5 Skin Care Tips for Diabetic Patients
Sunitha has recently started to notice certain changes on her skin. Having healthy skin all her life, she wondered if her recent diagnosis with diabetes is causing the acne, inflammation and other changes. Upon consulting a skin specialist and undergoing the best acne treatment in Bangalore, her assumptions were stated valid. Her skin issues were indeed triggered due to the fluctuating levels of insulin in her body.
Like Sunitha, a great percentage of people diagnosed with diabetes notice some signs of skin issues like inflammation, acne, sores and infections. In fact, skin acts like a mirror to the body and the concerns are often one of the first signs that indicate that a person has diabetes.
Diabetes & Skin
Diabetes causes several internal changes in the body, which in turn cause the external symptoms to appear. The fluctuating hormone levels within reflects on the largest organ of the body but remember, there are several ways to reduce and treat hormonal acne. For many, experiencing several skin issues are among the early symptoms of diabetes— even before it is officially diagnosed.
Top skin clinic in Sahakarnagar frequently get patients who experience patches of inflamed bumps, patches and other conditions which do not go away even after general skincare. Why does that happen? It is because diabetes reduces the body’s immune system and its efficacy to heal any wound or issue in the body.
Common Skin Issues Among Diabetic Patients
->Acanthosis Nigricans, which is a patch of darker coloured pigmented velvety skin around the neck and armpits.
->Digital Sclerosis is the thickening and tightening of fingers, giving them a waxy appearance.
->Scleredema Diabeticorum makes the skin around the legs, neck, and shoulders — thicker and rubbery.
->Folliculitis is a disorder that inflames the skin follicles leaving rashes or abscesses on the skin, caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Quality acne treatment in Bangalore by experienced dermatologists can diagnose and suggest apt treatment options for this condition.
->Skin tags are also common in patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. The skin coloured small projections around the neck, armpits, and groin, etc which can be removed aesthetically.
->Fungal infections in between toes, inner thighs, nails, and crotch area are also common. Recurrent bacterial infections which are painful pus filled lesions are also seen.
Other Common Skin Conditions Like –
->Blisters on the body
->Hardening of skin on legs
->Ulcers and sores on feet which don’t heal
Skin Care Tips for Diabetic Patients
- Popping Pimples or Acne Should Be Avoided
Experiencing pimples and adult acne is common among the Indian population. However, the urge to pop or squeeze a pus filled acne is sometimes too much. This is a big no-no, particularly if someone has diabetes. Not only does it leave the risk of leaving a spot or scar, the squeezed pimple may take forever to heal.
- Moisturiser Must Be Kept Handy
Diabetes can alter the levels of hydration on the body.. Keeping a moisturiser handy helps the skin get the necessary ingredients to keep healthy from within. Choosing creams and ointments as suggested by a certified doctor or skin expert is ideal.
- Heels Should Be Taken Care Of
Poor flow of blood and nerve damage, together can put diabetic patients at risk of several foot issues. Cracked heels, foot ulcers are among the common dermatological issues that patients suffer from. Particularly, cracked heels are often ignored until it reaches a stage when extensive treatment may be required. Cracked heels can result in foot infections if left untreated. Hence, an everyday check in the feet to observe for cuts and abrasions is important along with moisturising of heels.
- Nails Should Be Kept Short
For diabetic patients, the ideal situation is to keep infections at bay. Untrimmed or unclean nails can end up causing nail infections, which are uncomfortable and painful. Uncut nails also pose the risk of being broken, hurt or lifted up, and ultimately causing an infection.
- Fragrance-free Products Should Be Chosen
Patients with diabetes types should avoid choosing products that have added fragrance. Fragrance can cause allergies when they come in contact with skin. Instead fragrance-free creams, ointments and lotions that have ceramides should be used. Products labelled ‘unscented’ are often not fragrance-free but scent-free, while fragrance can still be present.
Besides, managing diabetes is the ultimate solution to all things dermatological and physical. It is also important to keep in mind that: dermatological issues or skin concerns are not the sole indicators of diabetes— they are one of the many. However, skin issues for diabetic patients can become a cause of concern if overlooked or ignored for a prolonged time period. Hence, experts and dermatologists at skin clinics in Sahakarnagar recommend diagnosing and detecting such issues early. Detecting such dermatological issues early reduces the chances of developing severe problems in future.
Dr.Tina Ramachander is one of the best dermatologist in Bangalore and Medical Director at Dr.Tina’s Skin Solutionz, a skin care clinic in Bangalore. She completed her master’s in dermatology from the well acclaimed JJM Medical college in Karnataka and is now a practicising dermatosurgeon and Medical Cosmetologist in Bangalore.