Diabetes and dry skin are often linked. Many people ask, “does diabetes cause dry skin?” The answer to that question is yes. Diabetes causes poor blood circulation, which is the culprit in many of the complications related to the disease. Dry itchy skin diabetes commonly happens on the feet and legs. In fact, the itchiest areas may occur on the lower parts of the legs. Dry skin on feet diabetes is such a common occurrence because the feet experience the worst effects of bad circulation.
Diabetes and dry skin may seem harmless, but it can actually lead to severe infections if not taken care of in a timely and appropriate manner. For example, dry itchy skin diabetes can lead to open cuts and sores that heal slowly as a result of the disease. Because of the slow healing process of wounds in people with diabetes, they are more susceptible to infection. Once infection sets in, it can be hard to treat in a diabetic. If it gets too out of control, amputation and even death can be the result.
In addition to dry itchy skin diabetes, more serious diabetes and dry skin conditions can also be a result of the disease. Some of these include diabetic blisters, digital sclerosis, eruptive xanthomatosis, allergic reactions, disseminated granuloma annulare and acanthosis nigricans. Bacterial infections such as styes, boils, folliculitis, carbuncles and infections around the nails are also common. The American Diabetes Association offers detailed descriptions of these skin disorders on their website, as well as ways to prevent and treat them.
Dry Itchy Skin Diabetes Can Be Resolved
There are many things a person can do to prevent or heal dry itchy skin diabetes. First of all, keeping skin dry and clean is important when it comes to diabetes and dry skin. A diabetic person should also consider using powder in the folds of their skin to keep them dry. Avoiding very hot baths and showers is also helpful for preventing dry itchy skin diabetes. Moisturizing soaps may also be useful if a person is experiencing dry skin so that it does not get worse. Diabetes and dry skin can also be helped by using lotion after showers is a good routine for a diabetic to get into. But lotion should never be used between the toes (This area of the body should be kept dry to avoid dry skin on the feet diabetes). Lotion should be applied liberally during the winter months. Asking a physician for a recommendation when it comes to finding a good lotion is a good idea. Using unscented soaps and shampoos will also help prevent diabetes dry skin. Drinking lots of fluids (mostly water) can also help because it will keep skin moist and healthy. Wearing cotton underwear is another useful tip, as it allows air to circulate freely.
