Diabetic Skin Care Problems Are Common but Preventable

Diabetes can cause other health issues and skin problems are among them. In fact, skin complications of diabetes can be the telltale sign you have the disease.  When diabetes affects your skin, it means that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) points out that some diabetic skin care problems may be simply cosmetic, which means they are harmless. Others are cause for concern.

The good news is that most diabetes-related skin conditions can be prevented or treated if caught early. [1]

General diabetic skin care conditions

The following diabetic skin care problems are not unique to those with diabetes; anyone can be susceptible to these. However, if you have diabetes, you can get them more easily, so you want to be watchful and see your doctor if they persist:

Dry itchy skin

Among the most common diabetic skin problems is dry skin. Dry diabetic skin results from high blood glucose levels in the bloodstream, which causes the body to pull fluid from its cells so that it can produce enough urine to remove the excess sugar.[2] This leads to dry skin on the legs, elbows, feet, and other areas. In fact, dry skin may be the first sign someone has diabetes.  An estimated 11.3 percent of people with diabetes report dry itchy skin.[3]

Bacterial infections

Skin complications of diabetes also included an increased risk of bacterial infections. Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar (glucose) is a severe problem if you have diabetes. Glucose is the preferred carbon source of several bacterial pathogens, and hyperglycemia escalates bacterial growth and virulence.[4]

Infections can lead to swollen, red and painful skin, which requires antibiotics for treatment. Common bacterial infections caused by diabetes include: [5]

·         Styes (infections of the glands of the eyelid)

·         Boils (common painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin)

·         Folliculitis (infections of hair follicles)

·         Carbuncles (deep skin infections and the tissue underneath

·         Infections around the nails

Fungal infections

Diabetic skin care problems also indicate an increased risk for fungal infections, which also are a result of high blood sugar along with a weaker immune system. The culprit in fungal infections of people with diabetes is often Candida albicans. It is a yeast-like fungus that can create itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm, and vaginal infections.[6]

Diabetes rash

If you are diabetic, you also are at risk of developing a skin rash. It can cause irritation, skin redness and other symptoms. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes will develop a skin rash or some other skin problem. [7] 

The high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes often is the cause.[8]  A rash also may be the result of medications taken for treatment diabetes. If this is the case, the medications will need to be adjusted. Rashes that only affect people with diabetes and usually go away when blood sugar is managed include:

Diabetic blisters: Though generally rate, they are usually painless and normally heal on their own without leaving scars. They most often appear on legs, feet and toes.  They often are described as looking like blisters resulting from a burn, only without the pain. They can be as large as six inches but are normally smaller. [9]

Diabetes-related dermopathy: Another one of the skin complications of diabetes is diabetes-related dermopathy due to changes in the small blood vessels. Diabetes-related dermopathy appears on the lower part of the legs. The skin lesions may come and go with time. They often look like light brown, scaly patches and may be mistaken for age spots.[10]

Digital sclerosis: This skin condition causes hardened, thick waxy skin on the backs of hands. Digital sclerosis can cause the joints of fingers to stiffen, which can be painful and make movement difficult. The treatment is to bring glucose levels under control. 

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL): Generally, appears as patches or lesions on the lower legs or shins. Appears as shiny, raised flushed patches of skins. The condition can be itchy and painful.

Diabetes Foot Syndrome: A diabetic complication that can cause blisters or foot ulcers. They take a long time to heal and can become infected.

There are other rashes not caused by diabetes, but if you are diabetic, you are more likely to get them. They, too, can be a sign of prediabetes: [11]

·         Acanthosis nigricans (AN): A skin condition characterized by dark, velvet-looking bands of discolored skin.

·         Granuloma annulare: A skin disorder that most often causes sharply defined ring-or arc-shaped skin areas. Rashes generally occur on fingers, hands, feet and ears. Rash may be red, reddish-brown or skin tone.

·         Eruptive xanthomatosis: Happens when diabetes is out of control. Demonstrates firm, yellow pea-like enlargements in the skin, which have red halos and may itch.

·         Vitiligo: Cause the skin to lose pigmentation.

·         Skin tags: These are small brown bumps on the skin, which generally have no symptoms. There are others, which can be unsightly as well as cause pain and itching.

Follow a daily skin care regimen for diabetic skin care

To prevent skin problems:

1.      Keep skin clean and dry.

2.      Take short lukewarm baths or showers (Hot water can strip skin of moisture.) and try not to scrub too hard.  Use gentle cleansers and shampoos. Scented products may be harsh if you have sensitive skin.

3.      Make sure to dry your skin everywhere after washing. Dry well, patting gently.

4.      Check places where water can collect, like under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes, since the extra moisture can cause a fungus to grow.

5.      Treat dry cracked heels to prevent infection and non-healing sores.

6.      Check your body after you wash for any dry, red, or sore spots that would become infected.

7.      Moisturize every day. By keeping your skin moisturized, you keep it more flexible and less prone to cracks that can lead to infections.

Benefits of zinc for diabetic skin care problems

As part of your diabetic skin care regimen, think Zinc.  It is an important trace mineral found in skin that helps protect your body’s cells from free radicals, which are harmful to your skin and surrounding tissues.[12]  Zinc helps repair damaged tissues and heal wounds. 

Eat a zinc-rich diet to aid your skin

Since your body does not store a huge amount of zinc, it needs to be consumed through diet. According to the U.S. Department of Dietary Supplements, the recommended dietary allowance of Zinc is 9 mg/day of zinc for women and 14 mg/day for men. [13]  Foods rich in zinc are: [14]

·         Red meat

·         Dairy products

·         Eggs

·         Some seafoods, including oysters

·         Nuts, including peanuts and peanut butter

·         Legumes or beans

·         Whole grains

·         Oatmeal and other fortified breakfast cereals

Apply zinc topically

Topical zinc preparations, such as zinc oxide, have been used as photo-protecting, soothing agents or as an ingredient in antidandruff shampoos. [15]  Zinc also is important is protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. That’s why many sunscreens that provide broad spectrum UV protection contain zinc oxide.[16]

Topical diabetic skin therapies such as Ease-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Lotion and Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream are over-the-counter offerings that uniquely feature active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes.

The products cover the skin with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief.  They are formulated with Shea Butter and Lecithin to target dryness and give extended hydration. Ease-Z products also absorb quickly to help restore moisture, giving visibly healthier-looking skin.  

Be watchful about changes in your skin and talk to your health care team if problems arise.