I Decide to Take Care of My Skin
By M. Sue Kirkman, MD, Vice President, Clinical Affairs American Diabetes Association
HealthMatters is pleased to present the second in a series of articles from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) to help you better manage your diabetes.
When you have diabetes, the benefits of good skin care are more than skin-deep. You'll not only look better, you'll stay healthier, too.
As many as one-third of people with diabetes will have a diabetes-related skin disorder at some time in their lives. What does blood glucose have to do with your skin? Think of it as a chain reaction — or a diabetes quintuple whammy.
First, excess blood glucose causes your body to excrete fluid, which dries your skin. Second, diabetes-related nerve damage can reduce your sweat production, which also dries skin. Dry skin may crack, allowing bacteria and fungi to enter and cause infection. If you scratch and break your skin, the same thing can happen. Third, nerve damage can lead to loss of feeling, especially in the feet, so you may not feel a blister or sore.
Fourth — literally adding insult to injury — excess blood glucose affects your immune system's ability to fight off infections.
In a fifth and final twist, people with diabetes tend to get atherosclerosis (hardened, clogged arteries) at a relatively young age. The reduced blood flow can change the skin on your legs, which becomes hairless, thin, shiny — and slower to heal. Minor scrapes can turn into open sores, and infections can become severe.
But there is good news: Most diabetes-related skin problems can be prevented or treated easily if caught early. Decide to be skin smart and follow these tips.
Keep an eye out for symptoms
Bacterial skin infections can occur in the eyelids (causing sties), hair follicles, nail beds and tissue under the skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, rash, pain and drainage. Worrisome skin problems of the feet may include the above, as well as a sore that is slow to heal.
Fungal infections create itchy red rashes surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. They tend to occur in warm, moist folds of skin: under breasts, around nails, between fingers, between toes, in the corners of the mouth, inside armpits, under the foreskin of uncircumcised men, and in the vagina.
Athlete's foot, jock itch, yeast infections and ringworm are examples of fungal infections. If you spot any signs of infection, call your health care practitioner right away. He or she may prescribe an antibiotic or anti-fungal medication, or recommend an over-the-counter antifungal. Also, contact your doctor if you have a large cut, a burn or a skin problem that doesn't go away, especially involving your feet.
Do's
Prevent problems with skin TLC
- First and foremost, manage your diabetes. Higher glucose levels put you at greater risk for skin problems.
- Wash with a mild, nondrying soap and warm (not hot) water. Rinse well.
- Dry your skin well with a soft towel. Remember moisture's hiding places: armpits, groin, between toes and under breasts.
- Use a moisturizing lotion or cream after washing.
- As you towel off and apply moisturizer, do a skin check. Be on the lookout for cuts and dry, red or tender spots, which could lead to an infection. Pay special attention to your feet, including the soles. Use a mirror or ask a family member to help if you have trouble seeing the soles of your feet.
- Apply talcum power where skin touches skin, such as the armpits and groin.
- Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- In cold, dry months, bathe less often and use a humidifier.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Coffee doesn't count — it can dehydrate you.
- Wear broad, flat shoes that fit properly. Check inside for tears, rough patches and foreign objects.
- If you have a cut, treat it immediately. Wash the area well with soap and water, and cover the wound with dry, sterile gauze. Use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it's OK.
Dont's
- Avoid very hot water, heating pads and hot water bottles.
- Avoid harsh perfumed soaps, shampoos and powders.
- Don't use feminine hygiene sprays.
- Never apply creams and lotions between the toes, where the extra moisture can promote fungal growth.
- Don't soak your feet.
- Don't scratch your skin. You can break the skin, opening the door to infection.
- Never walk barefoot.
- Don't use Mercurochrome antiseptic, alcohol or iodine to clean your skin. They're too harsh.
What is the "I Decide to Fight DiabetesSM" campaign?
The "I Decide To Fight DiabetesSM" campaign seeks to inspire people to live healthier lives and make better choices when it comes to preventing and managing diabetes. The campaign is designed to empower Americans to become a voice for the cause and get more involved in activities to support ADA's mission.
Through this campaign, people with diabetes, their friends and families, as well as those at risk, are encouraged to display their commitment by wearing an I Decide To Fight DiabetesSM charm, which can be worn on a keychain, necklace or bracelet. In addition, they can upload a picture of themselves or a loved one, and have it transformed into a personalized logo printed on items such as t-shirts, tote bags or mugs. Participating in the campaign means that Americans everywhere can become an active, visual champion in the fight against diabetes.
For more information on diabetes and the I Decide campaign, visit http://diabetes.org/IDecide or call 1-800-DIABETES.
Over the next several issues, we'll present helpful tips to empower you to take action, take control—and improve your health and your life.