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Nails reveal a lot about the health of the person and may also disclose many underlying diseases and disorders. Yellow nails may occur due to a variety of reasons, but people with diabetes are more likely to develop a yellowish hue in their nails. In diabetes, yellow toenails often thicken and become brittle, increasing the risk of serious injuries in the foot. In case of diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage, injuries from toenails may become even riskier as the patient might not feel the pain and the cut might develop an infection. Therefore, taking care of nails and monitoring the health of the nails is extremely important if you have diabetes.
Causes Of Yellow Nails In Diabetics
High Blood Sugar Levels
In most cases, yellow nails in diabetes are a result of high blood sugar levels. The breakdown of sugar affects the collagen of the nails and causes the yellow colour. If this is the reason behind your yellow nails, then no treatment is required. It isn’t harmful. By controlling your blood sugar levels, you can easily take care of your nails.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that causes yellow colouring of the nails. It usually affects the toenails of the person. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing onychomycosis, because of poor blood circulation in the legs. In this case, your doctor might prescribe you medications or other treatment to eliminate the fungal infection.
Other Reasons Behind Yellow Nails
Diabetes may be one of the leading causes of yellow hues in your nails, but there are also many other reasons and medical conditions that can turn your nails yellow.
- Excessive use of nail polish
- Yellow nail syndrome
- Jaundice
- Thyroid
- Tuberculosis
Treatment Of Yellow Nails In Diabetes
Generally, the doctor prescribes fungal creams or nail enamel to remove the fungal infection from the nails. This method might take a lot of time, even a year.
Another method of treatment involves taking oral antifungal drugs. Many times, the doctor consolidates oral medication with fungal creams to increase the rate of recovery.
Usually, doctors recommend antifungal powders after the infection is gone, to prevent the infection from returning. In case no treatment or medication proves to be useful, your podiatrist might resort to removing the infected toenail if you have a severe infection.
Tips to Prevent Yellow Nails
- Monitor the health of your nails regularly. Do self check-ups and keep your doctor informed in case of any discolouration.
- Wash your toenails and nails regularly with soap and water to maintain proper hygiene of your nails.
- Keep your nails dry all the time. You may use talcum powder for the same.
- Keep your nails always trimmed to avoid cuts and wounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks that protect your toenails and do not put any pressure on them.
- Avoid contact with dirty or contaminated water.
- Exercise regularly to boost blood circulation in the legs and to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- In the case of diabetes, nutrition plays the most important role. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, loaded with fruits, vegetables and high-fibre food.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly and take your medication sincerely to control diabetes.
Takeaway
Yellow nails and diabetes are interlinked with each other. At some times, they may develop due to blood sugar levels, but at other times they might be a result of a fungal infection. Regular monitoring of the health of your nails is extremely important to prevent any severe health problems. Yellow nails in diabetes tend to become brittle and painful. You might struggle while walking. They might also cause cuts and wounds in your legs and in case you develop a severe infection in the wounds, yellow nails might even become the reason for getting an amputation. Hence, taking care of your nails is extremely important if you have diabetes.
