Effects of Diabetes on the Skin:
Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin, as skin problems can sometimes be the first sign of diabetes, so you should monitor the changes in the skin and talk to your doctor about any concerns. Most dermatological diseases can be easily prevented or treated if detected early. Some of these problems are dermatological diseases that anyone can get, but diabetic patients get them easily and frequently such as:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., infections of the eyelid glands, boils, infections of the hair follicles, deep infections of the skin and tissues underneath and infections around the nails).
- Fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, vaginal infection that causes itching).
- Itching, as it can be caused by fungus, dry skin, or circulatory insufficiency, when circulatory insufficiency is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.
Other skin problems occur predominantly in diabetic patients (e.g., diabetic pimples)
Guidelines that can be done to prevent skin problems:
- Keep diabetes well managed, as people with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin that is less resistant to harmful bacteria, both of which increase the risk of infection.
- Keeping skin clean and dry.
- Avoid bathing in very hot water.
- If the skin is dry, using moisturizing soap may help, then a normal moisturizer can be used for the skin, avoiding placing the moisturizer between the toes, as excess moisture can encourage the fungus to grow.
- Prevent dry skin, as scratching dry skin can open a wound and allow infection to appear, the skin must be moisturized to prevent cracking, especially in cold weather.
- Immediately treat wounds, by washing minor wounds with soap and water, using an antibiotic cream or ointment only when approved by the doctor, then cover minor wounds with sterile gauze, also the doctor must be seen immediately when a large wound, burn, or infection occurs.
- Consult a dermatologist for skin problems.
- Taking good care of the feet, by examining them every day for sores and wounds, wearing wide and flat shoes, and examining the shoes before wearing them.