Skin Care Tips For Diabetes:
Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. As many as 1/3 of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. Most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about skin changes or infection.
There are several things you can do to prevent skin problems:
Keep your diabetes well managed. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Both conditions increase the risk of infection.
Keep skin clean and dry. Use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as armpits and groin.
Avoid very hot baths and showers. If your skin is dry, don't use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterward, use a standard skin lotion, but don't put lotions between toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.
Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.
Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it's okay. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.
During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.
Use mild shampoos.
Do not use feminine hygiene sprays.
See a dermatologist about skin problems if you are not able to solve them yourself.