Nail Care
Hands + feet. Health + beauty.
Mature nail changes
- Slower growth.
- Brittleness common.
- Yellowing.
- Ridges develop.
- Fungus risk increases.
- Less elasticity.
Daily care
- Cuticle oil daily.
- Hand cream after washing.
- Wear gloves for dishes.
- Don't bite or pick.
- Cut nails straight, not curved.
- File rough edges weekly.
Foot care critical
- Trim straight to prevent ingrown.
- File, don't cut, calluses.
- Diabetic = podiatrist only.
- Check for fungus monthly.
- Cotton socks change daily.
- Foot soak weekly.
Fungus prevention
- Dry feet thoroughly.
- Antifungal powder in shoes.
- Don't share clippers.
- Disinfect tools weekly.
- Yellow / thick = treat early.
- OTC: Lamisil, terbinafine.
Senior tools
- Easy-grip clippers ($15).
- Magnifying mirror.
- Long-handle file for feet.
- Cuticle pusher (silicone gentle).
- Antifungal cream.
- Pumice stone for callus.
Salon visits
- Manicure $20-30.
- Pedicure $35-50.
- Bring own tools (hygiene).
- Verify autoclave sterilization.
- Senior discount common.
- Mobile pedicurist comes home — $80.
When to see podiatrist
Diabetic — yearly podiatrist. Bunions painful — surgery option. Ingrown nail recurrent. Yellow / thick fungus. Hammer toes painful. Diabetic shoes Medicare-covered. Podiatrist at-home visits available some areas. Foot health = mobility = independence. Senior priority.