Dry Skin and Diabetes: Get the Facts

You may not know that dry itchy skin can be a complication of diabetes. So, it may be surprising to learn that on top of all the other concerns you may have about diabetes management and associated health problems, dry, itchy skin may be a problem.

Dry skin is among the most common diabetic skin problems; others include bacterial and fungal infections and diabetes skin rash. Diabetes dry skin results from high blood glucose levels in the bloodstream because your body does not make as much insulin as it needs to move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells or your body does not use insulin as well as it should. The result is you have too much glucose in your bloodstream, which causes your body to pull fluid from its cells so that it can produce enough urine to remove the excess sugar.[1] This lack of fluid leads to diabetes dry skin on feet, legs, elbows, and other areas.  An estimated 11.3 percent of people with diabetes report dry itchy skin.[2]

Other causes of diabetes and dry skin

Diabetes can bring on other health complications which can result in diabetic dry skin.

Inflammation: High blood glucose levels may trigger inflammatory substances called cytokines.  They can activate skin receptors called histamine receptors, which cause dryness and itching.

Liver failure: At least half of people who have Type 2 diabetes have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. When the liver stops functioning properly, bile products may deposit in the skin, which can cause severe itching and dryness. [3]

Poor circulation: Poor circulation is common among diabetics. High glucose levels over time can damage the lining of the small blood vessels, impeding circulation. Diabetes also increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which produces fatty deposits that narrow blood vessels, generally in legs and feet.  Dry or cracked skin, particularly of the feet, is a common symptom of poor circulation.

Medications: Certain medications can increase the risk of itchy, diabetic dry skin.  

Diabetic dry skin prevention starts with glucose monitoring

It is important to monitor blood sugar levels to keep them in the target range. If you start to have diabetic skin problems, you want to keep them from getting worse. You need to be vigilant about cuts, scratches, or puncture wound. Diabetes can result in diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage. Neuropathy also can cause numbness so that you might not feel a foot injury, cut or even a blister that could result in an ulcer.

Tips for preventing diabetic dry skin

Diabetic dry skin can crack, itch, and get infected.

• Keep your skin -- especially at armpits, toes, and groin -- clean and dry, but not too dry.
• Take short lukewarm showers or baths and use mild soaps and shampoos Skip deodorant or scented cleansers, which can be harsh on sensitive skin.
• Moisturize if your skin is dry. The best time is right after a shower or bath when it is still moist.
• Dry well by patting gently. Do not rub. Focus on underarms, between legs, under breasts, and between toes.

Other tips to care for your skin:

• Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to heated indoor air to prevent dry diabetic skin when the temperature drops.
• Avoid scratching dry skin. Put on moisturizer instead.
• Keep a bottle of lotion near the sink so you can use it after washing your hands.
• Limit the number of products you use on your skin to lower your chances of having a reaction.

Zinc helps protect diabetic dry skin

Zinc is an important trace mineral that contributes significantly to good skin. Zinc enhances the skin barrier, which plays a key role in maintaining hydration and protecting against damage from environmental factors. In this capacity, zinc helps skin retain moisture. [4]

One of the major benefits of zinc is wound healing. Zinc supports the synthesis of collagen, which is a protein that gives skin structure and helps to regulate inflammation, making it easier for skin to recover from wounds. It also has powerful antioxidant properties which reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cell damage. Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation.

Zinc is also important in protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. That is why many sunscreens that provide broad spectrum UV protection contain zinc oxide.[5]

Best food for zinc

Because your body does not store a huge amount of zinc, you need to consume it through diet. According to the U.S. Department of Dietary Supplements, the recommended dietary allowance of zinc is 8 mg/day of zinc for women and 11 mg/day for men. [6]  Among foods rich in zinc are:

·         Red meat

·         Dairy products

·         Eggs

·         Shellfish, including crab and shrimp

·         Nuts, including peanuts and peanut butter

·         Legumes or beans

·         Whole grains

Apply Zinc topically

Zinc can be applied topically to combat inflammatory skin conditions and dry skin. Topical diabetic skin therapies such as Ease-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Lotion and Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream are over-the-counter offerings that uniquely feature active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. The products cover the skin with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief. They are formulated with Shea Butter and Lecithin to target dryness and give extended hydration.

Ease-Z products also absorb quickly to help restore moisture, giving visibly healthier-looking skin.  They are unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Daily use gives superior recovery and continuous relief, assuring long-lasting comfort. Learn more about Ease-Z.