Senior Nail Care Tips – prevent nail problems
Nails are essentially hardened skin cells. Made mostly of keratin, a protein found in the skin and hair, nails are made by living cells in the fingers and toes. These living cells begin in the matrix, the hidden (half moon) area under the cuticle. As new skin cells grow in the matrix, the older cells are pushed forward, harden, and form a visible nail.
COMMON NAIL DISORDERS
WHITE SPOTS
SPLINTER HEMORRHAGES
INGROWN TOENAIL
FUNGAL INFECTIONS (ONYCHOMYCOSIS)
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
TUMORS AND WARTS
MUCINOUS CYSTS
DARK SPOTS OR STREAKS
PSORIATIC NAILS
You should watch for signs of irritation or infection when taking care of your nails. This is especially important in a person with diabetes, for whom a small infection can develop into something more serious. Fingernails and toenails can thicken with age, which will make them more difficult to trim. Follow these simple tips to avoid nail problems as you age.
Many nail disorders result from poor nail care, so developing good nail habits can help. To keep your nails healthy, dermatologists recommend:
1. Keep nails clean and dry. This helps prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
2. Cut nails straight across, rounding them slightly at the tips for maximum strength. Be sure to use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Filing the nails into points weakens them.
3. Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with a “fine” textured file.
4. Avoid biting fingernails, and do not remove the cuticle.
5. Trim toenails regularly to keep them short. This minimizes trauma and injury.
6. Soak feet in warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per pint of water) for five to 10 minutes when toenails are thick and difficult to cut, then apply urea or lactic acid cream. This softens the nails, making them easier to trim.
7. Avoid “digging-out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. See a dermatologist for treatment.
8. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate pairs.
9. Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could signal a serious problem.
10. Be especially vigilant of nail problems if you have diabetes or poor circulation. At the first sign of a problem, see a dermatologist.
and more tips here:
- Assemble supplies — soap, basin with water, towel, nailbrush, scissors, nail clippers, file, and lotion.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and soak the hands in a basin of warm water for 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub the nails with the brush to remove trapped dirt.
- Dry the nails and gently push back the skin around the nails (the cuticle) with the towel.
- File gently to smooth the edges.
- Gently massage hands and feet with lotion.
