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Diabetes Skin Conditions

People with diabetes have a special set of circumstances that can cause skin problems other people may not experience. In particular, they are more prone to infections that can turn deadly or lead to amputation. It is important for people with diabetes to maintain good overall health to prevent skin problems.

  1. Dry Skin

    • People with diabetes who are not controlling their blood sugar and have high blood sugar levels are prone to developing dry skin because of decreased fluid in the body. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, high blood sugar can also cause nerve damage that can lead to reduced sweating. Reduced sweating contributes to dry skin problems for people with diabetes. Scratching dry skin that is itchy can create small cuts in the skin, making the skin more prone to infection.

    Infection

    • When a person with diabetes has high blood sugar levels, she has an increased risk of skin infections. This is caused by the blood sugar feeding the germs and bacteria that can enter cuts or scrapes on the skin. Although the blood delivers the blood sugar that feeds the infection, it also delivers white blood cells and medications that fight the infection. The feet of a person with diabetes are particularly prone to infections that are difficult to heal, because of reduced blood flow to the legs and feet.

    Gangrene

    • Gangrene is a condition where the skin and muscle tissue around a wound or infection dies. People with diabetes are particularly prone to gangrenous infections on the legs and feet because of reduced blood flow to these areas and because nerve damage can prevent them from feeling the pain associated with gangrene. According to the National Institutes of Health, dead tissue caused by gangrene must be removed in order to promote the healing of remaining tissue. In severe cases, this may involve amputation of a limb or, if left untreated, can result in death.

    Prevention

    • The best way for a person with diabetes to prevent skin problems is to maintain good blood sugar levels. He should also take special care to protect his feet to prevent injury or infection. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with diabetes should inspect their feet daily to check for any blisters, cuts, or other injuries. They should also moisturize dry skin to reduce the risk of infection caused by scratching or cracking skin.

    Treatment

    • It is important for people with diabetes to seek treatment immediately for any cuts, scrapes, blisters or sores on the skin, particularly the legs and feet. Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat the infection. Some infections may require hospitalization to treat and prevent gangrene from occurring.

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