Nail Fungus and How Diabetics Are at a Higher Risk For Fungus Infections
Why are diabetics more likely to get a fungus infection?
If you have diabetes, you are at a much higher risk than the general population for nail fungus. Many diabetics suffer from nail fungus and this can have a severely negative impact on their overall general health.
According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), approximately one third of the estimated diabetic Americans also have nail fungus infections. Poor circulation and a reduced ability to fight infection puts Diabetics at a higher risk for nail fungus infection.
Let’s talk about prevention.
Wearing socks and shoes that breathe and changing them often is extremely important to anyone, not just diabetics. Wash your feet and hands regularly, but be sure to dry them thoroughly. Be particularly worried about small cuts to your feet, especially near or underneath the nail. Avoid painting your nails as nail polish does not allow the nails to properly breathe.
Use antifungal foot powders if necessary and be aware of the moisture levels of your feet and hands, always wearing protective gloves or footwear appropriately. Avoid walking around barefoot in public places such as pools, locker rooms and bathrooms.
What are my treatment options?
There are many options available which don’t necessarily include oral medications. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor, antifungal lacquers, and topical medications, surgical removal of the infected toe or fingernail and sometimes nothing at all.
Organic options might include applying apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to the infected area. Some online resources suggest soaking the infected areas in Listerine and even applying Vicks Vapor Rub to the nail fungus.
What else should diabetics know about nail fungus?
If you’re a diabetic, you need to be extremely cautious when it comes to nail fungus. Diabetics are often at risk for losing parts or whole extremities because of complications from poor circulation problems and a poor immune system. If you suspect you have a nail fungus, you need to seek medical attention from your doctor immediately and will most likely be put on a treatment regimen which is right for your particular infection type.
Keep in mind that different fungal infections require different treatment so unless you or your doctor knows which type of fungus you’re suffering from, the wrong treatment may be implemented and will be unsuccessful.
Conclusion
For most people, a fungal infection to the nail is not life threatening. It may become uncomfortable and even painful, but typically it’s just unsightly. Diabetics need to be extremely careful of any type of infection, particularly to the feet and hands and should seek treatment immediately for nail fungus infections.
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Tagged with: Fungus Infections • Nail Fungus
Filed under: Skin Care
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good point, people with chronic diseases such as Diabetes need to take much better care of their nails than the average person.