Prevent Itchy, Dry Diabetic Skin During Winter

Get ready for the winter skin woes. As the weather cools down, skin becomes drier, and you can feel the effects from head to toe. Red, raw, and itchy skin is the result of cold, dry winter air, which means low humidity both outside and inside. Home and car heaters contribute to the dry skin problem.

Dry, itchy skin may lead to cracks on the feet, fingers, elbows and knees, which could lead to atopic dermatitis or irritated skin. You begin to itch, then scratch and the “winter itch cycle” begins. Scratching may lead to open areas, bleeding, irritation and an infection.

If you have diabetes, you may already be suffering from dry skin. It is among the most common diabetic skin problems. Diabetes dry skin results from high blood glucose levels in the bloodstream, which causes the body to pull fluid from its cells so that it can produce enough urine to remove the excess sugar.[1] This leads to diabetes dry skin on the legs, elbows, feet, and other areas. In fact, dry skin may be the first sign someone has diabetes.  An estimated 11.3 percent of people with diabetes report dry itchy skin.[2]

Other causes of diabetes dry skin and itching

With the onset of wintry weather, diabetes dry skin and itching becomes an even greater concern. However, wintry weather is not the only culprit. Other causes include:

Inflammation: High blood glucose levels may trigger cytokines, which are inflammatory substances. Cytokines 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. Fatty liver disease usually does not have symptoms, but it raises your risk of cirrhosis, swelling or scarring in the liver. It also raises the risk of liver cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease.[3] When the liver stops functioning properly, bile products may deposit in the skin, which can cause severe itching and dryness. [4]

Renal failure: In the United States about 1 in 3 people with diabetes have diabetic nephropathy, which is chronic kidney disease (CKD). It occurs because diabetes damages blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from blood. Diabetic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.  Itching is one of the symptoms of later stage diabetic nephropathy. [5]

Fungal infections: Diabetic skin care problems also show an increased risk for itchy fungal infections, which are a result of high blood sugar along with a weaker immune system. The cause of fungal infections of people with diabetes is often Candida albicans. It is a yeast-like fungus that can create itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm, and vaginal infections.[6]

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

Daily care to manage and prevent diabetes dry skin

Daily skin care regimen for dry skin should include:

1.      Keep skin clean and dry.

2.      Take short lukewarm baths or showers since hot water can strip skin of moisture.  Try not to scrub too hard.  Use gentle cleansers and shampoos. Scented products may be harsh if you have sensitive skin.

3.      Make sure to dry your skin everywhere after washing. Dry well, patting gently.

4.      Check places where water can collect, like under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes, since the extra moisture can cause a fungus to grow.

5.      Treat dry, cracked heels to prevent infection and non-healing sores.

6.      Check your body after you wash for any dry, red, or sore spots that would become infected.

7.      Invest in a humidifier to put more moisture in the air, at home or in the office.

8.      Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of plain water and even calorie-free beverages.

9.      Protect hands and skin by wearing rubber or vinyl gloves when washing dishes or cleaning house. Look for natural products in lieu of harsh chemicals. Keep hands warm outdoors with gloves.

10.  Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from wind, sun and cold. Use lip balm to prevent chapping.

11.  Avoid scratching if you can since scratching can create openings in the skin where bacteria can enter.

12.  To prevent skin from getting dry, rough and cracked, moisturize daily. Apply skin lotion while the skin is still damp after taking a bath or shower.

Take particular care for diabetes dry skin on feet

Caring for your feet requires taking added precautions. Follow these tips to prevent and manage diabetes dry skin on feet:

·         Do not apply diabetic dry skin lotion or creams between your toes, as moisture can encourage fungus to grow.

·         Keep your nails trimmed and make sure you cut straight across to avoid the risk of them growing into your skin or contributing to an infection.

·         Practice good foot hygiene and wear clean socks.

·         Inspect your feet for corns, calluses and blisters. Avoid using chemical agents to remove a corn or callus, since the agents may worsen them and cause ulceration.

Look for moisturizers formulated for diabetic dry skin

To help prevent diabetic skin problems look for lotions and creams specially formulated for diabetic dry skin and feet.  Among them are EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Lotion and Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. The over-the-counter diabetic dry skin lotion and foot cream 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.  The products 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.