diabetes is no longer a disease of the chosen few, but has now become a general lifestyle disease that affects millions (men, women and children) around the world. However, did you know that imbalanced blood sugar levels not only affect the many organs in the body, but also the skin?
“Most people with diabetes or pre-diabetic disease notice recurring skin problems or have skin conditions at some point in their life. In some cases, the changes you see on the skin can be an indication of the onset of diabetes. If you already have diabetes it means your dosage needs to be adjusted, ”said Dr. Rinky Kapoor, cosmetic dermatologist and dermatosurgeon, The Aesthetic Clinics.
What Causes Diabetes Skin Problems?
Over 75 percent of people around the world have skin problems related to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can cause new skin problems and make old ones worse, she said.
* High blood sugar due to diabetes leads to poor blood flow to the body, which prevents blood vessels and nerves from receiving enough blood and nutrients. As a result, the white blood cells lose their ability to fight infections.
* Decreased blood flow decreases the skin’s ability to heal and damages skin collagen. This robs the skin of the ability to spring back.
* Damaged skin cells lose the ability to function well, and the skin is more sensitive to temperature and pressure.
Know the changes in your skin
The positive news, however, is that with little awareness you can contain skin problems at an early stage and protect the body from further damage from diabetes, said Dr. Kapoor.
Some common skin conditions in people with diabetes are
Diabetes can be treated with a controlled and healthy diet. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)
* Dry, irritated, red, and itchy skin: Elevated blood sugar causes the body to drain fluid from the skin cells to produce urine, which in turn makes the skin dry and cracked. Another cause of dry skin is diabetic neuropathy, which is damage to the infinite ends, especially the legs and feet. Dry skin has a tendency to itch and when we itch it causes cracks, which allows infectious elements to penetrate the skin easily, causing inflammation, redness and skin irritation.
* People with diabetes are more prone to fungal infections. Red, itchy rash, accompanied by blisters and scales, occurs on the wrinkles and warm areas of the body, such as: B. between the toes, in the elbow crease or in the armpits, corners of the mouth, etc. The most common fungal infections in diabetics are Candida albicans, ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itching and recurring vaginal yeast infections.
* People with diabetes suffer from more bacterial infections than people without the disease. Boils, folliculitis, styes on the eyelids, carbuncles, and infections around the nails are common in diabetics.
* Necrobiosis lipoidica are small solid bumps that appear on the skin. They look similar to pimples, but if ignored, they turn into puffy and hard patches of skin that are yellow or reddish brown in color. Other indications include shiny skin surrounding the bumps, painful itchy skin, and visible blood vessels.
* Acanthosis nigricans is a pre-diabetes condition in which the skin of the armpits, groin, or neck becomes very dark, thick, and velvety. This condition can also affect the elbows, hands, and knees.
* Digital sclerosis has nothing to do with excessive use of digital devices, but it can make it difficult for you to use it. Symptoms include tight, waxy skin on the hands and stiff fingers. The tough, thickened skin makes fingers difficult to move, and the disease can spread to toes, upper arms, knees, ankles, and even elbows.
How can one deal with the problem?
“People with a history of diabetes The family should also be looked for for symptoms of vitiligo and psoriasis. Regular medication, exercise, and a controlled diet to keep diabetes under control can help control most skin problems, ”said Dr. Kapoor.
*To keep skin Especially clean and dry it in the problem areas like armpits, under the breasts, between the toes and in the groin area.
* Check your body regularly for problems
* Avoid extremely hot showers.
* Moisturize twice a day
* Use lip balm regularly
* Treat the wound immediately
*Drink lots of water
* Do not burst bubbles or try to shave a skin label
* Wear sunscreen with SPF 40 every day
* Treat the cuts and wounds immediately
* Include foods like cinnamon, jam, aloe vera, berries, tomatoes and amla, cottage cheese, lemongrass, etc. in your diet
Home remedies
* Use a skin pack made from two tablespoons of honey with half a teaspoon turmeric.
Home remedies containing turmeric can help fight skin conditions related to diabetes. (Photo: Getty Images / Thinkstock)
* Apply to the skin and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Honey moisturizes the skin and turmeric helps fight infections.
* Apply ghee to the lips and areas around them to prevent the lips from cracking and the corners from getting too dry.
* Keep the skin moist by applying oatmeal paste to the skin. Colloidal oatmeal also helps control the itchiness on the skin.
* Add a quarter cup of baking soda to a warm bath. This will help relieve yeast infections.
* Mix some tea tree oil with your regular moisturizer or add a few drops of coconut oil.
* Tea tree oil helps relieve itchy rashes.
Contact your dermatologist to learn more about proper skin management for diabetes. Don’t ignore the skin condition until it’s difficult to treat.
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