Diabetes can cause many skin conditions. Diabetics are actually predisposed to skin infections. Fungal infection and diabetes are a common problem. Among the skin conditions that diabetes can give rise to, dry, itchy skin is the least severe. It can be disposed of with moisturizing lotions or dandruff shampoos. Bacterial infections like sties, carbuncles, and boils are also common in diabetics. But fungal infection and diabetes can be a more severe problem than the others. High glucose levels actually provide a better environment on the skin for fungi to grow. Fungal infection and diabetes pose a serious risk because left untreated, the fungal infection can grow into a problem that in the end leads to consequences as severe as amputation.
What type of fungal infections can cause problems?
ny fungal infection and diabetes elevated high glucose levels can lead to problems and none should be ignored.
- Tinea pedis that shows up between the toes or fingers and most often is caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum.
- Another common fungus that can cause infection is candida albicans. This is particularly bothersome fungal infection and diabetes patients often find it affects the vaginal and/or groin areas.
- Athlete’s foot affects the skin between the toes and is not necessarily more common in diabetics but any fungal infection and diabetes is serious and athlete’s foot often leads to cracking of the skin. This is more serious to the diabetic because foot infections and problems are a common reason that amputations become necessary.
- Jock itch and ringworm are other types of fungal infections that are not necessarily associated with diabetes and don’t usually lead to complications. Still, they shouldn’t be ignored.
Fungal infections and diabetes causes considerable morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. High glucose levels compromise the natural ability of the immune system to fight infection. And if the diabetic also has any cardiovascular problems, the mortality rate increase 3 times. Almost 2% of diabetics die from complications related to infections. So never take fungal infection and diabetes with anything but the utmost of importance. Your life could be at stake!
Candidiasis because of diabetes
Candida albicans, normally found in the mouth, throat or gastrointestinal tract is a particularly opportunistic yeast. If blood sugar levels are elevated, it morphs from a yeast to an invading mycelia fungus. So what is just “thrush” or a normal “yeast infection” turns into a fungal infection and diabetes patients can find it to be a life-threatening condition if not treated.
You will find it appearing as a bright, red rash, surrounded by blisters and scales. It will usually be found in the mouth are, armpits, groin, under the foreskin, and in the vaginal area. These are all areas that tend to remain moist.
Good skin care and keeping areas dry and clean will prevent most fungal infections. Get any fungal infection treated immediately before it gets worse. Although fungal infection and diabetes is nothing to take lightly, the best way to prevent complications is to keep your blood sugar level under control.