Diabetes And Skin Rashes Biography
Source(google.com.pk)Diabetic Skin Conditions
Everyone knows about the major long- and short-term complications of diabetes. But what many newly diagnosed patients might not realize, is that skin conditions often come with having diabetes.
My first exposure to skin conditions was a fungal infection. I can remember saying to the trainer that I could not have a fungal infection because my A1c was 6%. A specific over-the-counter anti-fungal ointment stopped the fungal infection process, and now I travel with this small tube just in case. I use it in the summer when I'm in the water and I develop itchy skin on my upper shoulder always in the same place. It's gone, and I'm happy.
First, we want you to know that people who do not have diabetes get these skin conditions also, but as with many other complications, diabetics tend to get them more often. About one-third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time. In fact, doctors report noting the presence of skin disorders before they diagnose diabetes.
Second, if you think you have one of the skin conditinos outlined in this article, please see your physician right away. Don't wait.
Finally, we end this article with some easy ways to protect your skin when you have diabetes (either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes).
Skin Conditions that Can Affect People with Diabetes
Bacterial Infections: People with diabetes appear to suffer more bacterial infections than the general population.
There are several kinds of infections that can affect those of us with diabetes.
One is a sty, which is an infection of the glands of the eyelids.
A second type is a boil, which are infections of the hair follicles.
Carbuncles are deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath. Infections can also occur around the nails.
We all know bacterial infections. The infected tissue feels hot, and is usually swollen, red, and painful. The most common cause of bacterial infections is staph (Staphylococcus). We can all remember grandparents talking about how dangerous these infections were when they were children, but now they can be treated with antibiotics, either a cream or pill prescribed by your physician.
Fungal Infections: Canidida albicans, a yeast-like fungus, is responsible for many of the bothersome fungal infections that people with diabetes get. It causes itchy rashes and red areas on the skin with tiny blisters and scales.
Yeast infections occur in warm moist folds of the skin. Some common infections are jock itch, athlete's foot, and ring worm. All of these need to be treated by medication. See your physician.
Itching: Itching can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor blood flow.
When caused by poor circulation, it is prevalent in the legs. Using skin lotions can help your skin to remain soft and prevent this type of itching. Ask your health care team for the names of lotions they know will work.
Allergic Reactions: You can have an allergic reaction to some medications, even to your insulin or anti-hyperglycemic pills, as well to insect bites, and food.
As someone who has an allergic reaction to bee and wasp bites, I know how quickly I need medication. Do see your physicians if you think you are having an allergic reaction to something in your environment.
Atherosclerosis: We have shared many times that we as diabetics share a high risk for developing thickening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. We all have read how this affects the vessels that cause cardiovascular disease, but it can also affect vessels that supply blood to the skin.
As this occurs, the skin changes and becomes hairless, thin and shiny. Your toes may feel cold and toenails thicken. Your calves may be painful during exercise because less oxygen is available.
Because blood carries white blood cells which fight infection, legs and feet affected will heal slowly.
People with diabetic neuropathy are most likely to have foot injuries because these people do not feel pain, cold, heat, or pressure. The wound can then go untreated and infections can develop.
The reduction of blood flow can cause the infection to become severe. Do see your physician for this one.
Diabetic Blisters (bullosis diabeticorum): These blisters are rare and resemble burn blisters.
They usually appear on the fingers, hands, toes, feet, or forearms. They tend to be painless and heal on their own. They will heal faster if you get your blood glucose levels in the normal range. They are thought to be caused by diabetic neuropathy. (You can learn more about diabetic neuropathy on our sister site EndocrineWeb.)
Diabetic Dermopathy: This is caused by changes in small blood vessels, and it looks like light brown, scaly patches. It is often seen on the front of the legs and may be mistaken for age spots. They are harmless and don't need treatment.
Digital Sclerosis: This is another condition that can be treated by getting blood glucose levels back to a normal levels and keeping them there.
It makes the skin on toes, fingers, and hands thicken and become waxy and tight. You fingers may become stiff. It is rarer for this stiffness to affect knees, ankles, or elbows.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare: This is a mouthful of a skin condition which usually does not need treatment but can become serious enough to warrant a trip to your physician and steroid medication to clear up the sharply defined ring-shaped or arc-shaped raised area on the skin.
It appears on fingers and ears and more rarely on the trunk. The rash is usually red, red-brown or skin colored.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis: This is another diagnosis that means strict control of blood glucose levels is needed. Sometimes lipid-lowering medications are also needed. It consists of firm yellow pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each bump has a red halo and may itch.
It occurs most often on the back of hand, feet, arms, legs, and rear end.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum: This is another disease caused by changes in the blood vessels and is similar to diabetic dermopathy. The difference is that the spots are fewer, but larger and deeper. It generally affects the lower legs.
The skin becomes raised, yellow, and waxy in appearance often with a purple border. It is a rare condition and, as long as the sores do not open, it does not need treatment.
If, however, they do break open, see your physician.
Scleroderma Diabeticorum: This is a rare condition which, like digital sclerosis, causes thickening of the skin, but it affects the skin on the back of the neck and upper back. It is treated by bringing blood glucose levels under control. The use of lotions may help keep the skin soft.
Vitiligo: This condition affects the coloration of skin. The cells that make pigment are destroyed, resulting in patches of discolored skin. There is no specific treatment for this condition, but using a sun screen is suggested.
Skin Condition Treatments: Blood Glucose Control Helps
There are ways to control skin conditions that we share readily with you.
Keep your diabetes under control. As you read about these conditions, you could not but notice how important that is. High blood glucose levels tend to cause dry skin and less of an ability to fend off bacteria. Infection can follow.
Keep your skin dry and clean. Use powder to keep folds of skin dry.
Avoid very hot baths and showers. Use moisturizing soaps if your skin is dry. Use a lotion that your physician suggests after bathing. Keep the skin between toes dry—no lotions there.
Prevent dry skin. Use lotions especially in the winter.
Treat minor cuts and scrapes immediately. Use soap and water only. Nothing else as it is too harsh. See your doctor right away for a major cut, infection, or burn.
Use unscented soaps and mild shampoos.
In winter months, use a humidifier when the heat is on.
Take care of your feet. See our article on the subject so that you know how to do this. If you can, visit a podiatrist on a regular basis.
Keep the name of a dermatologist in your telephone book just in case you cannot cure your skin condition.
Drink lots of fluids, such as water, to keep your skin moist and healthy.
Wear all cotton underwear. It allows air to circulate
Examine your body after washing to see if you have any of the skin conditions we listed. Let's keep infections at bay
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
Diabetes And Skin Rashes Skin Rashes In Children On Face In Adults On Hands On Arms That Itch In Kids On Dogs On Chest On Neck
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