My 2 year old daughters nails are peeling off

[Kaylea]

Hey I am new to this forum, I am a parent to my 2 year old daughter who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in January. I found the nurses amazing for the first month and couldn’t believe how brilliant they were and now they aren’t getting back to me with any questions I’ve had, and I’m worried about my daughters nails. Her nails appear to be peeling off and she keeps saying they are sore. Is this normal for a diabetic and is there anything I can do to stop this and help it? I can’t attach a photo.
many thanks

 

[Lucylemonpip]

Oh dear, that sounds very painful and worrying. I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you, but am sure that someone will be along who will be able to help you. I hope all will be ok for your daughter.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hello and welcome Kaylea.
It could be anything under the sun and not related to diabetes at all. If it were me I would contact your GP first thing tomorrow for advice as I'm sure s/he would be best placed to reassure you and treat your lovely little girl.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about your little one’s nails @Kaylea, sounds painful.

Elevated glucose levels can cause changes in fingernails over time, I think (eg yellowing)... but it’s not something I’ve experienced myself.

Hope you can get some answers from your GP

 

[Inka]

Hi @Kaylea I’m sorry your daughter’s having problems. I second the advice to speak to a doctor. It could be something as simple as a vitamin or mineral deficiency, but that fact she’s saying they’re sore is what’s upsetting. The doctor or nurse might be able to advise you about how to help ease the soreness too.

I hope you get it sorted and that she’s feeling more comfortable very soon.

 

[Kaylea]

Thank you all for your responses, I’ll phone the GP tomorrow. Every little thing that’s happens now I just assume it’s to do with her diabetes, I know I’m being silly as most of it’s nothing to do with it but I just can’t relax or switch off at all even when she’s in bed x

 

[SB2015]

Thank you all for your responses, I’ll phone the GP tomorrow. Every little thing that’s happens now I just assume it’s to do with her diabetes, I know I’m being silly as most of it’s nothing to do with it but I just can’t relax or switch off at all even when she’s in bed x

It is easy to link things to the Diabetes Kaylea.
I hope that your GP can offer some reassurance today.

 

[SB2015]

Thank you all for your responses, I’ll phone the GP tomorrow. Every little thing that’s happens now I just assume it’s to do with her diabetes, I know I’m being silly as most of it’s nothing to do with it but I just can’t relax or switch off at all even when she’s in bed x

... also picking up on your difficulties with switching off, that is understandable.
Have you talked with your DSN about this. It is important to look after yourself as well as your daughter.

I hope that we can help by offering practical solutions where possible, as well as support.
Keep in touch.

 

[mikeyB]

Nails are made from keratin, just like hair. Whenever you develop a serious illness, the body switches off non-essential functions. When I kicked off with my neurological problems, I developed a horizontal groove in my fingernails which gradually grew out. That’s a line of non-growth. Same thing happened when I started with Ulcerative Colitis. Medically, it’s a well known clinical sign that something significant has happened. You can get some temporary hair loss, as well, for the same reason.

In young kids the nails aren’t as solid, so a period of non growth might result in nail loss. Don’t worry, they’ll all grow back normally. In a two year old, it’s a bit tricky keeping things clean and fingers out of mouths, but as long as there is no redness around the pulp of fingertips you won’t need any antiseptic cream.