What Is Skin Diabetes?

For diabetics, proper skin care is a must.

A condition called "skin diabetes" doesn't exist, but a diabetic's skin can be adversely affected by his condition in a number of ways.

Significance

According to the American Diabetes Association, 33 percent of diabetics will have a diabetes-related skin disorder at some point in their lives.

What Happens

The body loses fluid when blood glucose gets high, making skin drier and thus itchier and sore. If the skin becomes dry enough to crack, germs are liable to enter and cause infection. High glucose levels also inhibit sweating, which keeps skin moist. Because high glucose levels provide breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, the body's ability to heal itself is compromised.

Types

Skin conditions exclusively associated with diabetes include diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis, lipoidica, diabeticorum, diabetic blisters and eruptive xanthomatosis.

Symptoms

There are many potential symptoms to look for. Some include inflamed, red or hot skin tissue; itchy rashes; light brown, scaly patches; dull, red, raised areas; any skin that becomes hairless, thin, cool and shiny; blisters; and firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin.

Treatment

Ensure that all your skin is dried off after washing, then use lotion to keep your skin moist. Drink lots of fluids, wear all-cotton underwear to allow your skin to "breathe" and check your skin on a daily basis for any red spots, sores or dry spots. If problems arise, call your doctor.

References

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep your feet and skin healthy. No. 5, p. 12-13
• American Diabetes Association: Skin Complications
• Cleveland Clinic: Foot and Skin Related Complications of Diabetes