Myth: People with diabetes can’t cut their own toenails If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes. Don’t cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short. Remember, your nails are there to protect your toes.
What does diabetes do to your toenails?
People with diabetes are more likely than those without diabetes to get a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This infection usually affects the toenails. The nails will turn yellow and become brittle.
How do you cut diabetic toenails?
Cut toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Trim them straight across, then smooth with a nail file. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes. You may want a podiatrist (foot doctor) to do it for you.
Why can’t diabetics cut toenails?
Although a nice, rounded cut is often preferred over a square clipping, diabetics must be careful making curved clips. Cutting too far into the corners of your toenails can lead to the formation of ingrown nails, oftentimes leading to an infection.
What are signs of diabetic feet?
– Changes in skin color.
– Changes in skin temperature.
– Swelling in the foot or ankle.
– Pain in the legs.
– Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
– Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
– Corns or calluses.
– Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
How should a diabetic cut their toenails?
Myth: People with diabetes can’t cut their own toenails If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes. Don’t cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short. Remember, your nails are there to protect your toes.
Can diabetic people cut their toenails?
Myth: People with diabetes can’t cut their own toenails Not true: the general advice on toenail cutting applies to everyone. If you have diabetes you should keep your nails healthy by cutting them to the shape of the end of your toes. Don’t cut them straight across, curved down the sides, or too short.
Why should diabetics not get pedicures?
But if you have type 2 diabetes, getting a pedicure is a choice you have to be careful about because of the risks involved. One is the risk of infection. Infection can raise your blood sugar levels, interfere with proper healing and put you at risk of more serious complications like ulcers and even amputation.
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.
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.
Why should you not cut a diabetics toenails?
Although a nice, rounded cut is often preferred over a square clipping, diabetics must be careful making curved clips. Cutting too far into the corners of your toenails can lead to the formation of ingrown nails, oftentimes leading to an infection.
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.
Why are pedicures bad for diabetics?
Pedicure problems can happen to anyone, but if you have type 2 diabetes, you need to be especially careful about protecting your feet. An infection can raise your blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can interfere with proper healing and increase your risk of serious complications like ulcers or even amputation.
Can nurses cut diabetic toenails?
Nail clipping or cutting requires an order from the nurse. DO NOT cut or clip nails if skin around them is reddened, swollen or showing other signs of infection. DO NOT clip toenails. 2.
Can a person with diabetes get a pedicure?
In general, it’s safe to get manicures or pedicures at a spa or nail salon if you have diabetes that’s well-controlled, says Fred Williams, MD.
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.
Why do you have to be careful of cutting diabetic nails?
Although a nice, rounded cut is often preferred over a square clipping, diabetics must be careful making curved clips. Cutting too far into the corners of your toenails can lead to the formation of ingrown nails, oftentimes leading to an infection.
Should diabetics go to nail salons?
In general, it’s safe to get manicures or pedicures at a spa or nail salon if you have diabetes that’s well-controlled, says Fred Williams, MD.
Can nurses cut nails?
Nail clipping or cutting requires an order from the nurse. DO NOT cut or clip nails if skin around them is reddened, swollen or showing other signs of infection.
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.