Skin conditions related to diabetes can be prevented or treated with proper skin care.
Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the skin. One-third of people with diabetes develop a skin disorder caused by their condition at some point in their lives. Some common issues that individuals with diabetes encounter are bacterial infections, diabetic dermopathy, atherosclerosis and fungal infections. Luckily, most of these skin conditions can be easily prevented or treated with proper skin care. Check out these simple tips to keep your skin healthy:
- Keep your skin clean and dry using talcum powder. Some sensitive areas include those where skin touches skin, such as the armpits and groin.
- Avoid baths and showers in too hot of water. If you already have dry skin, don’t use bubble baths. Try moisturizing soaps like Dove and apply an oil-in-water skin cream afterwards.
- Try not to scratch dry or itchy skin, as this can open up the skin and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping when it is cold outside.
- Increase the humidity in your home during cold, dry months.
- Check your feet every day for cracks, sores and cuts.
- Treat wounds right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water, and then use an antibiotic cream before covering it with gauze. If you get a major cut, burn or infection, see your doctor.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to keep your skin moist and healthy.
The best thing you can do to ward off common skin problems is to manage your diabetes. You will probably need to make some lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet and regular exercise. People with high glucose levels usually have drier skin and less ability to defend against bacteria. Both of these issues increase your risk of infection. You can find more information about the causes and treatment of diabetes in our resource center. Please feel free to contact Floyd Brace with any questions or concerns!
Tags: diabetes, orthotics, prosthetics
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