Risk of Developing Fungal Toenails with Diabetes

Compared to the general public, people with diabetes mellitus are predisposed and more likely to develop fungal infections in both their skin and nails. Once they have an infection, it is also harder for the body to fight the infection.

Research shows that one of the most common complications of having diabetes is developing a diabetic foot ulcer. An estimate of 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during the course of their disease. In particular diabetic patients who suffer from neuropathy and compromised circulation in the lower extremities are at an increased risk for foot ulcers. Once you develop an ulcer it can be difficult to heal the ulcer and many times will lead to an amputation of the foot or area on the foot.

Onychomycosis or a fungal infection of the toenail, is a serious factor for diabetic patients. You may think it is only your toenails...BUT... The toenails become long, thickened, painful and distorted in how they grow. They also change in color and can become loose and not attached to the nail bed.


Complications of Onychomycois in toenails:

Nails can become loose and detach from the nail bed. Nails can result in injury to the surrounding skin and due to the extra pressure can cause erosion of the nail bed. Many times a nail will dig into an area on the skin, a diabetic patient may not feel the pain from the nail and an ulcer will develop. Most times it takes the area that is compromised to become very symptomatic including redness, swelling and possibly drainage to get the attention of the patient. Often times an active infection has already begun.

This is why it is very important for our diabetic patient to pay attention to their feet. Exam them daily and remember if you see something that does not look normal make an appointment to have it looked at.