SAVE YOUR OWN SKIN

It is especially important that those with diabetes take good care of their skin as they are more prone to skin-related problems. ASLENA HUSSAIN, Diabetes Nurse Manager, Diabetic Society of Singapore, provides 10 tips to keep your skin condition healthy.

People with diabetes are more prone to skin problems. This is due to the high level of blood sugar in their body. Damaged and problem skin becomes infected more easily.

When blood sugar is high, the body loses fluid and becomes dehydrated. The dehydration eventually results in dryness on the legs, feet and elbows. High sugar level results in a lower resistance to infection and slows down the healing process. This increases the risk of skin infections or boils. Worse, the infection takes a longer time to heal.

People with diabetes often suffer from weak nerve sensitivity as well as poor circulation in their hands and feet. Sweat glands get damaged and this increases the risk of dryness and cracking.

Prevention is of utmost importance in good skin care. There are a lot of products specially designed to keep your skin in good condition, but be very careful in your choice of the right and suitable product to use. Products you need to beware of are those that burn or peel the skin or those containing steroids. e.g. lotions or creams that remove warts or corns, as well as facial-care products.

Here are 10 tips for healthy skin:

1. Keep blood sugar under control.

2. Drink plenty of water.
 

3. Bathe or shower in warm, not hot, water.
 

4. Dry skin well after a bath.

5. Keep skin moist by using lotion or cream but avoid those that leave an opaque film on skin.  These usually prevent oxygen from penetrating the skin.
 

6. Avoid putting moisturisers in small areas. e.g. your armpits, genital or groin areas.
 

7. Inspect your skin especially on your feet, between toes and around your fingernails and toenails, watch for redness, cuts, callouses or blisters.
 

8. Keep your skin fold dry such as the groin area and under the breasts. Moist areas are prone to infection.
 

9. Avoid using sharp objects to remove skin in any manner.
 

10. If you have broken skin, do not apply any iodine or other coloured chemicals. Instead, clean with normal saline and apply antiseptic cream (white in colour) lightly over the area.  If  there is pain, redness, swell or if you have a fever for more than three days, do consult your doctor without delay.
 

You can alleviate skin complications if you remember the 10 tips. Always be on the lookout for skin injuries and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Although those with type 1 diabetes are more highly associated with developing autoimmune-type cutaneous lesions, non-insulin dependent diabetic patients can also be afflicted by such lesions.