Thursday, August 8, 2013

Living with Diabetes: Good Skin Care

     Nearly one third of those living with diabetes will have a skin disorder that is caused or exasperated by their diabetic condition.   Good skin care may not prevent all of these painful skin problems but it can certainly help keep a lot of them at bay.

 Here are some basic pointers on good skin care written by the American Diabetes Association:
  • Keep skin clean and dry.  Use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as armpits and groin.
  • Avoid very hot baths and showers.  If your skin is dry, don't use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help.  Afterward, use a standard skin lotion, but don't put lotions between toes.  The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.
  • Prevent dry skin.  Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in.  Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.
  • Treat cuts right away.  Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Do not use Mercurochrome antiseptic, alcohol, or iodine to clean skin because they are too harsh.  Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it's okay.  Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze.  See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.
  • During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid.  Bathe less during this weather, if possible.
  • Use mild shampoos.  Do not use feminine hygiene sprays.
  • See a dermatologist (skin doctor) about skin problems if you are not able to solve them yourself.
  • Take good care of your feet.  Check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well.  Check your shoes for foreign objects before putting them on.
Here are some of our most-recommended products for those living with diabetes:











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