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Skin Care
Because
diabetes can cause changes in the tiny blood vessels that supply your
skin with nutrients, proper skin care is especially important in
preventing bacterial and fungal infections, impaired nerve sensations,
dry, itchy skin, and other skin disorders. Your health care team will
suggest daily guidelines for your personal hygiene. These may include
the following.
• After bathing, keep your skin dry, particularly in the skin folds in
the armpits, the groin, and under the breasts. Use talcum powder to help
yourself stay dry.
• When bathing, avoid excessively hot water and use a super fatted soap
to lubricate your skin. Try to avoid harsh and highly perfumed soaps.
• Use a humidifier at home to moisten the air during the cold winter
months. Use a lubricating skin oil to moisturize your skin when the
humidity is low.
• Take care of any injuries to hands or feet right away. People with
impaired nerve sensations tend to be more susceptible to infections,
particularly in the legs and feet. Seek professional assistance for
changes such as pressure injuries from shoes or changes in color of your
skin and proper management of open wounds, should they occur. Check your
feet frequently, since you may not feel an injury to your feet as
readily with diabetic nerve changes that create decreased sensation.
5. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, as these burns can be serious to
a diabetic because of infection, dehydration, and altered diabetic
control.
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