How do you tell the difference between diabetic toenail and toenail fungus?

Question

I have a friend who is diabetic. He has one of the worst looking toes I have ever seen. It is yellow, REALLY thick, and flaking off. I mentioned it to a nurse, and she said it was that way just because he has diabetes! Will diabetes do that to your nails, without an underlying infection?

Answer 1

No. If it is thick, flaking and discolored it is likely a fungal infection. Sometimes old trauma can also cause the nail to be thick and dyscolored but not usually flaky. Persons with diabetes are more prone to catching the fungus so the nurse you spoke with was just giving you the "dumbed-down" version.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Diabetics are actually more suseptable to fungus infections of the nails. Soak the foot in White Vinegar for ten minutes each day. It will get rid of the fungus naturally, although like any treatment for fungus of the nail, it will take time. This is something that will not go away by itself.

Answer 4

He needs to have a doctor look at it. It could be the diabetes, and, if it is, it can lead to gangrene if the circulation in his feet is bad. Only a doctor can rule out fungal infection.

Answer 5

You should have a doctor look at it. Sounds gross...
I've never had anything go funky with my nails, except when I dropped an icepack on my foot, and I put on bad nail polish. But, that sounds like a fungal foot infection. He should see a poditrist (foot doctor).

Answer 6

Sorry but the nurse is not trained in that enough to make that call a foot doctor must be seen.

Answer 7

If your friend hasn't had his doctor look at the toe, he should do so ASAP.

Answer 8

They are usually the same thing. You are right.