| tyin'aknot
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Hi - I need your help...
My dear Dad is a Type 2 diabetic on insulin injections. One of the things he is struggling with right now is his fingernails.
His nails are so thin and brittle, they will split vertically from tip to cuticle, and split all the way through to the nailbed. This is very painful, and is an open invitation to infection, something that's terrible for diabetics.
He takes vitamins, fish oil, flaxseed, etc., so he's trying to be healthy. He's asked his doctors about the problem with his nails, and they told him it's "just part of getting old" (he's around 68).
Does anyone have any suggestions? |
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Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:16 am |
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| skinnypeep
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| My dad used to get something similar. I got him that Sally Hansen nailpolish that strengthens your nails. I think it's called Hard as Nails or something similar. They have a bunch of them. He wasn't thrilled about wearing nailpolish of course but it seemed to help. |
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Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:38 pm |
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| onesunshinerider
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| I am about to turn 60 and my nails are not thin but do seem to be dry so that crack easily. You might try a moisturizer for nails and rub it on the nails a couple times a day. I have some of the Mary Kay nighttime moisturizer. The pink stuff that is like Vasoline and I rub that into my nails every day. Especially after doing dishes and at night before I go to bed. |
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Wed Jul 25, 2007 2:25 pm |
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| Lynt
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| Diabetes also interferes with peripheral circulation, which impacts finger, toe and even nail health somewhat. Moisturizers made for nails as the above poster suggests might help. Some rub into the cuticle and over the nail as well. Also, does he take a Multivitamin? |
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Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:51 pm |
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| tyin'aknot
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Yes, I"m sure he takes a multi everyday, not sure of the brand. When you open the fridge, the entire top shelf is different health-food items, supplements, etc.
I think he's already tried the nail polish-type products and they haven't helped. But I'm not sure about the moisturizer. Someone told me about a product that was created for use on horses hoves, to stop them from splitting, etc. When I find out more, I'll share the info. |
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Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:08 am |
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| puredelight
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Calcium okay? Has he had recent lab work?
I agree with the sally hansen nail strengthner. I use the triple strength and it's helped my nails a lot. |
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Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:10 am |
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