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 small banner in the right column of this page, 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.
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