Skin Care - An Essential Part of Your Health
Skin, it covers our bodies from head to toe, it protects us, it keeps us warm and cools us down, so why do we take it for granted? Skin care is easily overlooked, but for people living with diabetes, taking care of their skin is an essential part of overall health management. Why? Due to poor circulation and high glucose levels, people living with diabetes tend to have a decreased ability to fend off harmful bacteria that increase the risk of infection.
According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as a third of the people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes during their lifetime. Common skin conditions include bacterial and fungal infections, dry skin and itching. Other skin complications commonly seen as a result of diabetes are from the changes in the blood vessels and out of control blood glucose levels. Don't know what to look for when checking your skin? Here is a list of common skin conditions and warning signs. If you recognize some of the following symptoms, talk with your doctor and follow-up with a visit.
Bacterial Infections:
Examples include styes (occurring in the eyes), boils (infections of hair follicles), carbuncles (deep infections of the skin), and Staphylococcal infections (inflamed tissues that are hot and painful).
Fungal Infections:
Occur in moist folds of skin such as under the breasts, around the nails, between the fingers and toes, under the foreskin, in the corners of the mouth, in the armpits and groin. Symptoms include red itchy rashes in moist areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. Common fungal infections include jock itch, vaginal infections, athlete's foot and ringworm.
Dry/ Irritated Skin:
Irritated, dry, scaly or oily skin reflect an underlying nutrient deficiency. When the humidity is low, dry and itchy skin can occur. Besides increasing nutrient intake, other ways to avoid irritable skin include limiting how frequently you bathe, using mild soap, and applying moisturizer after bathing.
Diabetic Dermopathy:
This harmless skin condition results from changes in the small blood vessels and presents itself as light brown, scaly oval or circular patches on the front of the legs.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD):
This itchy and often painful skin condition also results from changes in the blood vessels and is first visible as a dull, red raised area which turns to a shiny scar with a violet border. Adult women have a predisposition for acquiring this rare disease. If sores break open, see your doctor for treatment.
Diabetic Blisters:
These blisters can be recognized by their burn-like appearance and are commonly found on the back of forearms, fingers, hands, legs, toes and feet. The blisters are painless sores that heal by themselves in about three weeks.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis:
Presents itself as firm yellow pea-like enlargements in the skin surrounded by a red halo. This condition often itches and can erupt on the back of feet, hands, arms, legs, and buttocks. This condition can be managed by gaining control of your blood glucose levels.
What can you do to prevent skin problems?
Remember, keeping your blood glucose levels in check is a cornerstone to maintaining your health and can lead to healthy and active lives which can be the best way to prevent the onset of complications. Here are a few steps you can take to keep on top of your skin care:
- Have your doctor check your skin on routine doctor visits.
- A low-fat, nutrient-dense diet can help in the prevention and treatment of skin disorders. In moderation, include foods high in vitamin E in your diet such as vegetable oils, peanuts, almonds, asparagus and spinach.
- Be sure to drink eight eight ounce glasses of water each day to replenish the moisture in your skin.
- Try to keep your skin clean and dry to avoid infections or complications. After showering be sure to dry your body well, particularly in the folds of skin where moist areas breed bacteria.
- Use moisturizing soap and unscented lotions to keep your skin well nourished.
- When the humidity level is low avoid bathing frequently to prevent overly dry skin.
- Avoid using harsh agents to clean your skin such as alcohol, antiseptic or iodine which also lead to dry skin.
- Check for rashes, depressions, or bumps at the sites where you inject insulin. See your doctor if you think you have a reaction.
- Protect your skin from harmful exposure to ultra-violet rays. This not only decreases your risk of skin cancer, but also contributes to overall healthier skin.
- Check your feet every day for sores and cuts and try to wear comfortable shoes.