From the time we are teenagers, throughout our adulthood, we want beautiful skin. It is estimated that by 2024, we will be spending 180 billion dollars annually on skincare products. If we believe that a product will keep spots, sores, wrinkles, and rashes away, we will try them.
Diabetics have special issues when it comes to skin concerns. Diabetes causes changes in the small blood vessels. Certain bacteria and infections thrive on sugar. High blood-sugar makes them spread and grow on a diabetic’s body. These changes along with circulation problems, and high levels of glucose in blood cause different types of skin issues. These skin problems are treatable and sometimes preventable, but they are continual and must be watched for. In most cases, the skin issues will clear up when the diabetes is brought under control.
Diabetic control
Logically, the easiest way to prevent skin issues due to diabetes is to control diabetes as much as possible. The key is proper eating, resting, exercising, and blood glucose testing. A diabetic patient should never be without their glucose meter. They need a high-quality meter that is portable, made by experts in the field, easy to use, and easy to transmit the data to their medical professional. They need to make sure that they will be using the most effective and the best glucose meters to monitor their blood glucose level.
The Contour Next Glucose meters are made by Ascensia Diabetes Care. Ascensia Diabetic Care is not just an expert. They are a “World-Authority.” They had been working on a cure for diabetes for years before they made the first meter. We are a generation of high-tech people. The Bayer Contour Next USB manual is included with the state-of-the-ark meter.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches. These patches may be Some people mistake them for age spots. This usually happens on the front. They are not painful and they do not itch. Dermopathy requires no treatment. They are not contagious and are not symptoms of another illness. It is caused by changes in the small blood vessels in the legs and poor circulation.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
The spots caused by NLD are similar to those of diabetic dermopathy. However, there are fewer of them and they are bigger and deeper.
They begin as a red spot that is raised and after a while, they will have a light purplish border. They will look shiny and you can sometimes see the tiny veins inside them. This is a rare condition and, usually women get them. The sores become itchy and painful. If the sores break open, medical treatment is needed to prevent infection.
Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which tan, gray, or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, inner thighs, and groin. Sometimes they also occur on the hands, elbows, and knees. Acanthosis nigricans usually affects people who are obese. The best treatment is to lose weight. Some creams can help the spots look better. Some patients have said the use of Tea Tree Oil has helped fade the condition.
Bacterial infections
People with diabetes get a lot of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections in the skin. Besides the regular diabetic-related issues, many people with diabetes fight obesity. The problems with moisture being trapped in folds of skin create a perfect location for bacteria to grow. Other bacterial and fungal infections include:
- Styes (infections of the glands of the eyelid)
- Boils
- Folliculitis (infections of the hair follicles)
- Carbuncles (deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath)
- Infections around the nails
Inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red, and can be extremely painful. Many organisms can cause infections, the most common being Staphylococcus bacteria, also called staph. Staph has gotten more difficult to treat in recent years and it spreads easily. Staph does not respond to Penicillin or Amoxicillin.
Note! Untreated, a staph infection, while rare, can be deadly. If you have a sore that hurts, is hot to the touch, and is anywhere close to the brain, see your doctor immediately. Oozing sores are contagious. Keep them covered. Do not touch them. After applying cream and fresh bandages, please wash your hands. If they spread or get worse during treatment contact your doctor.
People with diabetes have more bacterial infections than other people do. Doctors believe people with diabetes can reduce their chances of these infections by practicing good skincare.
Eruptive xanthomatosis
Out of control diabetes is believed to be the cause of eruptive xanthomatosis. These yellow bumps in the skin are the size and shape of a pea and they have a red halo. The bumps are often found on the backs of the hands, on the arms, legs, feet, and buttocks. They usually itch. They are found most often on men with type one diabetes whose illness is out of control. Once his diabetes has been restored to a manageable level, it usually goes away.
The disorder usually occurs in young men with type 1 diabetes. The person often has high levels of cholesterol and fat in the blood. Like diabetic blisters, these bumps disappear when diabetes control is restored.
What you can do
No one wants to have skin problems. They are not fun, to say the least, and they are embarrassing and painful. But there are some steps you can take to prevent them.
Watch your blood sugar
Check your blood glucose often and adjust your diet to keep your levels under control
Drink plenty of fresh water
Drinking water is good for everyone’s skin. It is especially true for the diabetic. Keep your body flushed of toxins and your skin hydrated
Self-checks
Every diabetic should be in the habit of doing daily self-checks. This is to ensure there are no blisters or sores on your feet, cuts or scrapes on your body, or problems that you are unaware of.
Stay clean and dry
Bacteria grow in moist places. Shower daily using antibacterial soap. Do not use moisturizing beauty bars or body washes These products are fine for your face and arms. Anywhere there are folds of skin that air cannot easily reach, wash with antibacterial soap.
Wear clothes that breathe
Allow maximum air to reach your body by wearing natural fabrics like cotton.
Stay in communication with your doctor
Learn which skin conditions you deal with and how to work with them. Set-up video appointments so you can reach his office and have him take a look if something looks unusual to you. Do not ignore anything. What is minor tonight could be major by morning.
This is just another part of living with diabetes. You will learn how to judge your physical condition and you will learn where and when your trouble spots will act up. You will pay extra attention to ensure your skin stays free of problems. The key is addressing an issue before it becomes a major problem in your life.