Caring for Your Diabetic Fingernails and Toenails

Caring for Your Fingernails as a Diabetic

Having diabetes requires you to pay special attention to all aspects of your health, including your fingernails. Unhealthy nails can indicate issues with your blood sugar or circulation. On the other hand, properly caring for your nails can help prevent diabetes-related foot problems. With some extra care and vigilance, you can keep your nails healthy and attractive.

How Diabetes Affects Your Nails

Diabetes affects your nails in several ways:

• High blood sugar can lead to fungal infections under and around nails.
• Nerve damage in the feet can cause ingrown toenails.
• Poor circulation reduces blood flow to nails, making them discolored or thick.
• Dry, cracked skin around nails can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection.

Therefore, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing nail disorders. These issues are more common in toenails than fingernails since the toes are more prone to circulation problems and neuropathy.

Signs of Nail Problems

Watch for these signs of unhealthy nails, which may indicate an underlying issue:

• Discolored nails - Yellow, brown, white, or black discoloration can signify fungus, bacterial infection, or circulation issues.
• Thickened nails - Excess keratin causes nails to become abnormally thick.
• Brittle, cracked nails - Lack of moisture causes nails to dry out and crack.
• Chipped nails - Weak nails are more prone to chipping and breaking.
• Grooves or dents - Horizontal lines or dents in nails can be a sign of trauma or circulation problems.
• Infection around nails - Redness, swelling, oozing around the nails indicates a bacterial or fungal infection.

See your doctor promptly if you notice any of these issues. Treating nail disorders early improves outcomes and prevents complications like ingrown nails or toenail removal.

Preventive Diabetic Nail Care

You can avoid many nail problems by adopting good nail hygiene and addressing risk factors:

• Control your blood sugar - High blood sugar increases infection risk and causes nail changes.
• Improve circulation - Exercise, quit smoking, and manage cholesterol to maximize blood flow.
• Moisturize nails - Apply lotion after washing to prevent brittle, dry nails.
• Trim nails properly - Cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails.
• Disinfect nail tools - Clean clippers after each use and discard old files.
• Wear shoes - Dont walk barefoot to protect feet from injury.
• Treat minor foot injuries - Clean, disinfect, and bandage cuts to prevent infection.

With vigilance, you can catch nail problems early and take steps to improve nail health.

Caring for Diabetic Toenails

Toenails require some special care since they're more prone to problems in people with diabetes:

• Trim nails straight across - Rounding the edges encourages ingrown toenails.
• File down sharp edges - Use an emery board to smooth rough edges.
• Soak nails before trimming - A 5 minute soak softens nails and prevents cracking.
• Treat minor injuries - Disinfect and bandage any cuts to avoid infection.
• Wear clean, dry socks - Change socks daily and avoid damp socks.
• Disinfect pedicure tools - Bring your own tools or ensure salons sterilize equipment.
• Check nails daily - Look for any signs of injury or infection.
• See a podiatrist yearly - Get professional nail care and foot exams.

Well-fitting shoes and daily foot inspections are also crucial for preventing toe injuries. Seek prompt treatment for any cuts, blisters, ulcers, discoloration, or thickened nails to protect your feet.

Diabetic Fingernail Care Tips

Fingernails are less prone to issues but still require some special care with diabetes:

• Moisturize nails and cuticles - Apply lotion after handwashing to prevent brittle nails.
• Trim nails straight across - Rounding the edges can lead to painful ingrown nails.
• Avoid excessive filing - Filing weakens nail structure, so use a file sparingly.
• Limit artificial nails - Adhesives and pressure can damage the nail bed.
• Use your own manicure tools - Bring personal, disinfected tools to the salon.
• Inspect hands during skin checks - Look for any cuts, bruises, or nail disorders.
• Wear gloves - Protect your hands when cleaning, gardening, or working with chemicals.

Well-fitting gloves can shield your hands from injury. Also, be gentle when pushing back or trimming cuticles, as the surrounding skin can tear easily.

Treatments for Diabetic Nail Disorders

Several treatment options exist for various nail conditions related to diabetes:

• Fungal infections - Prescription oral or topical antifungal medications.
• Bacterial infections - Antibiotic pills or topical antibiotics.
• Ingrown nails - Removal of the side of the nail or entire nail.
• Thick nails - Prescription lacquers or oral medications to slow growth.
• Poor circulation - Medications to improve blood flow.
• Dry, brittle nails - Topical moisturizing creams and nail hardeners.

For any nail disorder, keep the area clean and dry while undergoing treatment. Seek prompt medical care if you experience redness, swelling, oozing, foul odor, or increasing pain around a nail.

When to See a Podiatrist

Make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly if you notice any of the following:

• Discolored, thickened, or separated nails
• Nails that are deformed or double in thickness
• Any signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing
• Ingrown toenails that cause pain or cut into the skin
• Nail fungus that persists despite over-the-counter treatments
• Brittle, cracked nails that split easily or won't grow
• Any foot ulcerations or wounds around nails
• Numbness, burning, or pain in the fingers or toes

A podiatrist can determine the underlying cause, provide professional nail care, and prescribe medications as needed. Prompt podiatrist visits for nail issues can prevent minor problems from progressing to infection or nail removal.

Take Steps to Healthy Diabetic Nails

While diabetes poses some risks for your nails, a bit of extra care goes a long way. Inspect your nails routinely, maintain good nail hygiene, moisturize nails and cuticles, wear gloves and shoes, and see a podiatrist annually. Address any nail problems promptly to keep your hands and feet healthy.

With vigilance and preventive care, people with diabetes can enjoy beautiful, healthy nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I have nail fungus?

Signs of a fungal nail infection include thickened, brittle, discolored nails. You may also notice debris under the nail, a foul smell, or nails separating from the nail bed. Persistent nail fungus usually affects toenails rather than fingernails.

What home remedies can I try for nail fungus?

You can try applying Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, or an over-the-counter antifungal lacquer. However, oral or prescription medications are usually needed to fully cure a fungal nail infection.

How do I prevent brittle nails with diabetes?

Moisturize nails and cuticles daily, avoid excessive water exposure, wear gloves for wet tasks, limit nail polish remover use, take biotin supplements, and control blood sugar levels to prevent brittle nails.

Why do my nails turn black with diabetes?

Black discoloration of nails can result from fungal infection, bacterial infection, melanoma (rarely), or inadequate blood circulation. See your doctor for an evaluation if your nails become black.

How can I avoid ingrown toenails as a diabetic?

Prevent ingrown toenails by cutting nails straight across, filing sharp edges, wearing well-fitted shoes, treating any minor foot injuries, and seeing a podiatrist for professional nail care.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.