Tackling nail injury in a primary care setting: A tricky turf

Abstract

Toenails provide stability to the foot. A stubbed toe may result in nail injury or fracture. Toe injuries are often ignored, leading to inappropriate or delayed management. The COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the health services leading to further delay in treatment. We present a case report of an adult male who presented with an injured toe at a primary care clinic in India. Due to the apprehension of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and lockdown restrictions, the patient neither wanted to go to a higher center or get investigations done. The case report discusses the management and ways to handle such cases for primary care doctors in a resource-constrained setting.

Keywords

• nail trauma
• toenail injury
• toenail repair