Considered one of the most serious and affluent diseases in Americans today, diabetes affects over 25.8 million adults and children in the United States today. Diabetes is caused by the body's inability to produce and/or use insulin to maintain blood glucose levels. The disease is known to affect almost every part of the body, including the skin. In some cases, one of the first signs of diabetes is an unusual rash or inflammation that visually affects the skin in a significant way. For that reason and in recognition of National Diabetes month, we at Hale Cosmeceuticals believe it's important to know how your skin can be affected by the disease, and what it means for your health.
Diabetic Skin Infections
There are several skin conditions associated with high blood glucose levels in the body, and can affect just about everyone. However, a person with diabetes is more likely to develop a poor skin condition that can be harder to treat if not caught early on.Some of these common conditions include:
- Fungal Infections a yeast-like infection that causes red, moist rashes of tiny blisters and scales. Normally found between the fingers, toes and under the breasts.
- Bacterial Infections styes, boils, and infections around the nails. This type of infection is usually caused by inflamed tissues and can be painful.
- Itching caused by bad blood circulation or dry skin, mostly found in the lower parts of the legs.
- Digital Sclerosis an infection that causes the skin to become waxy and tight mostly on the forehead, fingers, and toes. Finger joints may become stiff as well.
- Diabetic Blisters These blisters usually surface on the toes, feet, hands and fingers, sometimes looking like burn blisters.
Although, these are the most noticeable and common skin conditions caused by diabetes, several others exist and can be found on the American Diabetes Association website.
Living with Diabetes
Most of the time, the best treatments for diabetic skin conditions are balancing one's blood sugar levels with insulin approved by your physician, taking antibiotics that are prescribed by a doctor, and proper skin care.With most chemical imbalances affecting the body in different ways, high glucose levels commonly cause dry skin.There are several things a diabetic can do to keep their skin safe, including:
- Treating cuts and sore should immediately. Wash with soap and water. Opened wounds can lead to infection.
- Cleaning and moisturizing your skin on a daily basis.
- Avoiding hot baths and showers hot water can dry out the skin.
- Bathing less during the winter. These times are colder, causing the skin to dry out faster.
Dry skin can lead to irritating skin conditions for anyone; however, as a diabetic, skin conditions can be problematic if not taken care of on a daily basis.Consider working with a health care specialist, so he or she can help keep your blood glucose levels in check, assisting in the prevention of future diabetic problems, and unhealthy skin conditions.Remember, prevention starts with you. "
