Daily Skin care for Diabetics.
You might be wondering how high blood sugar levels can affect your skin. Here’s how. Diabetes can affect your skin in two ways1. Body always excretes too much glucose present in the blood through urine. To make urine, water is needed, which in turn leads loss of moisture in the body. Less moisture leads to dry and cracked skin which is easily prone to infections. Along with water loss, diabetes leads to reduced blood supply to skin which results in other disorders. 2. High glucose levels in the body provide an environment for bacteria when there is a cut. Bacteria can thus easily multiply and cause infections. Most of the infections are treatable if diagnosed early and also can be prevented. A good skin care routine will help you to ward off most of the likely infections.
FOLLOWING ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR DIABETICS The risk of infections increases with the increase in the blood glucose levels. Try to manage diabetes well. High glucose levels makes the skin dry. Dry skin is often itchy, and scratching opens it up resulting in infections. Always moisturize your skin to prevent chapping. Most importantly, take very good care of your feet. Make it a routine to check them everyday for any sores and cuts. Always use well fitting broad and flat shoes. As a diabetic, one needs to take proper care of feet. Diabetes causes poor blood flow and also leads to nerve damage which affects your sensation/feeling. So, it is required to check your feet regularly for any sores/cuts or blisters
Some tips for effective foot care 1.Check both feet daily, 2.Wear a well fitting flat shoes (misfitted shoes can cause blisters) 3.Wash both feet daily with warm water and dry them quickly 4.Never walk barefoot 5.If you experience any changes in sensation in your toes, feet or legs; inform your doctor immediately 6.Exercise daily. Non-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, yoga have minimal impact on feet. Ask your doctor about what is best for you. 7.Consult a podiatrist if you find it difficult to walk due to issues like diabetic nerve pain, hammertoe. A foot brace or shoe inserts/orthopedic shoes can help.
Always keep your skin clean and dry where skin touches skin. For eg. armpits and groin. Use anti fungal powder. Do not bathe with hot water. It will make your skin dry. Use moisturizing soaps and an after bath body lotion. Avoid applying the lotion between the toes as it may encourage fungal growth. Go for mild shampoos always and try to bathe less during cold and dry months. If there is any accidental cut, wash it properly with soap and water. Never use any alcohol or iodine to clean as they are harsh on skin. Use antibiotic cream recommended by your doctor and always cover the cut with sterile gauze. Seek medical attention if the cut/infection or burn is major or doesn't heal. Consult a dermatologist if you have any minor but chronic skin issues Read More Health Articles & Tips at eVaidya.com