High blood sugar levels alter immunity or resistance to fungal infection, making foot care an important key to maintaining overall good health for everyone with Type 2 diabetes. Toenail fungus is not, in itself, a sign of diabetes, but diabetics are more susceptible to toenail fungus.
Can Type 2 diabetes cause toenail fungus?
People with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to get a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This infection usually affects the toenails.
Is toenail fungus a sign of other health problems?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What does a diabetic toenail look like?
Is toenail fungus common in diabetics?
Toenail fungus is a common foot problem for people with diabetes. If you develop an infection, it is important to see a foot doctor for toenail fungus removal near Sugar Land as soon as possible to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Can toenail fungus spread internally?
It is possible to get fungal infections that do spread to the bone, which is a very serious condition. Ultimately, when it comes to toenail fungus, since it can be spread to other parts of the body, and can spread internally, it is worth dealing with it as soon as you notice it.
What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?
Sometimes untreated toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding skin on the foot. This may result in athlete’s foot, a condition marked by itchy, red, cracked skin.
Can nail fungus cause other health issues?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
How do you treat diabetic toenails?
– Take Care of Your Toenails. Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. …
– Be Careful When Exercising. Walk and work out in comfortable shoes. Don’t exercise when you have open sores on your feet.
– Protect Your Feet With Shoes and Socks. Never go barefoot.
Will toenail fungus go away on its own?
But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body. It could cause pain when you walk.
What can diabetics soak their feet in?
It’s a mineral compound that’s sometimes used as a home remedy for sore muscles, bruises, and splinters. In some cases, people add Epsom salt to baths or tubs to soak in. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath.
How do you treat toenail fungus with diabetes?
Another option is to take an oral antifungal drug. Combining an oral drug with a topical one you rub on your nails may increase the chance of curing the infection. Terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are both considered safe for people with diabetes.
Should diabetics soak feet in Epsom salt?
Although some people soak their feet in Epsom salt baths, this home remedy isn’t recommended for people with diabetes. Soaking your feet may raise your risk of foot problems. Talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in Epsom salts.
Can diabetics soak their feet in warm water?
Hot water soaking is discouraged in diabetics due to a potential for a diabetic to scald their own skin.
What happens if you don’t treat fingernail fungus?
A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
What is good for a diabetic to soak their feet in?
It’s a mineral compound that’s sometimes used as a home remedy for sore muscles, bruises, and splinters. In some cases, people add Epsom salt to baths or tubs to soak in. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath.
What kills nail fungus fast?
Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part.
Can toenail fungus be life threatening?
Although fungal nail infections are not life-threatening, they’re an important health problem because of their high prevalence and poor response to therapy.
Can toe nails show health problems?
Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
How do you clean diabetic toenails?
Instead of trimming after a soak or shower, clean the toes with warm water and a gentle soap, then wipe completely dry with a cloth before cutting. (Be mindful of the water temperature, as diabetics who suffer from nerve damage may not be able to feel hot water and sear themselves.
Can diabetics soak feet in apple cider vinegar?
It is possible for vinegar to irritate already inflamed skin. Vinegar is also not appropriate for treating wounds on the foot. People who have diabetes should avoid using vinegar for foot problems.