When we think about diabetes, it is mainly about controlling elevated blood sugar levels. This means that you need to pay attention to your diet so that serious damage is not caused to the eyes, heart, kidneys and other parts of the body over time. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million people in the world suffer from diabetes, making diabetes a major health problem. It’s not just their eyes or hearts that they need to pay attention to. Their skin takes a hit too. Good skin care for diabetics is therefore very important. Scroll down for some diabetes skin care tips!
Diabetes and skin problems
Diabetics often have skin problems, says Dr Seema Oberoi, consultant dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. Some of them have darker skin, especially the neck area and sometimes the armpits. Diabetics also often have very dry skin. Many of them may have certain spots on their legs. In addition, due to neuropathic changes, long-term diabetes can lead to certain nerve damage or resurgence of the nerves in the body and inflammation of the nerves. This can cause burns to their hands and feet. They sometimes develop ulcers or erosions in their feet or ankles.
7 important diabetes skin care tips
Controlling diabetes with proper diet, exercise, weight management and medication is the way to start taking care of the skin. There is more you can do.
1. Keep the skin hydrated
Make moisturizers your best friend and avoid hot water baths, which can dry out your skin. In addition to moisturizing after bathing, use a moisturizing body wash while showering.
2. Avoid moisture on the skin
Your skin, especially skin folds such as groin, armpits and under the breasts, should be kept away from moisture. Wear loose cotton clothing as much as possible to prevent fungal infections, the expert advises. It is important here to keep the weight under control as it helps in less sweating and good diabetes control.
3. Check your skin regularly
Neuropathy means nerve damage, so you can suffer cuts, wounds and injuries. Therefore, checking your skin regularly is a must. Wear protective, comfortable shoes to prevent accidental injury. Fire, knife and fork can be dangerous, so be careful when you are in the kitchen. If you have a wound or infection, seek treatment early as even minor problems can become complicated very quickly in cases of uncontrolled diabetes.
4. Skin first aid kit
Make sure you have a first aid kit near you so that your wounds, especially on hands and feet, are taken care of. The kit should include antibacterial ointment, gauze pads and paper tape.
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5. Avoid scratching your skin
Scratching can remove the top layer of your skin. This in turn can lead to the development of skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema. So don’t scratch your skin, even if you suffer from itching.
6. Massage your scalp and feet
Treat yourself to a massage every now and then to improve your blood circulation. You can go to a spa for this or even tie up your family members. While a full body massage is helpful, don’t forget your scalp and feet.
7. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must for everyone as the rays can damage your skin. Make sure you cover exposed parts of your body when you go outside. Choose the right sunscreen and reapply if necessary.
Diabetics can also opt for beauty treatments. Try hydrfacials to rejuvenate your skin. Energy-based skin tightening devices provide great anti-aging benefits without injections or skin wounds, says Dr. Oberoi.
There are also hair removal lasers for hair-free, smooth skin. If you keep the pubic area and armpits hair-free, you are less likely to get infections. But ultimately these are personal choices.