Many people with diabetes soon learn that following the correct diet is only half the battle.
 |
| Skin care for Diabetes Patients |
The major component in diabetes is that the body does not produce or properly use insulin.Insulin is needed to convert sugar and carbohydrates into energy.While nutrition and exercise are important, people with diabetes still usually have health problems - or potential health problems - such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.As if this weren't enough to deal with, skin problems can also plague people with diabetes even if they are extremely careful about their health care.As many as one third of diabetic patients suffer from skin disorders at some point in their lives; in fact, often a skin problem is the first indication that a person has diabetes.Following are some steps to take which may prevent or at least alleviate skin disorders related to diabetes.
The first thing you want to do is to keep your skin clean and dry.Bathe regularly and use moisturizing soaps.The trick is to balance the difference between dry skin and skin that is kept dry.Keep your skin from being overly moist: dry off completely after bathing, use lotions or moisturizers only on open areas (not in arm pits or between toes), bathe in warm water - hot water can dry out skin, and stick to cotton clothing, especially underwear.
At the same time, don't allow your skin to dry out.Dry, itchy skin can crack open, paving the way for infection to creep in.Moisturize your skin, especially during the cold winter months.Use a humidifier in your home if it is excessively dry from forced air heat or a wood burning stove.If dryness causes your skin to crack open, or if you experience any other minor cuts or scrapes, wash the area with soap and water but do not use iodine, alcohol or any antiseptic: these will irritate your skin further.With your doctor's permission, an antibiotic ointment is usually fine to use.
People with diabetes often find problems with their feet especially troublesome.Following are a few things to remember.First, let a doctor treat corns or calluses; don't try to do it yourself.Wash your feet in warm water daily but don't let them soak for long, and dry carefully between your toes.If your feet feel overly dry, use a moisturizer, but do not put it in between your toes, as it can cause fungus to grow.Check your feet daily for blisters, sores or redness.
See your doctor if you can't solve skin problems yourself, and he may refer you to a dermatologist.And lastly, remember to keep your diabetes well managed.Take it seriously and be responsible.Pay attention to your glucose levels, as high levels will tend to cause dry skin, and may lessen your ability to fight off harmful bacteria.Responsible management of your diabetes may not make the skin problems go away all together, but it will help to reduce and alleviate them.
