Diabetes affects the whole body, and it can affect your skin as well. An unbalanced blood sugar level can adversely affect many parts of the body, including the skin. It has become a common health problem these days. People often think that excessive intake of sugar and salty foods leads to diabetes, the reality is that our unbalanced lifestyle also plays an important role in contributing to the condition of diabetes. Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to painting a picture about diabetes.Also read – Lifestyle changes that can help control arthritis – what does the scientific evidence tell us?
Dermatologist Dr. Rohit Batra From Derma World Skin Clinic shared information on how diabetes can affect our skin and how we can cope with this problem. Some common skin infections caused by diabetes include fungal infections, itching, vitiligo, blisters, digital sclerosis, foot ulcers and others. Also read – 5 Reasons Why Your Child Should Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19
Fungal infections: ‘Candida albicans’ is a painful fungal infection commonly found in patients with diabetes. The infection causes red spots on the skin and itching and pain. Jock itch is another fungal infection in patients with diabetes. Also read – Prolonged sitting in AC can harm your health: 5 side effects of air conditioner
Treatment– Proper treatment of the infection is to stop ignoring the problem. Do not ignore the infection from the beginning and consult a doctor immediately at the first sign.
Itching: Itching seems to be a common problem; However, it can be serious and problematic. Itching in the legs and lower extremities is common in patients with diabetes.
Treatment– Applying a good moisturizer is the best way to control itching. Apply a good amount of moisturizer on the affected area and avoid itching to relieve itching.
Vitiligo: Experts suggest that type 1 diabetes also causes vitiligo. The cells responsible for the brown pigment on the skin are damaged in vitiligo which leads to white spots on the chest, face, hands etc.
Treatment– Light therapy is used to treat vitiligo. Always make sure to use sunscreen with SPF 30 when going out in the sun.
Blisters: Blisters are common in diabetic patients and appear on the backs of hands, feet and fingers. The good news is that they are painless.
Treatment– The blisters heal on their own in one to two weeks. However, if you notice any problem, contact your doctor immediately. Digital sclerosis: About one-third of people with type 1 diabetes struggle with the problem of digital sclerosis. The main symptom of this condition is a thick area in the skin which gradually becomes very tight. This makes it very difficult to move the joints, especially the knees, fingers and elbows. Treatment – The only way to control blood sugar levels.
Foot ulcers: In the extreme stage of diabetes, a special nerve is damaged which causes the person not to experience sensation in the legs. Even a slight itch on the feet can take the form of an ulcer and it can take weeks for it to heal.
Treatment– As you notice this condition, start taking extra care and protect yourself from any kind of injury. Do not self-medicate and consult a doctor.
(With input by ANI)
