Diabetes causes high glucose level and swift liquid loss thus making
the skin starve for moisture. Dehydrated skin cracks and lets
infections in, which if out of control, can cause gangrene, amputation
or death. These grave consequences are easy to avoid with the help of
but a few diabetes skin care
tips:
- clean, dry and hydrate your
skin regularly;
- use quality diabetes skin
care products;
- omit moisturizing skin folds;
- forget hot baths and
showers, use only lukewarm water;
- use mild soap and soft
washcloth;
- examine your skin for
suspicious spots daily after washing;
- avoid peeling, burning,
steroid-containing or any other aggressive skin care products;
- sterilize skin care tools;
- avoid even minor injuries;
- opt for cotton underwear and
natural-fiber clothes.
Since diabetes lowers nerve sensitivity and slows down blood flow in
the feet, it's hard to spot and treat skin problems here. That's why
diabetics should pay special attention to diabetes foot care:
- clean and dry your feet
daily;
- moisturize them to prevent
chapping but avoid places between toes;
- check your feet for sores,
cuts, blisters, cracks, scratches;
- cut your nails carefully;
- never walk barefoot;
- wear comfortable orthopedic
shoes and natural-fiber socks;
- check shoes for foreign
objects before putting them on.
Nip skin complications in the bud or, if you can't
do it yourself, turn to your healthcare provider for assistance.
Remember that proper skin care promotes successful diabetes treatment
thus prolonging your life. |