According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), skin problems can be one of the first signs of diabetes. Add that to the fact that up to one-third of diabetics will have a skin disorder related to the disease at some point during their lifetime.
That said, most of these conditions are preventable and treatable if diagnosed promptly. Knowing the risks and how to take the best care of skin will provide the best care for skin.
So why does skin change with diabetes?
“When you have excess sugar in the blood, it causes glycation. Everything becomes ‘sugarified,’” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in diabetic nutrition. “So imagine rock candy. If you dipped an orange in sugar water, you’d get a ‘sugarified’ orange that’s hard and crunchy.”
This changes the arteries. As a result, they harden.
“They’re no longer live and supple. They’re sticky and hard. So the blood doesn’t go through as easily,” says Lund. “The blood itself is also sticky. This is why diabetics get high blood pressure.”
One of the greatest areas affected are the feet. Though it can be uncomfortable to talk about those southern digits, understanding common diabetic skin conditions associated with the feet is essential to health.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes can actually change feet's skin. The result is a dry foot with peeling and cracking skin. That’s because the nerves associated with oil and moisture control are not working properly. To combat this, it’s essential to dry your feet after bathing and then apply a thin coat of a moisturizing product. The ADA recommends plain petroleum jelly or unscented hand cream. Coconut oil is also another option.
It's important not to put oils or creams between toes – it can cause infection. And always be cautious when soaking feet -- too much soaking can dehydrate the skin.
Calluses are also common among those with diabetes. This condition can be attributed to high-pressure areas on the bottom of the foot.
To help prevent calluses, the ADA suggests using a pumice stone on wet skin and then applying appropriate moisturizing agents. And to minimize the risk of infection, do not try to handle calluses alone. Instead, ask a doctor for help.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for foot ulcers, which can occur as a result of incorrectly fitting shoes. Get the best shoes possible and make sure they’re roomy.
See a doctor if ulcers are suspected. Infected foot ulcers should never be taken lightly -- infection can ultimately lead to the loss of a limb.
Another thing to be aware of when it comes to skin and diabetes is the risk of bacterial infections. Some infections linked to diabetes include sties, boils, folliculitis (infected hair follicles), carbuncles (deep skin infections that also can include the tissue beneath the skin), and nail infections.
The good news is that bacterial infections rarely lead to death. Modern antibiotics and improved blood sugar control have drastically changed the landscape of bacterial infections related to diabetes.
Fungal infections are also skin conditions to be aware of. According to the ADA, a common fungal infection associated with diabetes is Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus capable of creating “itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales.”
Other possible fungal infections include jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm and vaginal infections that cause itching.
There are also many other skin conditions known to occur with diabetes, including acanthosis nigricans.
According to the ADA, telltale signs of this condition are raised tan or brown areas that appear on the neck, armpits, elbows, knees or groin. This condition is most commonly associated with those who carry excess weight. That said, doctors can recommend creams that may improve the appearance of these spots.
Diabetic dermopathy is another skin condition associated with diabetes. This condition occurs due to changes in the small blood vessels caused by the disease.
This condition appears in the form of light brown, scaly patches on the front of the legs that may be oval or circular and resemble age spots. The good news is that this condition does not require doctor care.
Yet another condition associated with diabetes is lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD). NLD causes spots similar to diabetic dermopathy; however, these spots are fewer, larger and deeper.
NLD most commonly begins as a dull, red, raised area. Later, it takes on the appearance of a shiny scar with a violet border. Though this condition is rare, it most often occurs in adult women. The ADA says that no treatment is necessary unless sores break open.
Now that we’ve covered what skin conditions can occur with diabetes, it’s time to talk about appropriate skin care.
There are several preventive measures that will head off skin problems. First and foremost, keep blood glucose levels under control. High blood glucose levels can have an effect on the ability to fight off “bad bacteria” and increase the risk for infection. In addition, high blood glucose levels cause dry skin.
Further, it’s essential to make an effort to keep your skin clean and dry. The ADA suggests using talcum powder in areas where skin rubs. This can prevent chafing.
Additionally, keep baths and showers from getting overly hot and avoid bubble bath if skin appears to be dry. Moisturizing soaps can aid in this process followed by an unscented skin lotion.
And be sure to refrain from putting lotions between the toes, making them fungus-friendly. Moisturize appropriately during cold weather seasons and keep the indoors humid during colder months to help to keep skin moist.
Proper care of cuts is another necessary precaution. This means it’s essential to treat cuts immediately. Make it a habit to wash any cuts with soap and water and ask healthcare professionals before using antibiotic cream. Further, be sure to cover cuts with sterile gauze. And, of course, see a doctor for concerning cuts.
When it comes to skin care and diabetes, it’s also important to choose appropriate hygiene products. Stick with mild shampoos and steer clear of feminine deodorant sprays. If a product is questionable, don’t be afraid to reach out to your healthcare provider with questions.
Finally, make it a point to take the best care possible when it comes to feet. Check feet on a daily basis for unexplained sores and cuts, and wear flat, appropriately fitting shoes. (In other words, watch it with the heels.)
If you do develop a skin issue, read over ADA suggestions regarding skin complications. This is by far the best resource when it comes to all things skin. With a little tender loving care, skin will be back to glowing -- just the way you like it.