Why do diabetics have thick toenails?
Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness. With psoriasis, the nail may lift away from the toe. Make sure you take good care of yourself to avoid complications of either diabetes or psoriasis.
Does diabetes make your toenails thicker?
Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, in the toenails a fungal infection is the most common cause. Other diseases, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide the treatment a person has to correct the condition.
How do you get rid of thick toenails?
How are thick toenails treated?
- Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
- Groom your nails regularly.
- Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
- Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
Can diabetes affect your toe nails?
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.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub help thick 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.
What home remedy is good for thick toenails?
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.
Why shouldn’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 causes discoloration in the toenails of diabetics?
Nail discoloration can actually cause by many different things, including diabetes toenails. Diabetes toenails discoloration can also cause by eating a lot of food. That contains too much sugar in it, and it can also be caused by a variety of different medications.
Why are diabetics more likely to get toenail fungus?
The fact is that a lot of people develop toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, but it is about twice as common in people with diabetes. Diabetic nerve damage in the feet, which may prevent a person from noticing damage to his toenails, and reduced circulation, which affects healing, are both partly responsible for this increased risk.
How to take care of diabetes foot and toenails?
Use mild soaps and warm water. Pat your skin dry; do not rub. Thoroughly dry your feet. After washing, put lotion or petroleum jelly on them to prevent cracking. But not between your toes — this can lead to an infection! Sprinkle on a nonmedicated powder before putting on your socks and shoes to help keep your feet dry.
Why are diabetes patients more likely to have foot problems?
You’re more likely to have foot problems with diabetes because it can damage your nerves and lessen blood flow to your feet. The American Diabetes Association estimates that it’s the reason 1 in 5 people with diabetes who seek hospital care do so.