Diabetes and Your Skin

Much like the effect it has on your feet and eyes, diabetes also directly affects your skin. When blood sugar is high, the body is losing water. When the body loses water, the skin becomes dry and itchy. The skin can also become sore from the constant scratching and flaking, resulting in patchy areas that allow germs to enter the body. Also, cracked skin is a result of dryness. Cracks can also allow germs to enter the body, and, because your sugar level is high, these areas can become breeding grounds for infection. Also, if nerve damage has occurred, your body may not be able to sweat properly, a mechanism it uses for keeping the skin soft and moist. Without sweat, the body may develop dry patches. Areas such as heels, elbows, and knees are especially prone to dryness.

Caring for Skin

There are several precautions you can take in order to eliminate excessively dry skin as a result of diabetes. According to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,

• After bathing, be sure to dry yourself well. Check areas where water can hide, including under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes.
• Keep your skin moist with a lotion or cream. Your doctor may be able to suggest one that is appropriate for you.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Wear all–cotton underwear. All–cotton products allow air to move around your body better.
• Check your skin regularly for redness or sores that may indicate you have an infection. Be sure to inform your doctor if you find spots such as these.

Infections

More serious infections can result from diabetes. Among these are fungal infections and diabetic dermopathy. For more information on these and other types of skin infections and conditions that result from diabetes, logon to DiabetesNet.Com.