Foot and Nail Care

Question 1

Management of onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)

Answer 1

common in DM, older, immunocompromised pt
hoisiery, footwear = moist environment
podiatrist consult for systemic tx & to monitor liver function

Treatment:
OTc antifungal spray (Tinactin, Lotrimin
keep skin clean & dry
replace shoes to prevent reinfection (Mycomist Spray)
Antifungal 3-4 weeks

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium) nail fungal Ix
hyperkeratosis of hyponychium
Vicks Vaporub to cuticle daily

Question 2

Components of foot and nail assessment

Answer 2

Ax: Nail Length, contours, thickness color, integrity (normal vs brittle vs crumbly), hygiene (debris between toes), cuticle condition, fungal Ix, ingrown toe nails (C shaped)
Footwear

If no pulses palpable or audible - immediate referral to MD

Question 3

Disinfection of instruments used in nail care

Answer 3

Universal precautions
Disinfection of Equipment:
1. rinse w/ H20 (rubber tubs disinfect: rinse-dry-spray w/ lysol until surface wet, air dry)
2. cold disinfection w/ solution (eg. Cidex etc): bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal
OR AUTOCLAVE