I would definitly take him in to have it looked at. I have a family member with diabetes and he did the same thing and it got infected. But I would listen to the nurses on our site for more help. They are swiser than I oon these things. May your dad get better. Angela

Thanks, Angela!

Take him to see a doctor - as you are aware, diabetics feet are at substantial risk for infection from cuts, and that ripped toenail sounded pretty nasty. Don't chance it. Peace and blessings to you and your Dad.

Hi hun..

Definitely keep it clean. Schedule an appt. with his primary doc so they can be aware and watch it to make sure it doesn't get infected. Since he is diabetic the healing will be slow and they can prescribe some antibiotic ointment, and xeroform gauze is good to cover in place of skin and keep it covered just after injury to prevent infection. I agree with you in that a doctor needs to monitor his healing progress bc of his age, history, and nature of injury. Hugs and keep us posted.

Thanks, everyone!

I made an appt. with a local podiatrist for this afternoon...

I stayed home from work to take him because I was worried.

Thanks for the support and well wishes!!!

Ooooouch, sorry for your Dad's toe, that would have hurt....

So glad you have managed to get him into the podiatrist today... Like everyone has indicated, being diabetic sure is wise getting him checked out....

Your Wonderful to take the day off and help him... So hope your ok and keeping well to Scriber...

Gentle Hugs... and healing wishes...

im glad you made the appointment (((hugs))) my step dad has diabetes and always explains to me that the feet are particularly fragile let us know wat happens ok , we care

I'm glad you got an appt. for your dad for his toe. Will say a prayer that everything goes well and that your dad doesn't have any problems from this.

I know how feet issues can be a problem for diabetics. Please keep us posted as to how he makes out.

Hugs,

Mary Ellen

Thanks for the prayers, thoughts, and wonderful advice!

The Dr. went ahead and removed his entire toenail.

I am soooooo glad we went to the Dr. today!


Thanks again! I am so glad to be part of this group!

Hope your Dad gets to feeling better and heals real quick!

Great site with all these nurses on here now : )

Hugs for the helpful daughter!!!

My big toe "toenails" come off every 3 to 4 weeks like clockwork, they kind of grow back (a thinner version) then they fall off again. They'll never grow back and stay on permanently. You don't have to go to the Dr. each time your toenail comes off beit 1/2 way or all of the way. Just keep it clean, soap and water, dry, put some triple antibiotic ointment with pain med on it and bandage it. It will be painful for a few days.

Kat

p.s. if it becomes very red or drains pus or bloody pus then see a Dr. but it you keep it clean, ointment and bandaged this should not happen.

Scriber,

No, your not paranoid. Diabetics can run into all sorts of complications if a wound isn't properly cared for. He should be seeing a podiatrist regularly to clip his toenails and inspect his feet. Infected wounds are the number one reason that a diabetic ends up with an amputation and it's so easily preventable.

As Beth said, it will take quite a whilefor it to heal so follow the drs. orders about dressing changes, etc. Make sure he wears only white socks- the dyes in colored ones can add to the infection.

You're a great daughter for helping your dad out!

Sandy

Thanks again to all...

My Dad just told me that he also broke his toe...

I did not go back into the exam room with him because I was coughing like crazy...