If you have diabetes, toenail care for diabetes should form a vital part of your daily foot care regime. Whether you have type I or type II diabetes, you will be more prone to foot problems than the rest of the population. This is because prolonged high blood sugars can cause impaired circulation and decreased sensation in your feet. By taking care of your feet, you will be able to reduce your risk of serious health problems.
Toenail Care for Diabetes
When it comes to caring for your toenails, there are five key points to remember:
1. Wash and Dry Your Feet Daily
You should wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. After washing, you should dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between your toes and around your toenails. If you fail to dry your feet properly, you may develop toenail fungus infections.
2. Check Your Feet Daily
It is important to examine your feet daily for any general signs of damage. If you are unable to check your feet in their entirety, you should ask a friend or a relative to help you out. When examining your feet, you should check for any changes in the appearance of your toenails. Toenail infections, which can cause your nails to become dark, cloudy, brittle or thick, are a common problem. If left untreated, the fungus can spread to your other toenails. The most effective way to resolve a toenail fungus infection is to attend a laser toenail fungus treatment session at Clear Toes Clinic.
3. Cut Your Toenails Regularly
While the task of cutting your toenails may seem like a chore, you must be careful and precise. You should only cut your toenails after bathing, when they are soft. With a nail clipper, trim your toenails straight across and smooth off any jagged or rough edges with a nail file. You should not be tempted to round off the corners of your toenails or cut into the corners of your nail – you may cause them to grow into your skin, increasing your risk of injury and infection. If you have thick or untreated fungal toenails, you may wish to ask a podiatrist to trim your toenails.
4. Wear Sensible Shoes
Your choice of footwear can have a significant impact on the health of your toenails. Ill-fitting shoes are widely thought to be a cause of a number of problems, including ingrown toenails. In some cases, your doctor or podiatrist may advise you to refrain from wearing high heeled and narrow shoes, which place pressure on your toenails. If you have already developed foot problems, it may be a wise idea for you to move from conventional footwear to specialist orthopedic footwear.
5. Attend Professional Foot Examinations
Your doctor or podiatrist should carry out regular foot care examinations. If you attend these check-ups, you will help your health care professional to detect toenail problems in a timely manner. If you notice any problems in between your examinations or require toenail care for diabetes advice, you should not hesitate to consult with your doctor or podiatrist.
