Some skin care in diabetes is required, since certain skin conditions may occur with this disease.The most common are dryness, changes in coloring and even the appearance of sores and ulcers.
Taking into account that people with such disease have specific needs, it is advisable to apply certain measures.This includes, as we will see later, dry well, avoid prolonged baths and irritating products.
impact of skin diabetes
In diabetes, blood sugar levels are raised, which translates into a negative impact on the skin, increasing the risk of suffering from various skin conditions.This is due to a malfunction of defense systems, reducing the body's ability to respond to pathogens attacks.
On the other hand, fungi and bacteria find more food for reproduction when there is greater glucose availability.And since the body seeks to eliminate excess sugar through urine, this makes a lot of liquid lost.When the skin is dehydrated, cracks are produced on the surface, which opens the door to more infections.
most common symptoms
Among the most common skin symptoms associated with diabetes are the following:
Appearance of reddish spots.
Problems for wound healing.
Dry skin and strap, often sensitive and fragile.
Formation of wounds, scabs and eventual ulcers.
Yellowish skin, more frequent in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
In the absence of healthy collagen networks, the skin tends to harden, acquiring a closed appearance.
Due to diabetic neuropathy, there may also be sensory loss.And due to the lack of sensitivity, injuries can be caused without realizing it.
Diabetes -related skin conditions
In a person with diabetes the risk of skin diseases increases.Let's see, now, what can be some of these conditions.
acanthosis nigricans
One of the most common is the so -called acanthosis nigricans.This condition is characterized by the darkening and thickening of the skin.The same occurs in a particular way in the folds, such as the back of the neck, the armpits or even the English.
According to studies on the subject, acanthosis occurs in approximately 3 out of 4 patients with diabetes.Although also in people with obesity or hormonal problems, or even for medication reactions.
acanthosis in a woman with diabetes.
The fold areas are the most affected by acanthosis.
Psoriasis
Similarly, in people with type 2 diabetes increase the risk of developing psoriasis, presenting red spots, itching and peeling.In some cases the scalp are affected and even the nails.
buschke sclerate
This is a connective tissue disorder that is characterized by a thickening of the skin, especially at the top of the torso, whether back or neck.Unlike acanthosis, there is no darkening or this is not so notorious.
However, when Buschke's sclerate is severe, he can hinder mobility.It is considered to appear more in overweight people.
It can appear in people without diabetes who have suffered streptococcal infection.
diabetic dermopathy
Dermopathy is also quite frequent, presenting in 33 or 40 % of cases of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, respectively.In this condition they appear in the closet spots, reddish or brown of scamming appearance.
diabetic foot ulcers
Because in diabetes theCirculation, sometimes small wounds come into ulcers.They can be common in what is known as diabetic foot.If they become infected, increase the risk of necrosis.
xantelasma
The Xantelasma is a typode injury caused by fat accumulation.The appearance is yellowish and scammed.It appears on the eyelids or near these, as well as neck, shoulders, armpits and other areas of the trunk.
It may be the result of a high level of sugar and fat, although it also occurs in people in which these factors are not present.While it does not constitute a health risk, it affects the quality of life.In some studies, the use of lipid reducers is suggested for treatment.
xantomas
On the other hand, the xantomas are produced due to the mismanagement of glucose.It is protuberances of variable tone, between dark yellow or orange to brown or reddish.They cause itching.
They appear more frequently in thighs, buttocks and areas with folds (elbows or knees).They are also associated with hypothyroidism, cirrhosis or pancreatitis.
acrocordones
This is called certain papillomas that hang from the skin, soft and flesh.They can appear on the eyelids and other folds (groin, armpits, neck, breasts).
They constitute a sign of high sugar levels in patients with diabetes.They also occur in people who do not have this disease.
Lipoid necrobiosis is an unusual condition.It is a granulomatous condition with a degenerative connective tissue.About half of the people who present it are insulin -dependent.
Initially, the lesions are small and firm protuberances, such as a rash.Then they progress to lies of lies, larger and hard, yellow or bright brown tone.Although they do not cause pain, the skin is more prone to infections and can occur ulceration.
Anular Granuloma
It can be a complication of herpes zóter or diabetes.It appears in hands or forearms.It has a small and reddish bump form that form a ring (hence its name).
bacterial infections and mycosis
In people with type 2 diabetes there can be bacterial and fungal infections more frequently than in the population without this disease.Here we include the following:
Tiñas
Orzuelos
Boils.
Candidiasis
Athlete's foot.
Lican flat.
Onychomycosis.
The best tips for skin care in diabetes
Due to all these risks, it is necessary to take measures for skin care in diabetes.Next, we will see some tips in this regard.
1. Avoid prolonged showers
Ducha in excess or for a long time also dry the skin.And this is not usually very good for people with skin sensitivity, including diabetes, since part of the fat layer that protects the skin of external pollutants can be removed.
Prolonged bath that does not take care of the skin in diabetes.
Prolonged contact with water is not recommended for patients living with diabetes, since skin dryness increases.
2. Bath your feet daily
Despite the aforementioned, it is necessary that your feet be lacked daily to keep the skin as clean as possible.While whether it is short bathrooms and dries well, it is beneficial.
3. Use gel soaps
It is recommended to avoid the use of bar soaps.Instead, prefer bath gels.
There are specially developed for sensitive skin, based on natural ingredients such as plant glycerin.They help hydrate and moisturize better.
4. Avoid irritating products
On the other hand, you should also try to use products for personal hygiene that do not decoke orIrriten.We include shampoos and soft creams here, without fragrance.Avoid aerosols, as well as those that contain parabens.
5. Dry the skin well
Once the bathroom is done, you have to try to dry the skin well, on all folds (armpits, English, neck).And above all things, it is essential to do it between the fingers of the feet, to avoid possible fungal infections.
It is best to use a soft towel, which is dry.If possible, have a separate towel for certain areas.
6. Apply cream daily
When there is dryness, the propensity to irritations or cracks increases, promoting itching and sores.In order to avoid them, moisturizing creams for skin care should be applied in diabetes.
In this sense, those with plant extracts are recommended and containing vitamin E, as well as substances that favor the conservation of natural humidity.In this regard, you have the option of ingredients such as jojoba oil.
7. Use talc
To help keep the foot dry and avoid moisture, which could be harmful, it is recommended to use talc.The ideal is to place the same inside the shoes and not on the foot, so as not to leave the humidity trapped.
8. Do not walk barefoot in public places
In public places, such as swimming pools or gym baths, it increases the propensity to contract infections, such as athlete's foot.To walk in these sites, bath sandals must be used.
9. Cut the nails delicately
Precautions should be taken when cutting the fingers of the feet, without exceeding them, so as not to cause wounds that are gate to infections.
10. Watch the feet
Among skin care in diabetes, people must be attentive at their feet and check them daily.Thus they can detect any time alteration.
11. Avoid scratching
While it is true that dry skin produces itching, we must avoid scratching, since this can cause wounds that eventually infect or get worse, becoming sores.Instead, a glycerin cream can be applied.
12. Do not burst the blisters
When blisters appear, they should not be burst, either using a needle or with their nails.The same applies to wound scab that should not be started.
13. Take care of wounds
When a wound appears, the care of the case must be maintained, applying dressings if necessary.Cortes should be treated immediately and maintain surveillance with respect to the progress of healing.
14. Control sugar levels
You have to monitor and regulate blood sugar levels.This is a vital task;Not only depending on skin care in diabetes, but for all the negative effects that it entails.
glycemia control in diabetes.
Automation is essential in the patient with diabetes.The person must learn how to do it correctly.
15. Follow treatment to the letter
Last but not least, diet must be strictly followed as well as the medication recommended by the health professional.This is the best way to treat problems, preventing them from appearing.
When to go to the doctor?
While some of these symptoms that we have just described are harmless, others may lead to serious complications, such as a necrosis that requires amputation.Evolution is rapid in patients with hyperglycemia.
To maintain good skin care in diabetes, it is convenient to go to a dermatologist if the problems occur persistently or if symptoms such as purple, pain, inflammation, redness or fever are observed.