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.
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.
Currently, the most effective therapy is 250 mg of oral terbinafine daily for 12 weeks, possibly with concomitant topical therapy with a nail lacquer, such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. Patients should be treated until mycological cure is achieved, and they must be followed closely for recurrent infection.
Nails are easiest to trim after a bath or soak for 10 minutes to soften nails. The soaking of diabetics feet should only be done by a healthcare professional. You can clean under the patients toenail with an orange stick (wearing gloves), wiping on a clean washcloth in between each toe during soaking. .
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.
Epsom salt and diabetes
Epsom salt is a mineral compound with many different uses, but people with diabetes should avoid using it. No form of foot soak is appropriate for individuals with diabetes. People use Epsom salt as a home remedy for various health issues.
Covered services and equipment
People with diabetes are covered by Medicare Part B for foot care services including: nail care. removal of calluses and corns.
Removing the toenail completely is not recommended for individuals who have diabetes, since the risk of complications due to poor wound healing and infection is high. I would highly recommend that you go to your doctor or a podiatrist to manage the trimming and, if necessary, the removal of the nail.
Take Care of Your 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. Don't let the corners of your toenails grow into the skin.
Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
If you have had an injury to your toe and your nail is temporarily thick, it may get better over time. As a new, healthy nail grows out, you can see if it gets better. However, due to the slow growth of toenails, this can take many months.
Surgical Treatment for Thick Toenails
In some cases, the thick toenail can be surgically removed in order to relieve pressure and eliminate the infected tissue underneath. Topical anti-fungal medication is then applied until the nail completely returns.
Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Soak your toes in warm water for five to 10 minutes. This will help soften the nail and allow you to more easily cut the thick nail.
You can make an Epsom foot bath by adding one cup of Epsom salts to a tub of warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for around twenty minutes for relief.
Medicare will cover the treatment of corns, calluses, and toenails once every 61 days in persons having certain systemic conditions. Examples of such conditions include: Diabetes with peripheral arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic phlebitis.
Most lower leg and foot removals begin with foot ulcers. An ulcer that won't heal causes severe damage to tissues and bone. It may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, a foot or part of a leg. Some people with diabetes are at higher risk than others.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications can be avoided or delayed with annual comprehensive foot exams and treatment if needed.
All diabetic patients should have a podiatrist. On your initial exam, your podiatrist will tell you if you are at low or high risk for complications in your feet. Generally speaking, a diabetic patient that has good ciruculation and no neurologic deficit (numbness/burning/tingling) can be seen on an annual basis.
Toe Nail Care
It is advisable to have a podiatrist regularly perform the toenail care for diabetics since a small cut from trimming their own nails could quickly escalate into a larger issue. You can help minimize further issues by having a podiatrist regularly perform your nail care.
Please note that the NDSS does not cover insulin, lancets and other products that you may be need to manage your diabetes. These products can be purchased, either at full retail price or under relevant subsidies, if using a prescription.
Diabetes can make it difficult for a person to control their blood sugar levels, which are often too high. People with this condition may need to use external sources of insulin to correct these levels. However, individuals with diabetes can still donate blood as long as they can keep their blood sugar under control.
Magnesium appears to help manage blood sugar levels among people with diabetes. Also, those who tend to consume less magnesium typically have poorer blood sugar regulation and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than people who consume higher amounts ( 2 , 3 , 4 ).
How can Epsom salt be dangerous for those with diabetes? There are several potentials dangers of soaking in Epsom salt for those who have type 2 diabetes. One reason is that Epsom salt can cause a drying effect on the skin. This can therefore cause the skin to crack, and leave the broken skin vulnerable to infection.