The agent that causes fungal infections especially among diabetics is Candida albicans. The syndrome can affect different portions of the patients. The peculiar aspect of these infections is that the fungus generally targets the moist and warm skin folds.

Depending on the areas where the fungi strike, the syndrome can take the forms of ringworm affection, athlete’s foot and/or jock itch. In the first instance (ringworm affection), the scaly ring-shaped patches surface on the scalp, chest, abdomen, groin, feet and/or nails. The athlete’s foot syndrome, of course, strikes the skin between the toes. The symptoms of jock itch appear on the inside portions of the thighs and also on and around the areas surrounding the genitals.

This fungus akin to yeast is prone to attack the vagina (of women). It is characterized by rashes accompanied by minute scale breaks or blisters in the surrounding portions. Its infection is also commonly evident in the mouth corners. This syndrome appears like cuts on the mouth corners. Its clinical terminology is ‘Angular cheilitis’. Such symptoms can also appear in the nails. It is then called ‘Onychomycosis’. Health researches have also found evidences of Candida albicans infection between the fingers and the toes.

WARNING: A potentially dangerous and in many cases fatal form of this infection begins in the cavities of the nose and slowly spreads to the eyes and even to the brains. It is clinically known as Mucormycosis.

REMEDIES: Consult your doctor on the appearance of the symptoms. Anti-fungal medications or pills destroy the fungus. The treatment may have to be continued for several months as medicines take time to react on fungi that are adamant. So, you need to have lots of patience and dedication to wage this battle against the germs.

NOTE: Don’t stop the treatment out of impatience. Fungi easily develop resistance to medications or pills if they are taken irregularly. Another moot point is to never go for self medication.

Besides these 10 typical skin ailments of diabetics, there are three common ones. These are dry skin, scalp disorders and feet ailments. (Please check the article: Diabetes Skin Care: The Three Common Ailments)

Incoming search terms:

• diabetes mellitus type 2
• skin care
• diabetes skin infections
• diabetes type 2
• Foot Ailments Pictures
• skin infections and diabetes

• No Related Post

NEUROPATHIC DIABETICS

Generally patients suffering from neuropathy are more prone to foot injuries. And, if they are suffering from also diabetes, the cause for worry is more. Such people come to know of any feet injuries that they might have suffered only after the damage is already done. This is because such neuropathic patients do not experience pressure, cold, heat or pain. Uncared open cuts and wounds easily catch infection.

REMEDIES: They can use three-in-one foot creams or medications. These come equipped with a toner, cleanser and moisturizer. The medication needs to be applied at least twice daily and only after the feet are washed with fresh and totally dried. You need not rub in the cream. Paste and spread it evenly over the entire feet portion. You don’t have to use the cream in other portions of the leg as Diabetic Dermopathy does not generally affect other regions of the leg. You can follow it up with a slow massage of the feet for a relaxing feeling. Some dermatologists prescribe zinc doses over several months. This clinical strategy works if the blood sugar level is normal.

BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Staphylococcus is one of the typical skin infections among diabetics. Though they can appear among non-diabetics, these skin bursts are more serious among diabetics with high sugar levels.

They generally occur as bacterial nail infections and/or styes that are infections of the eyes. They can also be in the forms of inflamed modules commonly termed “boils” at the bases of hair follicles. The hair shaft gets irritated in the process. The clinical remedial processes include antibiotic medications like creams and/or pills.

REMEDIES: Consult your doctor on the appearance of the symptoms. Anti-bacterial medications or pills help in the initial stages. The moot point is to never pop up pills or go for creams without experts’ advice.

Incoming search terms:

• Bacterial infections in complications of diabetes

• No Related Post

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

This skin complication is generally found among overweight women diabetics, diabetics, though it may affect other diabetics also. Acanthosis Nigricans starts as a nondescript wart. It is characterized by brown-tanned velvety raised patches that may appear all over the body. The affected portion thickens and darkens.

Particularly vulnerable portions are the skin folds of the knees, groin, elbows, and hands. They may also surface under the breasts and armpits besides on the back portion of the neck. The knuckle-top assume an unusual hue and appearance.

Acanthosis Nigricans is generally deemed a precursor to diabetics. It is the skin manifestation of the insulin-resistant factors at work. Once the symptoms appear, immediately consult your doctor for the treatment strategies. Diabetes can be cured if diagnosed at the initial stages, and the patient follows the regimen advised by the health expert.

There is no cure for this ailment. However, studies have found that losing weight checks the disease. Certain other health syndromes can also cause Acanthosis Nigricans. These are the Cushing syndromes and acromegaly.

ATHEROSCLEROSIS

This skin ailment affects particularly the legs – one of the most vulnerable parts of diabetics. It occurs due to the malfunctioning of the arteries especially when they start thickening. It strikes diabetics at the younger age bracket.

The symptoms of Atherosclerosis are skin starts losing hair. It gets thinner and shiny. The general skin temperature also becomes lesser as it cools down. The normal colour of the toenails gets blurred and they turn thicker.

Slight physical exertion leads to exhaustion. This happens as the muscles fail to get adequate oxygenated blood what with the blood vessels narrowing down. Patients feel a strange sensation and experience pain in their calves.

Other ancillary symptoms of Atherosclerosis are slow healing of cuts, abrasions or wounds on the legs. Even minor scratches lead to sores. It is fallout of the lower limbs not getting adequate amount of fresh blood containing white cells that can fight infection.

VITILIGO

The people susceptible to vitiligo are generally the ones diagnosed with Type-I and Type-II diabetes. It causes patches of discoloured skin on the face, abdomen and chest. The reason is that this syndrome starts destroying the substance called pigment that monitors the colour of skin.

Health experts generally ask vitiligo patients to avoid getting sun-burnt. If the patient has to move outdoors, they should use sunscreen having 15 or above SPF. The clinical approaches are micro-pigmentation (tattooing) and injection of topical steroids.

Incoming search terms:

• acanthosis nigricans wart
• acanthosis nigricans without diabetes treatment
• filetype: pdf vitiligo microRNA
• symptoms of diabetes skin vitiligo

• No Related Post

NECROBIOSIS: It is clinically identified as Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum or NLD in short. Consult your doctor or a skin specialist at the initial stages.

This typical skin complication is somewhat similar to Dermopathy; but the patches are more serious and larger. They penetrate deeper into the skin. They appear as reddish raised portions on the upper portions of the feet that are covered with sensitive skin unlike the lower hard and tough region. A distinct purple boundary line is also seen at times.

In some extreme cases, the affected blood vessels become visible. They may start itching and scratching breaks the patches causing pain. The patches may crack by themselves too. Open sores, both wet and dry, needs immediate medical care. This is typical skin syndrome of women diabetics.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS: These are rash-like reactions to insulin injections. They may subside after some time. However, if they persist consult your doctor.

SCLEROSIS: The main symptom of this skin complication is joint stiffness. In some cases the skin of the hands, forehead and the feet turn waxy and thick.

XANTHOMATOSIS: This skin syndrome is common among diabetics having high levels of blood sugar. If the sugar level is not brought under control, it aggravates the condition. The symptoms of Xanthomatosis are pea-like pigmentation. They are faint yellowish in colour, and appear in hands, feet, legs and buttocks besides other parts of the body.

DISSEMINATED GRANULOMA ANNULARE: This skin syndrome affects the regions around the ears and the fingers. It is characterized by well-defined arc or ring-shaped raised patches. Your doctor or a dermatologist will be able to provide the right health measures.

CONCLUSION: Since diabetes is basically a lifestyle ailment, the patients must follow a physically active roster and also change their food habits. Daily physical exercise for at least 30 minutes is a must. Positive thinking combined with meditation can also be a rejuvenating factor.

Incoming search terms:

• allergy can be complication of diabetes
• diabetic sclerosis skin
• granuloma annulare treatment
• necrobiosis lipoidica complications

• No Related Post

The second part discusses five others, viz., Necrobiosis, Allergic Reactions, Sclerosis, Xanthomatosis and Disseminated Granuloma Annulare. The third piece tackles the remaining three typical skin disorders of diabetics: Acanthosis Nigricans, Atherosclerosis and Vitiligo. The fourth penultimate sub-division examines Neuropathic diabetics and Bacterial infections. This fifth and concluding sub-section takes up the issue of fungal infections in some details. Each of them has typical symptoms.

DIABTIC BLISTERS: Blisters are small bubbles on the skin filled with watery fluid. They are caused by heat or friction. But diabetic blisters are a separate class in themselves. They appear but rarely, in people who suffer from diabetic neuropathy, Type-I diabetes, and are overweight.

Also known as ‘Bullosis diabeticorum’, this skin disorder occurs in rare cases. The blisters resemble the ones that are caused following burn injuries. They occur on different portions of the limbs. The vulnerable areas are the toes, feet, legs, fingers, hands and forearms. Their characteristic feature is they are painless.

They often heal by themselves. The clinical treatment is to bring the blood sugar level to normal.

DERMOPATHY: Also known as ‘Diabetic Dermopathy’, it is an ailment of the small blood vessels usually in the front and top portions of the feet of diabetics. It is characterized by scaly light-brown or purple patches. The patches do not hurt or open up. There may be slight itching in these oval or circular or even perpendicular affected portions.

Often they are the results of sandal straps contaminated with certain colouring chemicals or parasites that adversely affect the sensitive skin on the top of the feet. Though a harmless syndrome, the patients should take care to heal the patches at the earliest.

Incoming search terms:

• diabetes skin blisters
• diabetic dermopathy symptoms

• No Related Post

DRY SKIN: Dry skin is easily prone to cuts caused by minor abrasions and scratches. They can lead to serious complications. So, diabetics with dry skin must regularly use moisturizers that also act as conditioners or toners. They should preferably go for the natural herbal medications that have no side effects.

Those with normal skin need not use moisturizers. For them conditioners reinforced with Vitamin E and herbal extracts are ideal.

SCALP DISORDERS: These are generally neglected areas. Dandruff and lice are the two common agents that cause scalp disorders. It is more so the case with diabetics.

Dandruffs are flakes of skin that scale off the dry scalp. They remain on the hair shaft, scalp and around the hair. On the other hand, the nits (eggs of lice) are almost similar in shape and colour (white) to the dandruff. Within one to two weeks the nits develop into nymphs and in another week’s time they mature. The mature female lice again lay nits. A louse lives for about 30 days. Ultimately the scalp turns into a maternity ward of the lice.

One potent factor that can cause considerable health complications is head lice. Lice sustain themselves by sucking blood from the scalp. As these ant-like six-legged parasites bite the scalp to suck blood, or even when they move around the person experiences an intense itching sensation. The bites are also intolerable as not one but several lice start biting all around the scalp. Lice bites and constant scratching following incessant itching can cause sores. Left uncared, the sores can start festering causing serious health problems later on. Both the dandruff and the lice cause unbearable itching and consequently irritation.

The person concerned starts scratching to get relief. Constant scratching causes the scalp skin to scale off, at times sores develop. They start festering what with lice bites and scratching still continuing. The wounds can become really life threatening if they are not healed at the initial stages.

REMEDIES: The patient can resolve both the issues by waging a dedicated and continuous battle against dandruff and lice infection. Dandruff can be solved with across-the-counter medications used over a period. But lice infection takes time. Only a combined manually operated strategy and clinical means can solve the problem. (Please check out the details in Tackling Lice)

FEET AILMENTS: The feet carry the entire weight of the body and are also very vulnerable to cuts that degenerate into wounds and infections complicate the problem further.

Remember, many diabetics are compelled to have their feet amputated. Such an extreme step has to be taken to ensure the incurable infection does not spread to the remaining portion of the patients. Hence, take proper care of the feet. (Please check out the details in the article Diabetes Skin Care: Extra Care of Feet Must)

Incoming search terms:

• diabetes and dry scalp
• dry scalp and diabetes
• DIABETES DRY SCALP
• skin aliments of the feet
• itchy skin scalp diabetes type 2
• dry skin on scalp scratches off
• dry scalp symptom of diabetes
• dry scalp diabetes
• diabetes and lice
• dry head and feet

• No Related Post

Infections not only dither the healing process but also fester the wound. That turns into a dangerous situation. Unless immediate medical care is initiated, it may necessitate a major operation.

An unnoticed or uncared for scratch can also be equally dangerous. Most of the cuts, wounds and infections suffered by diabetics take more time to heal compared to non-diabetics. In extreme cases, the scratches, cuts and infections degenerate into non-healable wounds and start festering thereafter. Against this ominous backdrop, the diabetics should be extra careful not to get hurt physically.

What is more, the cuts and wounds turn infectious quite fast in the instance of diabetics. As they start as small skin eruptions, proper medical care must be initiated at the initial stages so that a minor cut or wound do not degenerate. It is always advisable for diabetics to be doubly careful while they work especially with sharp and pointed items like knives, blades, needles, objects made of glass, plastic and metal.

The infections can be bacterial or/and fungal. Such infections tend to erupt in all the areas that retain moisture like the armpits, groin areas, under the breasts, in the mouth, foreskin and vagina. The regions between fingers and between the skin and nails are the most vulnerable areas.

With respect to the feet wounds and cuts, apply the physician recommended anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medication on the wounded portion. Ensure that the antiseptic cream is not applied to the normal surrounding areas. Else, it may spread the infection. (Pl check more about the fungal and bacterial infections in the article Diabetes Skin Care: Know the 10 Typical Complications-III)

WARNING: Beware! The water that may ooze out even from a single wound can spread the infection not just to the neighboring areas but also to other portions of the body. Say, a pad bearing the wound water is in touch with a normal part of the body that then contracts the infection. Keep the wound covered with a medicated pad.

Incoming search terms:

• symptoms of uncared for diabetes
• diabetes how care cut
• diabetes symptoms cut fingers

• No Related Post

DRY SKIN SYNDROME: Many diabetics have dry skin that is quite prone to cuts from slight scratches. If they are not taken proper and adequate care of immediately, they may degenerate into festering wounds. So, take utmost care of the dry skin particularly in the most vulnerable area of the feet.

Don’t wade through water for long. If you must, then clean it with fresh water. You should always wash your feet in fresh or lukewarm-salty water before applying any medication.

LUKEWARM-SALTY WATER FEET BATH: The best means is to mix a tablespoonful of sea salt into a tumbler of lukewarm water. Then place your feet in it. You can clean one foot using the other foot. You will notice the dirt coming out as the water gets discoloured.
Then wipe them dry with a cotton towel. Wait for about five minutes for the remaining moisture to evaporate.

APPLICATION OF CONDITIONER: Next, use a three-in-one conditioner or toner that also doubles up as a cleanser and moisturizer. Spread out the cream over the non-infected neighbouring portions.

MASSAGING MUST: Finally, gently massage the feet. Massaging is must to boost blood circulation. It also provides relaxation to the feet.

DURATION: The entire operation takes at the most10 minutes. Spare the time. Those are after all your feet. The process opens the pores and cleans the skin besides giving you total relaxation. This rejuvenated feeling is not just physiological but also psychological. You will also have a sound sleep after doing it. Moreover, the water therapy relieved the diabetics of the constant tingling feeling in the calf and feet at night. It is ideal when you have cold or flu too.

REGIMEN FOLLOW-UP: The aforementioned feet skin care regimen should be followed at least twice daily: first after taking bath and finally before retiring for the day. If you do not have time in the morning hours, the best time to flatter your poor but dear feet is before you go to bed.

Incoming search terms:

• skin prone to cuts diabetes

• No Related Post

Extreme Instances

Left untreated, a minor sore or scratch or cut on the skin can degenerate and necessitate major surgery. In extreme cases, the wounds might fester and amputation of the affected limbs may be required.

Types of Infection

Skin infection can be fungal leading to constant itching and bacterial. The general fungal infections are jock itch, ring worms and athlete’s foot. They are caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida-albicans. Such skin disorders representing red sores are characterized by frequent itching. These patchy sores can degenerate into scales and blisters. Such carbuncles appear where moisture persists for a longer time than in other portions of the body. These vulnerable areas are the groin and the armpits besides under the breasts and the foreskin as well as in the vagina, the thrush (mouth) and between the nails particularly the toes (clinically known as onychomycosis).

Bacterial infections are more common among diabetics. Such disorders are spread mainly by the Staphylococcus bacteria besides a few other bacteria. The infections are characterized by infection of eyelids, glands and hair follicles besides boils and sores (carbuncles) on skin and tissue.

Itching

In most of these syndromes, constant itching is experienced in the lower extremities of the moisture-laden portions. The problem is compounded by viral and bacterial infection, dry skin and inadequate blood circulation to those affected areas.

Tackling Dry Skin

The common factor is itching which gets severe in the case of diabetics who have dry skin. So, they must use a good conditioner which also serves as a cleanser and moisturizer. Dry skin tends to develop cracks and scales which can degenerate into festering carbuncles or sores.

You can get relief by first wiping the wet portions and letting it dry down normally. Finally apply a skin cleanser-cum-conditioner-cum-moisturizer. Don’t rub it. Just put a small amount and spread it across the area. Gentle massaging provides relaxation and boosts blood circulation.

Apply the physician-recommended antiseptic or anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medication only on the affected area. Keep it covered or bandaged to obviate the possibility of the wound water oozing out and spreading the infection to the other portions of the body.

• No Related Post

Signs of skin infection are:

• Redness
• Itching
• Throbbing pain (pain my be absent, if the patient has developed peripheral neuropathy)
• Non-healing wound.

How Should a Diabetic Take Care of His Skin?

Diabetics should:

• Keep the skin clean. Persons with dry skin should use soap containing moisturisers.

• Dry off well after having a bath.

• Use talcum powder to prevent moisture in the folds of the skin, such as the groin, between the toes, under the breasts, and in armpits.

• Avoid very hot baths and showers if they have loss of sensation because they can easily burn themselves without knowing it.

• Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry, itchy skin can break the skin. Broken skin is prone to bacterial infections.

• Use moisturisers, in winters to prevent chapping of skin.

• Wear cotton underwear, which allows better circulation of air.

• Drink lots of water.

• Treat cuts quickly.

What is Diabetic Dermopathy?

It is a skin disorder found in up to 50% of male adults and 30% of female adults with diabetes. The lesions are round or oval. They are red or reddish brown in appearance and measure 1-3 inches. They usually occur on the thigh or shin region but may also appear on the scalp, forearm or trunk. There is no definite treatment and the lesions tend to disappear spontaneously after several years.

What is Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum?

It is a skin condition usually on the lower part of the legs. The lesions can be small or large. The lesions are usually raised, yellow and waxy in appearance and often have a purple border. It is mostly seen in young women.

Steps on taking care of diabetic skin

# After you wash with a mild soap, make sure you rinse and dry yourself well. Check places where water can hide, such as under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes.

# Keep your skin moist by using a lotion or cream after you wash. Ask your doctor to suggest one.

# Drink lots of fluids, such as water, to keep your skin moist and healthy.

# Wear all-cotton underwear. Cotton allows air to move around your body better.

# Check your skin after you wash. Make sure you have no dry, red, or sore spots that might lead to an infection.

# Tell your doctor about any skin problems.

When Should the Doctor be Consulted?

Consult the doctor if there is:
• Redness, swelling, pus or pain that might indicate a bacterial infection
• Ringworm, vaginal itching or other signs of a fungal infection
• Blisters or bumps anywhere, especially on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, arms, legs or buttocks
• Rashes, bumps or pits near insulin injection sites.

Incoming search terms:

• diabetes breakouts
• can diabetes cause a skin rash
• Diabetes and fett skin peeling
• diabetes and breakouts
• skin discoloration foot
• are breakouts diabetes symptoms
• how to treat diabetes discoloration of feet
• juvenile diabetes infection to feet
• skin discoloration in diabetes mellitus
• skin infection in diabets patient

• April 24, 2009 -- Diabetes Care: Learn to live with it (0)