SR Therapies

Nail care

One of the most common reasons people go to a podiatrist is because of problems with their toenails. The incidience of such problems increase as we age. And even though most age-related changes to the toenails do not cause pain or create a health issue, many peple are embarrassed by the way their nails look. Dry, thick, discoloured, and misshapen nails simply make people self-conscious.One of the most common reasons people go to a podiatrist is because of problems with their toenails. The incidience of such problems increase as we age.

And even though most age-related changes to the toenails do not cause pain or create a health issue, many peple are embarrassed by the way their nails look. Dry, thick, discoloured, and misshapen nails simplu make people self-conscious.Caring for toenails can be difficult, even intimidating -especially trimming them- if they are thick, tough, or painful. Medical conditions can also complicate matters. For example, if you are taking a blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin (warfarin),

You must be cautious when caring for your nails (or any skin condition) because of the risk of bleeding. If you have arthritis in your hands or back, you may find it difficult to reach your feet or use clippers.Other challanges include visual impairment or decreased feeling in the hands and feet.This chaper, then is written with the knowledge that the responsibility for nail care often falls on the spouse, other family members, or caregivers. The decision to seek professional care for,nails should be based on overall health, skin and nail conditions, and other limiting or complicating medical conditions. If in doubt, talk with your primary doctor or a podiatrist.

Nail Hygiene

Good nail care starts with good foot hygiene. Cleansing and caring for the feet on a daily basis is important for minimizing the risk of infection, athlete's foot, dry skin, and nail problems. Toenail and skin problems tend to be much worse in people who have poor foot hygiene.Good nail care starts with good foot hygiene. Cleansing and caring for the feet on a daily basis is important for minimizing the risk of infection, athlete's foot, dry skin, and nail problems.

Toenail and skin problems tend to be much worse in people who have poor foot hygiene.

Accumulating dirt, moisture, fungus, and bacteria contribute to odours, skin changes, and discolouration and thickening of the toenails.Basic foot hygiene consists of washing the feet with soap and water, drying the skin thoroughly, and using powders lotions and topical medications as needed. Treating athlete's foot quickly and diligently is especially imp[ortant to minimize the risk of fungal nails.

Good foot hygiene, finally requires good shoes and socks. Old shoes and unwashed socks can harbor and promote bacteria, fungus, and odour.Wear a fresh pair of socks each day. Throw away old smelly shoes.

Nail Anatomy

The nail is made up of a hard layer of a substance produced by cells located under the skin at the base of the nail. The nail grows over what is called the nail bed. The thin layer of tissue at the edge of the nail as it meets the skin is called the cuticle. A healthy nail is smooth and clear.

It should be firmly attached to the nail bed, and it should grow a little over an inch a year.The nail is made up of a hard layer of a substance produced by cells located under the skin at the base of the nail. The nail grows over what is called the nail bed. The thin layer of tissue at the edge of the nail as it meets the skin is called the cuticle.

A healthy nail is smooth and clear. It should be firmly attached to the nail bed, and it should grow a little over an inch a year.

Reference: Great Feet For Life: Paul Langer, DPM