Diabetes Health Center

Diabetes and Skin Care

How Can Diabetes Affect the Skin?

If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is high, the body loses fluid through excess urination and this can cause skin to become dehydrated. People who have diabetes often develop skin problems that are attributed to their disease. Insulin acts like a growth hormone, causing skin tags to grow, rubeosis (red face), rosacea, and yellow skin. However, other subtle skin changes can be seen in nearly all people with diabetes.

Your skin can also get dry if the nerves, especially those in the legs and feet, do not get the message to keep skin soft and moist (because of diabetic neuropathy). In addition, dry skin can become red and sore, and can crack and peel. Germs can enter through the cracks and cause an infection. 

Skin problems are common in people with diabetes. High levels of sugar in the blood provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, and can reduce the body's ability to heal itself. These factors put people with diabetes at greater risk for skin problems. In fact, as many as a third of people with diabetes will have a skin condition related to their disease at some time in their lives. Fortunately, most skin conditions can be prevented and successfully treated if caught early. But if not cared for properly, a minor skin condition can turn into a serious problem with potentially severe consequences.

Here are some tips to help you care for your skin if you have diabetes.

Protect Skin From the Elements

To protect your skin from the sun, use sunscreens with a high SPF. To protect skin from the cold or wind, cover the ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat. Also wear warm gloves and shoes or boots.

In addition, follow these guidelines:

• Apply lip balm to prevent chapped lips.
• To prevent dry skin when the temperature drops, use a room humidifier to add moisture to heated, indoor air.
• When bathing or showering, use warm (not hot) water and a mild, moisture-containing soap.
• Avoid bathing in hot water.
• Avoid taking long baths or showers.
• Pat skin dry; do not rub.
• After washing and drying your skin, apply a mild lotion to prevent dry skin.
• Avoid scratching dry skin. Apply moisturizer instead.
• Keep a bottle of lotion near the sink so you can use it after washing your hands.
• Limit products you use on your skin to decrease the chances of having a reaction.
• If you are prone to acne, talk to your dermatologist before selecting a facial moisturizer. Some moisturizers tend to cause acne or make it worse. Use products labeled noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic.

Preparing a First-Aid Kit for Skin

For your skin's sake, keep a first-aid kit handy to take care of hands and feet. It should contain:

• Antibacterial ointment
• Gauze pads
• Hypoallergenic tape or paper tape
• Prepackaged cleansing towelettes (in case soap and water are not available)