed to water, strong soaps, and other chemicals. You may be able to prevent some of these problems if you use lotion and avoid putting your hands in water often.</p> </dd> <dt fingerprint="1ab41cdf" fingerprint-exact="7142e2b8">Color changes.</dt> <dd fingerprint="2fe95ffd" fingerprint-exact="4b2e76e0"> <ul> <li>Little white marks (leukonychia) often appear after minor injuries. They may last for weeks or months. They usually go away on their own.</li> <li>It's common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail. It will go away as the injury heals.</li> <li>Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stm159548" data-hw-section="stm159548-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stm159548" data-hwid="stm159548" hw:section-href="stm159548-sec" href="?id=stm159548#stm159548-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">melanoma</span></a>.</li> </ul> </dd> <dt fingerprint="ee2a179e" fingerprint-exact="3c6f0acc">Changes in the shape or texture of nails.</dt> <dd fingerprint="e53794f7" fingerprint-exact="b3674610"> <p>These may occur for many reasons. Some nail changes, such as the forming of ridges, are normal with aging. Thick, brittle, or dark nails are more common in older adults who have poor circulation.</p> </dd> <dt fingerprint="e685b521" fingerprint-exact="1cef6600"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="tp12748" data-hw-section="tp12748-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="tp12748" data-hwid="tp12748" hw:section-href="tp12748-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=tp12748#tp12748-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Ingrown nails</span></a>.</dt> <dd fingerprint="f9c878e7" fingerprint-exact="f22cb2b5"> <p>These are often caused by improper trimming, tight shoes, or heredity. Your nails may grow into the skin that surrounds them. This can cause pain, swelling, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sts14875" data-hw-section="sts14875-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sts14875" data-hwid="sts14875" hw:section-href="sts14875-sec" href="?id=sts14875#sts14875-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">infection</span></a>. In rare cases, an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123113" data-hw-section="sta123113-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123113" data-hwid="sta123113" hw:section-href="sta123113-sec" href="?id=sta123113#sta123113-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">abscess</span></a> may form under a nail (subungual abscess).</p> </dd> <dt fingerprint="d898498b" fingerprint-exact="bf72a13e">Separation from the nail bed.</dt> <dd fingerprint="a348b71e" fingerprint-exact="46d6b0f8"> <p>After your nail separates from its nail bed, no matter what the reason, it won't reattach. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails to grow back attached to the nail bed.</p> </dd> <dt fingerprint="fe29d180" fingerprint-exact="bd94f482">Infection and allergic reactions. </dt> <dd fingerprint="e7ee34be" fingerprint-exact="95cd6ebf"> <p>These are common problems caused by artificial nails. Remove the artificial nail if it causes problems.</p> </dd> <dt fingerprint="3ff36eea" fingerprint-exact="628a9434"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="zm2402" data-hw-section="zm2402-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="zm2402" data-hwid="zm2402" hw:section-href="zm2402-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=zm2402#zm2402-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Fungal nail infections</span></a>.</dt> <dd fingerprint="955bf0e5" fingerprint-exact="858a61f8"> <p>They can vary in appearance depending on the type of fungus or the location of the infection. The infected toenail usually turns white or yellow. It's not unusual for fungal nail infections to follow <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123342" data-hw-section="sta123342-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123342" data-hwid="sta123342" hw:section-href="sta123342-sec" href="?id=sta123342#sta123342-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">athlete's foot</span></a> infections.</p> </dd> </dl> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c4cd1911" fingerprint-exact="26f635d1">Other causes of nail problems</h3> <p fingerprint="fe2f3cdc" fingerprint-exact="9a8275a7">Nail problems can also be caused by:</p> <ul fingerprint="a736fa2f" fingerprint-exact="d4e22599"> <li>An injury to a nail.</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="tp12752" data-hw-section="tp12752-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="tp12752" data-hwid="tp12752" hw:section-href="tp12752-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=tp12752#tp12752-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Hangnails</span></a>. A hangnail may lead to a minor infection next to your nails (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1325" data-hw-section="stp1325-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1325" data-hwid="stp1325" hw:section-href="stp1325-sec" href="?id=stp1325#stp1325-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">paronychia</span></a>). This can cause the skin around the nails to become swollen and tender.</li> <li>Nail-biting. It can lead to fingertips that are red and sore and cuticles that bleed. Nail-biting also increases the chance of bacterial infections around your nail beds and in your mouth.</li> <li>Side effects of medicines, such as chemotherapy and antimalarial medicines.</li> <li>Diseases of the skin, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1931" data-hw-section="stp1931-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1931" data-hwid="stp1931" hw:section-href="stp1931-sec" href="?id=stp1931#stp1931-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">psoriasis</span></a> and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123386" data-hw-section="sta123386-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123386" data-hwid="sta123386" hw:section-href="sta123386-sec" href="?id=sta123386#sta123386-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">eczema</span></a>.</li> <li>Skin growths, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stw5629" data-hw-section="stw5629-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stw5629" data-hwid="stw5629" hw:section-href="stw5629-sec" href="?id=stw5629#stw5629-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">warts</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stc123795" data-hw-section="stc123795-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stc123795" data-hwid="stc123795" hw:section-href="stc123795-sec" href="?id=stc123795#stc123795-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">cysts</span></a>, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="aa64413" data-hw-section="aa64413-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="aa64413" data-hwid="aa64413" hw:section-href="aa64413-sec" href="?id=aa64413#aa64413-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">moles</span></a>.</li> <li>Other diseases such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123142" data-hw-section="sta123142-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123142" data-hwid="sta123142" hw:section-href="sta123142-sec" href="?id=sta123142#sta123142-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Addison's disease</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1421" data-hw-section="stp1421-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1421" data-hwid="stp1421" hw:section-href="stp1421-sec" href="?id=stp1421#stp1421-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">peripheral arterial disease</span></a>, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth149894" data-hw-section="sth149894-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth149894" data-hwid="sth149894" hw:section-href="sth149894-sec" href="?id=sth149894#sth149894-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">HIV infection</span></a>.</li> </ul> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionCYS" id="sec-hw257384"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1bc87b1b" fingerprint-exact="d719d6f6">Check Your Symptoms</h2><div><div class="HwAsset" hw:assetid="nails"> <div id="HwSxBody" data-hw-version="4.0.3.21"><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion HwSxTopicConfirmationQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion326" data-hw-entity-key="326" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have a problem with your nails?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">This means a problem that affects the nails only and not any other part of the limb (no other parts of the finger or hand or of the toe or foot).</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer723" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="723" data-hw-parent-entity-key="326">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail problem</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1057" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1057" data-hw-parent-entity-key="326">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail problem</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxAge" id="HwSxQuestion31" data-hw-entity-key="31" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">How old are you?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer72" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer" data-hw-age-range="143"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="72" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">Less than 12 years</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Less than 12 years</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer73" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="73" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">12 years or older</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">12 years or older</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxNonTopic" id="HwSxQuestion30" data-hw-entity-key="30" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you male or female?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer71" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="71" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Male</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Male</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer70" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="70" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Female</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Female</div></div></div><div id="SxWhyAskDiv"><button id="SxWhyAskAccordianBtn" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" type="button" aria-live="assertive"><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion">Why do we ask this question?</div><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion SxWhyAskAccordionArrow_Down" id="SxWhyAskAccordionArrow"> </div></button><div id="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" role="tabpanel"><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskHeaderDiv" tabindex="-1"><h4>The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.</h4></div><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskParaDiv" tabindex="-1"><ul><li>If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you <b>now</b> have in the area where you are having symptoms.</li><li>If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.</li><li>If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.</li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1302" data-hw-entity-key="1302" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Did you injure a nail?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">This could include tearing a nail, separating a nail from the nail bed, or hitting the nail hard enough that blood collects under it.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2757" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2757" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1302">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail injury</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2758" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2758" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1302">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail injury</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1303" data-hw-entity-key="1303" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have pain under or around the nail?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2759" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2759" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1303">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2760" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2760" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1303">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion24" data-hw-entity-key="24" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText"><a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7017">How bad is the pain</a> on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer58" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="58" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">8 to 10: Severe pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer57" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="57" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">5 to 7: Moderate pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Moderate pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer56" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="56" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">1 to 4: Mild pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Mild pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1130" data-hw-entity-key="1130" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have diabetes, a <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf6944">weakened immune system</a>, or peripheral arterial disease?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2403" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2403" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1130">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Diabetes, immune problems, or peripheral arterial disease</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2404" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2404" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1130">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Diabetes, immune problems, or peripheral arterial disease</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1304" data-hw-entity-key="1304" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is there an object under the nail that you cannot remove?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2761" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2761" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1304">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Object under nail</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2762" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2762" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1304">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Object under nail</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion29" data-hw-entity-key="29" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are there any <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf6946">symptoms of infection</a>?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer67" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="67" data-hw-parent-entity-key="29">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of infection</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer68" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="68" data-hw-parent-entity-key="29">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Symptoms of infection</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion17" data-hw-entity-key="17" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think you may have a fever?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer40" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="40" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer41" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="41" data-hw-parent-entity-key="17">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion306" data-hw-entity-key="306" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer679" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="679" data-hw-parent-entity-key="306">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Red streaks or pus</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer680" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="680" data-hw-parent-entity-key="306">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Red streaks or pus</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1306" data-hw-entity-key="1306" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have an ingrown nail?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">Ingrown means that the nail has grown into the skin instead of over it.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2765" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2765" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1306">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ingrown nail</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2766" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2766" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1306">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Ingrown nail</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1307" data-hw-entity-key="1307" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have you had nail problems for more than 2 weeks?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2767" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2767" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1307">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail problems for more than 2 weeks</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2768" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2768" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1307">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Nail problems for more than 2 weeks</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdhealthrisks"><p>Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:</p><ul><li><b>Your age</b>. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.</li><li><b>Your overall health</b>. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.</li><li><b>Medicines you take</b>. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.</li><li><b>Recent health events</b>, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.</li><li><b>Your health habits and lifestyle</b>, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_green" id="HwSxIdgreen"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Try Home Treatment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.</li><li>Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="hw257589" hw:section-href="hw257589" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#hw257589">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="nails-RelInfo" hw:section-href="nails-RelInfo" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#nails-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7017"><p>Pain in adults and older children</p><ul><li><b>Severe pain (8 to 10)</b>: The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.</li><li><b>Moderate pain (5 to 7)</b>: The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.</li><li><b>Mild pain (1 to 4)</b>: You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf6946"><p><b>Symptoms of infection</b> may include:</p><ul><li>Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.</li><li>Red streaks leading from the area.</li><li>Pus draining from the area.</li><li>A fever.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf6944"><p>Certain health conditions and medicines <b>weaken the immune system's</b> ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:</p><ul><li>Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.</li><li>Long-term alcohol and drug problems.</li><li>Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.</li><li>Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.</li><li>Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.</li><li>Medicines taken after organ transplant.</li><li>Not having a spleen.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_yellow" id="HwSxIdyellow"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h2 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Today</h2><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care soon</b>. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor or telehealth provider today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. </li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or telehealth provider or you don't have one, seek care today. </li><li>If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. </li><li>If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. </li></ul><p><b>What are your options for medical care?</b></p><p>Today your options for where to get your medical care are greater than ever before. You may not even have to leave your home to get the care you want and need. You can choose based on what your health problem is and what works best for you. </p><ul><li><b>Telehealth </b>is a video call with a health care provider. It can be a convenient way to get medical advice or treatment. Some insurers provide access to telehealth that may be available 24 hours a day. Telehealth for less serious problems may cost less and be faster than in-person clinic visits. </li><li><b>Urgent care and retail clinics </b>are options if you don't have a doctor, you can't or don't want to wait to see your own doctor, or a telehealth visit can’t treat the problem. </li><li><b>Virtual care </b>from your primary provider or a telehealth service can be delivered through your smartphone, computer, or tablet. </li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="hw257589" hw:section-href="hw257589" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#hw257589">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="nails-RelInfo" hw:section-href="nails-RelInfo" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#nails-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_red" id="HwSxIdred"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Now</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care right away</b>. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.</li><li>You do not need to call an ambulance unless: <ul><li>You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.</li><li>You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_black" id="HwSxIdblack"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h2 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Make an Appointment</h2><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks, or contact your telehealth provider. </li><li>If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. </li><li>If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor or telehealth provider. You may need care sooner. </li></ul><p><b>What are your options for medical care?</b></p><p>Today your options for where to get your medical care are greater than ever before. You may not even have to leave your home to get the care you want and need. You can choose based on what your health problem is and what works best for you. </p><ul><li><b>Telehealth </b>is a video call with a health care provider. It can be a convenient way to get medical advice or treatment. Some insurers provide access to telehealth that may be available 24 hours a day. Telehealth for less serious problems may cost less and be faster than in-person clinic visits. </li><li><b>Urgent care and retail clinics </b>are options if you don't have a doctor, you can't or don't want to wait to see your own doctor, or a telehealth visit can’t treat the problem. </li><li><b>Virtual care </b>from your primary provider or a telehealth service can be delivered through your smartphone, computer, or tablet. </li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="hw257589" hw:section-href="hw257589" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#hw257589">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="nails" data-hw-section="nails-RelInfo" hw:section-href="nails-RelInfo" hw:document-href="nails" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=nails#nails-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-hw257589"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1d4dc8a4" fingerprint-exact="5c91135b">Self-Care</h2> <p fingerprint="b198da4d" fingerprint-exact="e5feb97d">Home treatment can help relieve pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Try these tips to help relieve pain from an injury to the nail.</p> <ul fingerprint="38495469" fingerprint-exact="59a74f45"> <li>Apply ice, and prop up the injured nail. <p>Do this as soon as you can after the injury.</p></li> <li>Trim a torn or detached nail, and tape the nail in place. </li> <li>Try to <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="zm6154" data-hw-section="zm6154-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="zm6154" data-hwid="zm6154" hw:section-href="zm6154-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=zm6154#zm6154-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">drain blood from under the nail</span></a> if you have pain. <p>Do not drain blood from under your nail if you have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120744" data-hw-section="std120744-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120744" data-hwid="std120744" hw:section-href="std120744-sec" href="?id=std120744#std120744-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">diabetes</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1421" data-hw-section="stp1421-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1421" data-hwid="stp1421" hw:section-href="stp1421-sec" href="?id=stp1421#stp1421-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">peripheral arterial disease</span></a>, or an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150867" data-hw-section="sti150867-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150867" data-hwid="sti150867" hw:section-href="sti150867-sec" href="?id=sti150867#sti150867-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">immune system</span></a> problem, or if you think a bone is broken.</p></li> <li>If you have an ingrown toenail, try soaking your toe. <p>You can also use a <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="zm6151" data-hw-section="zm6151-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="zm6151" data-hwid="zm6151" hw:section-href="zm6151-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=zm6151#zm6151-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">small pad of wet cotton</span></a>. This helps the ingrown toenail heal on its own.</p></li> <li>Trim a hangnail. <p>You don't want the hangnail to tear your skin.</p></li> <li>Take off an artificial nail if you are having problems with it. </li> <li>Try gloves or lotions to protect weak, brittle, or splitting nails. </li> <li>Watch for any signs of a <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sts14875" data-hw-section="sts14875-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sts14875" data-hwid="sts14875" hw:section-href="sts14875-sec" href="?id=sts14875#sts14875-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">skin infection</span></a> around a nail. </li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="85d6aba5" fingerprint-exact="3c2f4ad8">Caring for a torn or detached nail</h3> <p fingerprint="78908662" fingerprint-exact="9372a473">Home treatment often helps relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Treatment may involve removing the nail, keeping the area dry to prevent infection, and waiting for a new nail to grow. The infection or skin condition that caused the separated nail will also need to be treated. </p> <ul fingerprint="aa189f7c" fingerprint-exact="c278bae2"> <li>File any sharp edges smooth, or trim the nail. This will help prevent catching the nail and tearing it more. </li> <li>Trim off the detached part of a large tear, or leave the nail alone. <ul><li>Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. </li><li>If you trim off the detached nail, you will have less worry about the nail catching and tearing. </li><li>If you leave the detached nail in place, it will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in. </li></ul></li> <li>Use scissors to remove the detached part of the nail if the nail is partly attached. </li> <li>Soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail. </li> <li>Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a nonstick bandage. </li> </ul> <p fingerprint="52dabedd" fingerprint-exact="55848a3d">To prevent infection: </p> <ul fingerprint="a07ca9a3" fingerprint-exact="cb784829"> <li>Soak your foot or hand in a solution of 1 tsp (5 mL) of salt dissolved in <span class="Measurement">4 cups (1 L)</span> warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times each day, for the next 3 days. Reapply petroleum jelly, and cover with a fresh adhesive bandage. </li> <li>Keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a new adhesive bandage whenever the bandage gets wet. </li> <li>Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. </li> <li>Remove an artificial nail if it separates from the nail bed. If you leave it on, the long, artificial nail can tear the nail bed. </li> </ul> <p fingerprint="b4911000" fingerprint-exact="f530a3ed">Have a doctor trim your nail if you: </p> <ul fingerprint="1769d9f3" fingerprint-exact="14148b63"> <li>Aren't comfortable trimming the nail yourself. </li> <li>Have <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120744" data-hw-section="std120744-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120744" data-hwid="std120744" hw:section-href="std120744-sec" href="?id=std120744#std120744-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">diabetes</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1421" data-hw-section="stp1421-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1421" data-hwid="stp1421" hw:section-href="stp1421-sec" href="?id=stp1421#stp1421-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">peripheral arterial disease</span></a>, or an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150867" data-hw-section="sti150867-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150867" data-hwid="sti150867" hw:section-href="sti150867-sec" href="?id=sti150867#sti150867-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">immune system</span></a> problem. These problems may cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet. Untreated nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems. </li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="9e1d8618" fingerprint-exact="7d027e28">Treating a nail infection</h3> <p fingerprint="14ab8cb0" fingerprint-exact="a2057ad2">Try home treatment if you think you have an infection in the skin around your nail. </p> <ul fingerprint="860c5171" fingerprint-exact="8059205e"> <li>Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the nail and cover with a nonstick bandage. </li> <li>Soak your foot or hand 2 to 3 times each day. <p>After soaking, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a bandage. </p></li> <li>Apply heat. <p>Put a warm water bottle, heating pad set on low, or warm cloth on your finger or toe.</p></li> <li>Do not try to remove any part of the affected nail. </li> <li>Remove an artificial nail if you think you have an infection around or under a nail. </li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c5b2b5b7" fingerprint-exact="1ca93d88">When to call for help during self-care</h3> <p fingerprint="0c6430b7" fingerprint-exact="37647145">Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:</p> <ul fingerprint="5ae7f1de" fingerprint-exact="c6f01975"> <li>New or worse signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.</li> <li>Symptoms occur more often or are more severe. </li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c9d246df" fingerprint-exact="236ac716">Learn more</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <p fingerprint="5b88c69b" fingerprint-exact="82c27f2e"> <b>Over-the-counter medicines</b> </p> <ul fingerprint="4542ea6b" fingerprint-exact="94d6b388"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="sid41443" data-hw-section="acq7537" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="sid41443" data-hwid="sid41443" hw:section-href="acq7537" href="?id=sid41443#acq7537">Acetaminophen</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="sid35905" data-hw-section="acn3965" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="sid35905" data-hwid="sid35905" hw:section-href="acn3965" href="?id=sid35905#acn3965">Aspirin for Pain, Fever, and Inflammation</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="pl1003" data-hw-section="acq7563" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="pl1003" data-hwid="pl1003" hw:section-href="acq7563" href="?id=pl1003#acq7563">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="ad1205" data-hw-section="ad1206" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="ad1205" data-hwid="ad1205" hw:section-href="ad1206" href="?id=ad1205#ad1206">Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children</a> </li> </ul> <p fingerprint="6de8e89d" fingerprint-exact="1ae05b26"> <b>More self-care</b> </p> <ul fingerprint="79ac8a7c" fingerprint-exact="189ee561"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="tw9722spec" data-hw-section="tw9723" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="tw9722spec" data-hwid="tw9722spec" hw:section-href="tw9723" href="?id=tw9722spec#tw9723">Nail-Biting</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="acn6587" data-hw-section="acl1429" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="acn6587" data-hwid="acn6587" hw:section-href="acl1429" href="?id=acn6587#acl1429">Using Cold and Heat Therapies</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="ffd3beac" fingerprint-exact="500b4a26">Watch</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwMediaLinks"> <ul fingerprint="e8a14fc1" fingerprint-exact="460182fc"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="abo6218" data-hw-section="abo6218-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" 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