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Skin problems are a common complication of diabetes. As many as one-third of people with diabetes experience a skin disorder at some point in their lives, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In some cases, skin disorders are the first symptom of diabetes that a patient experiences.

Skin conditions are often more dangerous to people with diabetes than they are to the general population. The high levels of glucose (blood sugar) associated with diabetes prevent rapid healing, allowing even minor cuts to progress to serious infections.

Diabetic skin conditions include:

• Dry skin. This is the source of many common skin disorders suffered by people with diabetes. It frequently causes itchiness (pruritus) that is aggravated further when patients rub or scratch.
  
  Diabetes can cause or promote dry skin in two ways:
  
  
• High glucose (hyperglycemia). As blood glucose levels increase, the body loses fluids. This dehydration causes the skin to dry, leading to itchiness and cracking. Skin opened from cracking or intensive scratching is more vulnerable to infection. Areas that commonly dry out and become itchy or cracked include legs, feet and elbows.
  
  
• Nerve damage (neuropathy). People with diabetes often suffer nerve damage, which prevents body parts from receiving the signal to perspire. As a person stops sweating, the skin dries out.  In people with diabetes, the feet and legs are most vulnerable to this disorder.
  

  

Dry skin (also called xerosis or asteatosis) is particularly common in elderly people with diabetes. Sometimes, dry skin caused by diabetes appears in localized regions on the body. In other cases, it may be more widespread. As the skin becomes rough and scaly, it becomes itchy and the appearance degrades. Dry skin may also make a person with diabetes more vulnerable to eczema (acute or chronic skin inflammation) or other skin conditions.

In the most severe cases, skin suppleness decreases and the skin cracks, leaving visible patches of erythema (redness or inflammation caused by dilation and congestion of the capillaries). Patients who scratch or rub the skin may cause these symptoms to become worse, or may trigger an infection of the skin.

Dry skin can be present year-round but is most likely in the winter. Colder, drier air outdoors and drier air indoors (cause by indoor heating) can exacerbate symptoms. In addition, various soaps and detergents and excessive exposure to hot water can leech the natural oils from the skin, causing it to dehydrate.

• Skin infections. Elevated blood glucose levels prevent cells from adequately fighting bacteria. As a result, people with diabetes are prone to skin infections, including carbuncles and boils. Untreated cuts – even minor nicks – can deteriorate into deep, open sores known as ulcers.

People with diabetes can take several preventive measures to ensure that their skin stays healthy. This includes keeping skin moisturized and clean. People with diabetes have to pay close attention to the skin on their feet, as this is a frequent site of skin injuries and often leads to complications.

In some cases, medications may be necessary to treat a skin condition and to keep it from progressing. Skin ointments used to treat dry skin come in different forms and include:

• Emollients
• Urea-based products
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotic creams

The National Skin Care Institute advises people with diabetes that regular use of oil-based products can reduce the skin’s creation of natural oils. It recommends shielding lotions, which protect the skin from loss of moisture, draw additional moisture from the air, protect against irritants and are not lost during bathing.