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My 88 year old father was recently in the ER and I saw that his toenails looked horrible, thick and yellow. But even worse was when I took my 93 year old mother to see her doctor and her toenails were really long, the large nails were also thick and discolored and the skin around her toes looked very flaky. Frankly, it was gross and I was shocked. The doctor said he sees this all the time. I know my dad was taking my mom to see a podiatrist, but he's had shingles for several months and I'm just now finding out a lot of things they've kept pretty well hidden.

Besides the fact that I want to take care of my parents (they are going into a wonderful assisted living facility this weekend), I'm wondering if horrible looking feet is an inevitable part of aging. My husband and I don't have children and we are seeing how important it is to take care of ourselves! We're trying to learn from my parents and take care of ourselves.

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Interesting topic. I live in central Florida where it is hot and humid ALL YEAR LONG and about 5 years ago I was working for a home health agency that required that we employees (even those of us doing non-medical care) wear closed-toed shoes. I got fungus under one of my big toe-nails! Nail grew very thick and was ugly yellow. Other nail just fine. I saw a doctor and was told that the med's for the fungus are so expensive that insurance will not pay unless there is some sort of unusual dire health consequence of the fungus. I hid it the best I could with nail polish, but still was very uncomfortable with it, always afraid it would spread to other toes. Recently a friend told me that Vicks Vap-O-Rub salve on the toe would get rid of it. I didn't really believe her, but I started massaging the end of my toe, the cuticle, and the toe-nail with the Vicks salve every morning (most mornings) when I got out of the shower. Sometimes I would get in a rush or just forget. Anyway, it's been a couple of months now and the condition is improved by at least 50% or more. Looks MUCH better. Mine was maybe a milder case of the fungus than some, but I'm sure glad I found out about the Vicks salve treatment. My mom would be so proud! She used to swear by Vicks salve for just about any ailment you could get. Because of the results I have seen so far, I think if I keep using it, then eventually my toe will be its old self again! That's my "home remedy" tip for today! Blessings to all - Grace
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Leftylucy~ My sisters dr. told her that psoriasis effects the nails too. The Podiatrist told her that yellow thick toe nails is a fungus infection that is most often caused by cutting the nail to short and injuring the nail bed and it it NOT caused from neglect or poor hygiene.
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No, it isn't uncommon, but it is preventable. Good hygiene and consistent care can keep them looking great! Both my parents have great looking feet. They are 81 and 87...but I make sure they get regular showers, feet kept clean, dry. Nails trimmed... I would say it is a good sign that they need more help than they are currently getting/allowing. :)
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I think the nails get thick if not cut/trimmed. I my moms are more thick and yellowed than I ever recall seeing. I am only 60 and have noticed some thickening and discoloration. I never even thought of toe nails in caring for mom. Then, I looked and one of her toenails curves and punctures the skin on her toe. The pedicure place cost less than a podiestrist (sp) so i took mom for one and she is healed. If this had not corrected the issue i would have taken her to a doctor.

Now I take her regularly every other month or so, for a pedicure. I always look at her toes now.
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If your family member has diabetes, it is especially important that their feet are observed regularly and kept healthy. Toenail fungus is difficult to treat as the meds to treat it are hard on your liver, and if people are already on several meds, they just can't tolerate it. And yes, our toenails seem to thicken with age, it may be hereditary or partially due to decreased circulation. Darcy123 is correct, if you notice neglected nail care, it probably is a sign that more help is needed. And again, if your loved one is in a facility, you will need to make sure their nails are
cared for. Some places won't let the direct care staff cut nails due to chances of injury.
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Im 65 and do have Diabetes also and take meds for the disease. I get my toes done once a month and feet rubbed and it really doesn't cost all that much. I put on my bill list. Toenails cut and polished and taken care of. I agree with all of you that I believe that it does come with age. When I was very young and didn't have alot I would stuff my feet into shoes I had no business wearing. Now my shoes may not be always stylish, but my feet can breath. Take care of your feet. Buy some epson salt and soak them if nothing else. It feels so good and softens the toenails a little. Go Bless all of you!
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Doc also told my mom her nails are effected by her psoriasis.
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It's only disturbing if we allow it to be disturbing. I do remember the first time I looked in a mirror (at a department store trying on a necklace with BRIGHT overhead lights and a mirror tilted just so...) and saw MY MOTHER'S NECK! It was a shock! And I did let it disturb me for a minute...but not for long. That was probably 15 years ago or maybe even more....Now when I see reflections of my mother in the mirror, I'm okay with that. I could do much worse! ;)
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I practice good hygiene and consistent care. I take regular showers, keep my feet clean and dry. And my nails started thickening in my 60s. Ditto for my husband. I think luck has more to do with what happens to your nails than good care.
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I thought thick nails were a sign of a fungus infection. My big toes and smallest toes are like that. My doctor told me to see a podiatrist....because it is fungus. Heels are also dry. I put cream on every night, but the next day they look the same. Guess I better make an appt.
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