Diabetes And Skin Problems: 5 Expert-Backed Tips on How to Prevent Skin Issues in Diabetes

Did you know that the skin- the largest organ of our body- can suffer complications due to diabetes? India.com spoke to Dr Vinay Singh to understand how to prevent skin issues.

For the unversed, diabetes can affect every part of your body, including the skin. While not all skin issues are the cause of concern, there are a few that should never be ignored. Thankfully, most skin conditions can be cured if caught early.

People with diabetes often suffer from dry skin, blood sugar fluctuations often cause blisters, red or dark patches on the skin and other skin conditions including Acanthosis nigricans. India.com asked Dr Vinay Singh, Senior Consultancy-Dermatology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgugram about these skin conditions.

He said, “Acanthosis nigricans and other skin rashes are more common among people with diabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is frequently a fault. Prediabetes might also manifest as a rash. Many rashes associated with diabetes disappear once blood sugar is under control. Skin issues that might cause dangerous infections can be avoided with proper diabetes treatment and skin care.”

He added that a skin rash may be the initial symptom of hyperglycemia or prediabetes in adults without diabetes. “You can prevent diabetes by taking action with the aid of your healthcare physician. A skin rash may be a sign that you need to change your diabetes medication regimen in order to lower your blood sugar (glucose) levels if you use diabetes medications. Other rashes are brought on by diminished blood supply to your extremities (hands and feet).”

He says that genital skin is one of the commonest sites to get a rash related to fungal ( candidal ) infections, ulcers and non-healing wounds are seen commonly if the blood sugars are very high.

Dr Vinay shared the best ways to prevent skin issues if you have diabetes.

Maintaining blood sugar levels within the range advised by your healthcare practitioner is the best thing you can do to avoid skin issues. Taking care of your skin correctly can reduce your risk of developing a skin rash, an infection, or a wound that is difficult to heal.

Follow these recommendations to avoid skin issues:

• Every day, look for rashes, redness, infections, or sores on your skin.
• In the shower, use a moisturising soap and lukewarm water
• Avoid rubbing when using a towel to dry the skin, and be sure to dry in between the fingers, toes, and skin folds.
• After taking a shower, use fragrance-free moisturisers while your skin is still damp and supple. To help skin maintain moisture, look for creams and ointments (not lotions) that include ceramide.
• At night, massage lotions containing 10 to 25 per cent urea (an emollient) into dry, cracked heels.