How should diabetics 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.

Should diabetics cut their toenails straight or curved?

Take Care of Your Toenails

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. This could lead to an ingrown toenail.

Why should you not cut a diabetics toenails?

Diabetes are more prone to infection, and fungi and bacteria can transfer from clipping or foot care tools to any open wounds.

How do you cut diabetic foot nails?

Use small cuts, never cut the toenail across all at once. Cut straight across and use a nail file to smooth edges. Apply lotion to the bottom and tops of the feet, never in between the toes. For patients with thickened toenails or yellowed toenails, recommend a foot care specialist like a podiatrist cut their toenails.

Why do diabetics toenails get thick?

Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness.

Diabetic Foot Care

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

How do you trim thick toenails?

Can you cut a diabetics toenails?

But if you have diabetes, it's important to do it correctly to avoid potentially serious diabetic foot complications. Start by washing your feet and drying them thoroughly, paying special attention to drying the spaces between your toes. Then use sharp toenail clippers or nail scissors to trim your toenails.

What are 3 things you should never do to the feet of someone with diabetes?

Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.

Should diabetics wear socks to bed?

Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks.

What are signs of diabetic feet?

Why shouldn't diabetics soak their feet?

Do not soak feet, or you'll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can't feel that the water is too hot.

What do diabetic fingernails look like?

In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn't harmful. It doesn't need to be treated.

What do Podiatrists do for diabetics?

A podiatrist is an important part of your diabetes health care team. Podiatrists are specifically trained to assess the nerve damage in your feet, identify your specific foot health risks, and help you come up with a treatment and prevention plan.

Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.

Should diabetics have pedicures?

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.

What does diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They're caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.

Why should diabetics not put lotion between their toes?

Do not put oils or creams between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to infection. Also, don't soak your feet—that can dry your skin. Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes.

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.

What do podiatrists use to cut thick toenails?

Heavy duty podiatry-grade toenail clippers: We recommend ClipPro nail clippers for our patients. The ClipPro Toenail Clipper is the best consumer nail clipper we have found for extra thick and irregular nails. Its jaw opens up to over 1″ wide and the top of blades is slightly curved to contour around your nails.

What causes thick toenails as you age?

Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails - and fingernails - slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

Vicks VapoRub

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 the treatment of toenail fungus.

Why is only my big toenail yellow?

When toenails turn yellow, a fungus is usually to blame. This type of fungal infection is so common that you might not even need to see a doctor for treatment. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers.

How can I make my toenails healthy again?