Diabetes Skin Care Tips

Type 2 diabetes can cause of host of additional health problems. For people with diabetes, skin care is very important. Diabetics often experience itchy, dry skin (sometimes it's one of the first signs of diabetes that a person may notice). Dry skin tends to crack or split more easily and wounds heal more slowly in diabetics. Thus skin conditions should be treated as soon they're noticed to prevent them from becoming a bigger issue.

Keep Your Skin Healthy

• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and keep them under control. High glucose levels contribute to dry skin conditions, as your body tries to rid itself of the excess glucose by expelling it in urine. Increased urination can lead your body to become dehydrated, including your skin.

• Moisturize. Use a good-quality cream or lotion regularly to help prevent dry skin before it happens. Moisturize after you come out of the bath or shower too, while your skin is still slightly damp. Moisturize again if you have been outside in cold or windy weather.

• Protect your skin from the cold, wind, and the sun. Use a good sunscreen or wear sun-protective clothing. On cold or windy days, wear layers to protect your skin from getting dried out.

• Don't moisturize in areas that are already naturally moist. This includes between the toes. Excess moisture can encourage bacterial growth or fungal infections to set in.

• Avoid harsh cleansers, scented lotions or soaps, douches or feminine hygiene sprays.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air if you live in a dry climate.

• Don't use very hot water. It may feel luxurious, but it tends to dry out the skin.

• Take short baths or showers. It may feel nice for a while, but soaking in the tub or taking long, hot showers also rob the skin of moisture.

• Keep skin clean and dry.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to improve circulation. Good circulation will help cuts or other wounds in your skin to heal more quickly.

• Take care of your feet. Many diabetics have foot pain or other problems, so wear properly fitted shoes and check your feet for any sores or blisters.

• Treat any wounds immediately. Minor cuts and sores can be washed with mild soap and water, then covered with a sterile dressing. Diabetics are more prone to abscesses in the skin, so even minor scrapes and cuts should not be ignored. More major wounds should be looked at by your doctor. This includes deep cuts, burns, and infections.

• Try not to scratch itchy skin. This can cause tears in the skin, which may take a long time to heal and can lead to infection.

• Talk to your doctor right away about any chronic or serious skin conditions. This can include infections, itchiness that won't go away, skin that feels "hot", and wounds that just won't heal or are healing very slowly. Don't wait in the hopes that the problem will resolve itself; consult your doctor to ensure that the skin condition doesn't become something more serious. Good diabetes skin care will help you feel your best, and that includes talking to a healthcare provider whenever you need help or advice.