Winter skin care for diabetic patients

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Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. As many as 1/3 of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. When sugar is high, the body loses fluid, causing your skin to become dry. This occurs because the body is turning the water into urine to remove the excess sugar from the blood. Your skin can also get dry if the nerves, especially those in your legs and feet, do not get the message to sweat (because of diabetic neuropathy).

During the winter there are several reasons skin can become dry and itchy. From lowered humidity outdoors to heaters in the home, the air becomes dry and so can your skin. People with diabetes need to maintain proper winter skin care to avoid cracking, bleeding and other possible complications. Addition, dry skin can become red and sore, and can crack and peel. Germs can enter through the cracks in your skin and cause an infection. Dry skin usually is itchy, and scratching can lead to breaks in the skin and infection. Most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.

Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. Follow these tips by Dr Pradeep Gadge, Diabetologist, Gadge Diabetes Center to care for your skin and keep it healthy.
>> Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips

>> Keep your diabetes well managed. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin.

>> Avoid very hot baths and showers. If your skin is dry, don't use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterward, use a good skin lotion, but don't put lotions between toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.

>> Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.

>> Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it's okay. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.

>> To protect your skin from the cold or wind, cover your ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat. Also wear warm gloves and shoes or boots.

>> Check your feet daily as feet are particularly vulnerable because nerve-damage may cause numbness, so that it's easy to miss blisters, splinters, or small cuts.

>> Drink plenty of fluids like lime water (without sugar), buttermilk, but not soft drinks and coconut water.

>> Eat healthy foods like whole grains, less saturated fat and lots of fruits and vegetables.

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