Fungus on fingers???

Nurse Ratched, RN · Feb 10, 2006

One of the banes of the elderly person - those thick crusty nails. More common in diabetics. The topical treatments just have a hard time getting on top of it. The doc can order a six or twelve week course of oral lamisil, depending on whether it's fingers or toes, but in an older person with more co-morbidities, it's less likely they're going to tolerate it from a liver enzyme standpoint.

What's your nail care protocol like?

Just wondering · Feb 11, 2006

One of the banes of the elderly person - those thick crusty nails. More common in diabetics. The topical treatments just have a hard time getting on top of it. The doc can order a six or twelve week course of oral lamisil, depending on whether it's fingers or toes, but in an older person with more co-morbidities, it's less likely they're going to tolerate it from a liver enzyme standpoint.
What's your nail care protocol like?

I have no idea of what's in place. I just started a few months ago. I will check on it, it's probably out dated since this LTC has been around for 27 years with different owners and staffing....

During orientation I read protocols on toe nails but nothing about fingers.... humm,...I will ask.

nursepuala · Feb 11, 2006

Hi,

Something that works well on toenail or fingernail fungus is plain old Vicks Vapor Rub. Trim the nails and then apply two times daily. When the nails grow out the fungus is gone. I have personally seen this work 9-10 times with no side effects. My internal medicine doctor also told me that he could think of know reason this would be contraindicated for diabetics. I read about this in the newspaper in the "Ask Dr. Gott" column and it does work.

Paula:nurse:

Jedi_Iatros · Feb 11, 2006

Clotrimazole cream. I use that on pts all the time on their fungus ridden nails.

Just wondering · Feb 11, 2006

Thanks for the info puala...

Would you do this without an order? or how would you consult with the physican about this?... just curious