Dry skin is one of the most common symptoms for those living with diabetes. This results from high levels of sugar (glucose) which can cause dehydration, dryness, and itchiness.
There are some measures you can take to minimize the effects of dry skin resulting from diabetes. Here are a few we recommend:
- Control your glucose levels as much as possible. As a diabetic, your target glucose levels should be less than 100 mg/dl when fasting and less than 180 mg/dl two hours after eating [1].
- Maintain your skin clean. Avoid soaps with colorants or fragrances as these may cause negative reactions on your skin.
- Dry your skin carefully. Rather than scrubbing your skin with the towel, gently pat your skin dry. This will help you avoid irritating your skin. Make sure to thoroughly dry areas where there are folds – inside your elbows, knees, armpits, under your breasts, between legs, etc. This will help you avoid excess humidity in those areas.
- Apply moisturizer all over your body. After bathing or showering, apply a moisturizing/hydrating cream to avoid dryness and itching. Place special attention to those areas on your body that are usually dry. These could include your knees, lower legs, feet, elbows, under side of the breasts, or any other areas particular to you. We of course recommend using Formula 2 Skin Care Cream which in a survey with diabetic individuals was preferred over their previously used moisturizers. Check it out here >>> https://bit.ly/2MCGcEa
- Avoid scrubbing or scraping your skin. By doing this, you will minimize the potential of scratches and wounds which can lead to more complicated skin issues in diabetics.
If you find unusual spots, marks or excessive dryness on your skin, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist.
It is also recommended that you visit this type of specialist at least once a year to rule out complications and prevent dry skin from taking over your body and possibly cause other complications resulting from diabetes.
1. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/normal-blood-sugar-levels-chart-adults
Other blog entries that may interest you:
How To Improve Dry Cracked Hands and Feet