Skin problems due to diabetes.
Skin problems may occur to anyone but people with diabetes are far more  susceptible to them. In nearly thirty per cent of the cases, diabetes is
associated with skin problems. This is, because one or more of the following causative
factors of skin problems may be present due to diabetes.
 Excessive
urination.
In a high blood glucose level situation,
insulin is produced in order to contribute to glucose
consumption by the cells. In a case that insulin is not adequate or it is not been used
properly by the cells, the blood sugar level remains high and the body tries to excrete
the superfluous glucose in the urine. Apparently, this increases the volume of urine and
consequently the loss of water. Eventually, this situation affects many organs and
systems, including the skin which gets dehydrated, fragile and vulnerable. Cracked skin
can get infected very easily.
Atherosclerosis.
This is a chronic medical condition and it is associated with smoking, hereditary factors, diet rich in
fats and high cholesterol or triglyceride blood levels. Atherosclerosis involves
narrowing of large or tiny arteries and eventually reduced blood end oxygen supply to
tissues and organs. Therefore, atherosclerosis is the major risk factor for angina, heart
attack, hypertension and stroke. Skin
may be affected from inadequate blood and oxygen supply too. Thinning hair, shiny and
cold skin, thickened and discolored toenails are signs of atherosclerosis. White blood
cells have very important defensive properties. Due to reduced amounts of them in the
affected skin area, infections may occur easily and the healing process gets slow.
Neuropathies.
Autonomic neuropathy can affect the nerves
that control sweating. When nerve damage prevents the sweat glands from working properly,
apart from the fact the body cannot regulate its temperature adequately, the skin gets
dehydrated and prone to damages and infections.
Peripheral neuropathy may cause improper, prolonged arterial constriction and
consequently reduced blood supply to the skin. This may impair resistance to infections
and healing ability. If the relevant nerves get damaged, reduced sensation can make skin
injuries to remain unnoticed, untreated and potentially infected.
Skin infections.
Skin infections may be either bacterial or fungal. Staphylococcus is the most common
cause for bacterial and Candida albicans for fungal infections. A significant number of
bacterial infections occur in diabetics. The glands of the eyelid, the hair follicles and
deep layers of the skin may be infected and inflamed. Fungal infections may affect
genitals, groin, inside surface of thighs, feet, chest, abdomen, nails and scalp.
Other skin problems.
Other skin problems that may occur in people with diabetes include eruptive
xanthomatosis, itching, diabetic blisters, digital sclerosis, scleroderma diabeticorum,
acanthosis nigricans,
vitiligo, diabetic dermopathy, and necrobiosis
lipoidica diabeticorum. The two latest occur due to blood vessels changes.
Prevention and management of skin problems caused by diabetes.
Skin problems, in general, can be prevented and managed quite easily and are not
considered a threat to overall health, providing they are identified and treated in time.
However, if they are neglected, may cause major problems. High risk cases are the ones
that combine diabetes and foot skin problems.
The latest may remain unnoticed or underestimated and if neglected or poorly treated,
they can get infected resulting in ulceration. The
muscles underneath or even the bone may be progressively involved. If the situation gets
very bad, osteitis, osteomyelitis and gangrene can occur. These are extremely serious
conditions and eventually they can result in necrosis and inevitable amputation.
The following guidelines are quite straightforward,
simple and they can help in prevention and management of skin problems due to
diabetes.
Shower gels or mild soap-free products, like Mustela Dermo Cleansing,
with hydrating and moisturizing agents must be used. Thorough rinsing and drying must
follow, especially in places, which can remain wet. These can be areas under the arms or
the breasts, between the legs and the toes.
Skin must be kept moist by the
use of a moisturizer, such as Atopalm. Drinking lots of fluids,
especially water is beneficial.
Excessive drinking must be
avoided. Alcohol dehydrates the body, including the skin.
All-cotton underwear must be
used, since cotton allows air to reach the body easier.
Soft-leathered shoes must be
preferred in order damage of the skin to be prevented. Click the following links to be
guided how to find therapeutical shoes and other
foot health aids online.
Use
additional soft layers in your shoes, in order to eliminate any discomfort, while
standing or walking. Try the  button, if you want to find such materials online.
Foot skin care preparations are excellent means for the relief of symptoms
caused by common foot problems. You can find a wide range of these products by using the
button and choose one or more
of them, depending on the problem you have.
Diabetes medication must be taken consistently. This is
essential for efficient blood glucose level control.
As soon as skin
problems occur, a doctor's advice must be sought.
Click the following links, if you want to read about the
sites we recommend and secured
transactions.
|
