Ingrown toenails can make it difficult for your elderly loved one to wear shoes and enjoy visiting places where a lot of walking occurs. That’s because ingrown toenails occur when a toenail has grown under the skin instead of over it. It can happen at any time to anyone, and while it can usually be treated and corrected at home if it isn’t dealt with right away, it may lead to swelling and an infection. A personal care provider can help one maintain healthy nails.
Causes of Ingrown Toenails in Seniors
For many seniors, the main cause of ingrown toenails is their inability to properly care for their toenails. As a person ages, the toenails become thicker and harder to cut. Some deal with toenails that start to curve inward, creating the perfect opportunity to grow under the skin and making them difficult to care for properly. Add on the nail changes to the fact that your elderly loved one may no longer be able to bend down and reach her toenails, or doesn’t have strong enough eyesight to see them once she can reach them, and ingrown toenails are much more likely.
Letting a Personal Care At Home Attendant Care for Toenails
If your loved one is physically unable to care for her toenails, or perhaps has dementia or another cognitive disorder that creates confusion around everyday tasks, a good option for your loved one might be having a personal care provider visit weekly to help her with this personal care.
While visiting, your loved one’s personal care provider will take the following steps to relieve her ingrown toenails and prevent more from occurring.
- Soak the affected foot in warm water for about 15 minutes to help soften the nail. This is especially helpful for thickened nails that are tough to trim.
- Take a piece of cotton or dental floss and insert it between the nail and the skin to lift the nail slightly, making trimming easier and reducing the risk of any skin getting snipped.
- Trim the nail straight across, leaving it as long as possible so that it doesn’t wedge its way under the skin again.
- Review the area each week to ensure it is healing properly and not infected.
Steps to Prevent Future Ingrown Toenails
A personal care provider can also help prevent ingrown toenails with the care they provide your loved one.
- Always trim the nail straight across
- Let the nail grow slightly long so that it’s not trimmed too close to the base of the nail and dig into the surrounding skin. If it’s a consistent problem, the nails may be purposefully left longer to protect the toes.
- Wear shoes that fit and are not tight in the toes. Cutesy little pointed heels can damage toes and toenails by not allowing them room to move and grow.
- Prevent toe injuries by wearing protective shoes. Stubbing a toe or breaking a toenail can lead to an ingrown toenail so consider having your loved one always wear shoes around the home and when out, wearing shoes and sandals that provide adequate protection to her feet.
- Finally, healthy toenails are supported by a healthy diet. Make sure your loved one is eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, protein-packed foods, and whole grains. Supplements may also help.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in Northport NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stonybrook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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