Help with common conditions

 How to cut toenails

• Only cut the free edge of the nail.
• Always follow the shape of the toe.
• The cut nail should be the same length at the tip of the toe.
• Hold the toe between the thumb and middle finger. Use the second finger to place in front of the clippers to prevent the nail from flying at you.
• If the nails are long, place a finger on the nail plate to stop the nail from lifting when cutting.
• Cut a small piece of nail at a time to prevent chipping or cracking the nail plate.
• Never cut down the side (sulci) of the nail. This can lead to infections or ingrowing toenails.

How to file toenails

• Everyone can and should have their toenails filed.
• For best results, always file the nail before you wash your feet, bathe or shower. Do this when the nails are dry.
• The aim is to maintain your nails at the same length. This will lessen the need to cut the toenails.
• Toenails should only be filed in one direction.
• File across the top of the toe. Do this by resting the file on the toenail and pushing it away from yourself. This ensures that the nails are kept to the same length as the toe.
• If the toenail grows thick, then file the nail over the top of the nail plate to help keep it level with the toe.

For support with common foot conditions, you can find self-care advice on the NHS or Royal College of Podiatry websites.

What is a pressure ulcer?

A pressure ulcer, sometimes called a pressure sore or bed sore, is an area of damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on any part of the body.

What are the causes of a pressure ulcer?

Pressure ulcers are caused by sitting or lying in one position for too long without moving. This can also be aggravated by rubbing or dragging the skin across a surface. A pressure ulcer can develop in a very short time, as little as a few hours.

The following video will provide information relating to the causes of pressure damage and guidance to help prevent pressure damage.

Northumbria Healthcare has also produced a leaflet, advising how to prevent pressure ulcers leaflets. Click here to download it.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is also known as blood poisoning. Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to infection.

If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in tissue damage, organ failure and death. Yet with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.

A septic wound is a medical emergency requiring urgent medical attention.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sepsis present differently in each person. The UK Sepsis Trust has published the following adult guidance:

Further information from NHS England can be found below:

• How to avoid sepsis
• Signs of sepsis and what to do
• Problems after sepsis 

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap moisture. They come in different forms:

• Lotions
• Sprays
• Creams
• Ointments
• Leave-on products
• Soap replacements 

More advice about emollients can be found on the NHS website.