If you are diabetic, you are well aware of the extra challenges you must face while trying to manage your condition. Unfortunately, your skin health is not exempt. One of the biggest issues that diabetes battle is dry skin. Not only can dry skin look scaly and itch terribly, it can also make you more prone to get a skin injury and suffer an infection. Due to your condition, you may also find that the infection or area of skin trauma takes longer to heal.
How Does Diabetes Cause Dry Skin
People with diabetes are constantly managing their blood glucose levels. If blood glucose gets too high, the body loses fluids at a faster rate than normal. This not only causes dry mouth and other problems, but it also leads to a lack of moisture in the skin. Neuropathy is another common drawback of diabetes. If you have neuropathy in the legs and feet, your nerves may not get the message to sweat properly. This can leave your skin especially dry.
What Can You Do To Help
If you are a diabetic who struggles with dry skin, there are several things you can do. First, it is important that you work with your primary physician to get your blood glucose under control. However, you should also take extra steps to keep your skin healthy, such as the following:
- Avoid hot baths and showers and wash with a mild soap.
- Use a daily moisturizer throughout your body (a dermatologist can recommend the best product for your condition). Avoid moisturizing between your toes.
- Treat cuts and blisters immediately.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.
- Eat skin-nourishing foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Seek dermatology help at the first sign of unusual bumps, sores or rashes.
If dry skin is threatening your health and your quality of life, schedule an appointment to see a skin care expert at Olansky Dermatology Associates. We have physicians who are uniquely trained to treat patients with diabetes.
