Diabetes is no longer a condition that only a few people suffer from; it is now a common lifestyle illness that affects millions of people, including men, women, and children, all over the world.
Imbalanced sugar levels in the blood can harm numerous organs of the body, including the skin. Most persons with diabetes or pre-diabetes experience recurrent skin problems or develop skin diseases at some time in their lives.
Changes in the skin can be a sign of the beginning of diabetes, or it can suggest that your dose needs to be changed if you already have diabetes stated Dr Rinky Kapoor, The Esthetic Clinic’s consulting dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist, and dermato-surgeon to the Indian Express.
Also Read | Six early symptoms of type 2 diabetes that you should know
What causes diabetic skin problems?
Type 2 diabetes-related skin issues affect more than 75% of people throughout the world. Diabetes can trigger fresh skin conditions and deteriorate old ones for the following reasons:
- Diabetes causes poor blood circulation in the body, resulting in a lack of blood and nutrients for the blood vessels and nerves. As a result, white blood cells lose their capacity to fight infections
- Reduced blood circulation impairs skin’s capacity to heal and destroys collagen, depriving it of its ability to recover
- Damaged skin cells lose their capacity to function properly, and the skin becomes more sensitive to the elements
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Understand the alterations in your skin
The good news is that with a little awareness, you may catch skin problems early on and prevent your body from additional harm as a result of the disease. The following are some of the most frequent skin problems seen in diabetics:
- Dry, irritated, red, and itchy skin
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial infections
- Necrobiosis Lipoidica
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Digital sclerosis
- Diabetic blisters
- Diabetic ulcers
- Diabetic dermopathy or shin spots
- Yellow patches around the eyelids
- Atherosclerosis
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Tips on how to look after your skin
Most skin issues may be managed with regular medication, exercise, and a regulated diet to keep diabetes under control. Proper skincare can assist to keep issues at bay.
- Maintain clean and dry skin in the trouble areas including the underarms, beneath the breasts, between the toes, and around the crotch
- Examine your body for any issues on a frequent basis
- Showers that are too hot should be avoided
- Moisturize your skin twice a day
- Apply lip balm on a daily basis
- Treat the wound right away
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not attempt to shave a skin tag or pop a blister
- Every day, use an SPF 40 sunscreen or higher
- Repair the cuts and wounds as soon as possible
- Include cinnamon, jamun, aloe vera, berries, tomato, and amla, as well as curd, lemongrass, and other items in your diet
