Skin Care

To avoid both chronic infections and the disabling problems associated with diabetic neuropathies, skin care must be thorough and comprehensive.

To keep the skin healthy, the person with diabetes must first and foremost keep his or her glucose levels in balance. High blood glucose levels create a beneficial environment for fungal and bacterial infection, and also produce dry skin, which is prone to ulceration and cracking.

The skin must be kept clean. . A balance between moisture and dryness must be maintained. Warm, not hot, baths are recommended, as hot water overdries the skin. The use of powder can be helpful in keeping skin fold areas dry in order to avoid fungal infection.

Moisturizing creams and soaps are recommended to keep the skin well hydrated. The home should also be kept more humid during dry, cold weather. Finally, the person with diabetes is advised to drink plenty of water, which helps to flush impurities from the system and keep the skin at an optimal moisture level.

Avoidance of cigarette smoking is imperative in maintaining skin health. Smoking can contribute to atherosclerotic deposits on artery walls, and directly causes blood vessel constriction, impairing circulation.

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