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.
Why do diabetics lose their toenails?
Changes in the diabetic toenails are usually due to: Poor circulation. Trauma – which often goes unnoticed due to neuropathy. General susceptibility to fungal infections – resulting from high levels of glucose in the blood.
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.
Why can’t diabetics cut their 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 does diabetes do to your toes?
About half of all people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage. You can have nerve damage in any part of your body, but nerves in your feet and legs are most often affected. Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your feet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How do diabetics clean their feet?
– Use warm (not hot) water. Check the water temperature with your wrists, not your feet.
– Wash all areas of your feet, especially the underside of your toes and between them. Use a mild soap.
– Pat your feet dry. Don’t rub the skin on your feet.
– Dry carefully between your toes.
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.
What do diabetic toenails look like?
What part of the foot hurts with diabetes?
Peripheral neuropathy It’s the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are often worse at night, and may include: Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
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.
What can diabetics use to soak their feet?
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 do diabetics get toenail fungus?
Because diabetes frequently causes nerve damage, you may not be aware when you injure your toenail. Such an injury can create an opening for fungus, allowing an infection to take hold. Without treatment from a foot doctor, the infection can spread beyond the nail to the foot.
How do diabetics keep their feet healthy?
That is why diabetes experts recommend that everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes protect their feet with daily foot checks, smart choices in socks and shoes, and comprehensive foot exams by a healthcare practitioner at least once a year. People with diabetes should have feet checked by a doctor once a year or more.
Why do you have to be careful when cutting a diabetics 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.