Diabetes increases the risk of developing various skin problems. However, with the right care and attention, you can maintain healthy skin. Here are some essential tips to help you manage your skin health.
1. Get Educated
Understanding what causes skin problems is crucial in preventing them. Discuss your risks with your doctor to better understand your specific condition and how to lower your chances of developing skin issues.
2. Control Your Diabetes
Keeping your blood sugar levels within a normal range is vital for preventing and managing skin problems. If you already have skin issues, controlling your diabetes will help prevent them from worsening. Strive for a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, reduce salt intake, maintain healthy blood pressure, and exercise regularly. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your healthcare team.
3. Be Aware of Neuropathy
If you have diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), you may not feel pain or notice infections in cuts, scrapes, or punctures. It’s important to regularly check your legs, feet, and between your toes for any wounds or signs of infection, especially if the skin isn’t healing properly.
4. Treat Wounds and Sores Promptly
Neglecting small cuts or wounds can lead to complications. If you notice a wound, scratch, or anything that seems unusual, contact your doctor immediately to prevent it from worsening.
5. Cover Up to Prevent Injury
Protect your skin by wearing long pants and well-fitting shoes when engaging in activities like gardening or walking. To protect your skin from cold or wind, cover your face and ears, and wear a hat, gloves, and boots.
6. Prevent Dry Skin
Dry skin can lead to cracks, itching, and infections. To maintain healthy skin, make sure it’s clean and dry, but not overly dry. Here are some important tips:
- Take short, lukewarm showers and use mild soaps.
- Avoid deodorants or scented products that can irritate sensitive skin.
- After showering, apply a moisturizer to damp skin.
- Always pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it, particularly in sensitive areas like underarms, between toes, and groin.
7. Additional Skin Care Tips
- Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips.
- Use a humidifier to maintain moisture during cold weather.
- Keep lotion nearby to moisturize your skin after washing your hands.
- For acne-prone skin, consult a dermatologist before choosing a moisturizer.
8. Make a First-Aid Kit for Your Skin
Having a first-aid kit readily available can help address skin problems promptly. Include the following items in your kit:
- Antibacterial ointment
- Gauze pads
- Hypoallergenic or paper tape
- Prepackaged cleansing wipes
9. How to Treat Blisters
- Do not pop the blister. The skin over it protects it from infection.
- Wash gently with mild soap and warm water.
- Apply antibacterial ointment, and cover the blister with a bandage.
- Change the bandage daily, and avoid wearing shoes that caused the blister until it heals.
10. How to Care for Small Cuts
- Gently clean the area with mild soap and warm water.
- Apply antibacterial ointment and cover with a clean bandage.
- Change the bandage daily to prevent infection.
11. Handling Minor Skin Problems Like Rashes
- Wash the area with mild soap and warm water.
- Cover with a clean bandage, and monitor the skin for any worsening of symptoms.
- Change the bandage at least once a day.
12. What to Do for Minor Burns
- Rinse with cool water to soothe the area.
- Don’t pop any blisters.
- Gently clean the burn with mild soap and warm water.
- Apply a clean bandage and change it daily.
13. How to Take Care of Frostbite
- Call for immediate medical help.
- Use warm (not hot) water (98–104°F) to gently warm the skin.
- Avoid rubbing the affected area and do not apply creams.
- Do not walk on frostbitten feet or use affected hands.
14. When to Call a Doctor
For diabetes patients, foot care is crucial. In addition to your daily foot care routine, seek immediate medical attention if you:
- See no improvement after treating a minor issue.
- Experience pain or discomfort for more than two days.
- Develop a high fever or notice pus around a wound.
Taking basic skin care measures can significantly reduce the risk of serious skin problems. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have concerns or if a wound does not improve.
