Diabetes And Skin Problems: 5 Expert-Backed Tips on How to Prevent Skin Issues in Diabetes

For the unbelieving, diabetes can affect every part of your body, including the skin. While not all skin problems are cause for concern, there are some that should never be ignored. Fortunately, most skin conditions can be cured if caught early.Also Read – Menstrual health: 5 period red flags that warrant immediate attention

People with diabetes often suffer from dry skin, blood sugar fluctuations often cause skin blisters, red or dark patches and other skin conditions including acanthosis nigricans. India.com asked Dr. Vinay SinghSenior Consultancy-Dermatology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram about these skin conditions. Also Read – Hair Care Tips: Struggling With Frizzy Hair? These effective home remedies can give smooth and shiny hair – see

He said, “Acanthosis nigricans and other skin rashes are more common in people with diabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is often to blame. Pre-diabetes can also manifest as a rash. Many rashes associated with diabetes disappear once blood sugar is under control. Skin problems that can lead to dangerous infections can be avoided with proper diabetes treatment and skin care.” Also Read – What causes sinus headaches and how to treat them

He added that a skin rash can be an early symptom of hyperglycemia or prediabetes in adults without diabetes. “You can prevent diabetes by taking steps with the help of your healthcare physician. A skin rash may be a sign that you need to change your diabetes medication regimen to lower your blood sugar (glucose) levels if you use diabetes medications. Other rashes come from reduced blood supply to your extremities (hands and feet).

Genital skin is one of the most common places to get a rash related to fungal (candidal) infections, ulcers and non-healing sores that usually occur if blood sugar is too high, he says.

Dr. Vinay shares the best ways to avoid skin problems if you have diabetes.

Maintaining blood sugar levels within the range prescribed by your healthcare practitioner is the best thing you can do to avoid skin problems. Taking proper care of your skin can reduce your risk of skin rashes, infections, or wounds that are difficult to heal.

Follow these recommendations to avoid skin problems:

• Every day, check your skin for rashes, redness, infections, or sores.
• In the shower, use a moisturizing soap and warm water
• Avoid rubbing when using a towel to dry skin, and be careful to dry between fingers, toes, and skin folds.
• After showering, use fragrance-free moisturizers while your skin is still damp and supple. To help maintain skin moisture, look for creams and ointments (not lotions) that contain ceramide.
• At night, massage a lotion containing 10 to 25 percent urea (an emollient) into dry, cracked heels.