Routine Nail & Skin Care

How a Podiatrist Can Assist with Routine Nail & Skin Care?

Podiatrists are experts in the care of toes, feet, ankles, legs, and related structures. They are skilled in routine nail care, reducing the risk of harm or injury from improper nail cutting. During a nail care session, they can also identify harmful toenail conditions and provide appropriate treatment promptly.

Some conditions often identified during a foot health inspection may require specialized care and intervention for permanent resolution.

These include:

Other common nail conditions that are promptly treated in-clinic include fungal and bacterial infections, as well as systemic conditions such as psoriasis, nail trauma, onycholysis, and nail dystrophy.

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals specializing in the care and management of the lower limbs. Any foot care performed by a podiatrist is done in a safe and sterile manner, tailored to the patient’s risk status. Basic foot care includes nail trimming and filing, hard skin and corn removal, and management of localized or spreading infections.

Who Needs Routine Nail Cutting?

Elderly

Elderly patients often struggle with poor eyesight, flexibility, strength, memory, and blood flow to their feet. Limited mobility can make it difficult for them to care for their lower limbs, as they may be unable to bend and reach their toes. Old age often brings decreased visual acuity and fine motor control, increasing the risk of injury when clipping nails. Combined with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, nail cutting in the elderly becomes a high-risk task. Many podiatrists recommend professional intervention to prevent injury and infection. Self-care attempts can often result in cuts, leading to infections and worsening foot health.

Children

A baby’s toenails grow quickly and need trimming once or twice a month. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on how to gently and accurately cut your baby’s nails with minimal fuss. As a baby’s feet grow rapidly, ingrown toenails can develop. Podiatrists specialize in treating ingrown toenails in infants and children. Regular nail maintenance helps prevent ingrown toenails and sharp edges that could hurt your child.

Teenagers

Adolescents frequently trim their nails too short or skip cutting them altogether to save time. Activities like sports can also cause or worsen foot or nail injuries, potentially leading to complications if left untreated.

Why Is Nail Care Important?

Nails can reflect our overall health, often signaling the presence or onset of systemic diseases.

It’s crucial to consult a professional if you notice changes in your nails such as:

Minor nail conditions can often be effectively treated with topical creams, medications, or non-invasive procedures. Regular nail care sessions are also beneficial as they can detect more serious nail conditions early on, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent complications.

Overall Foot Health Assessment

Podiatrists specialize in assessing the foot, ankle, and lower limb, meticulously identifying subtle differences like swelling, pain, or changes in foot shape or color. These indicators help detect progression in chronic diseases such as diabetes or circulatory issues. Skin checks reveal signs of thickening, which can lead to corns, calluses, or tissue breakdown, and identify cracks or abrasions prone to infection.

Nail changes are also significant, potentially indicating systemic conditions, infections, neoplastic changes, or biomechanical trauma. Regular follow-ups with the same podiatrist enhance early detection of minor foot and lower limb changes.

If specialized care is needed, our podiatrists can initiate it during your appointment with your consent.