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.

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