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Because skin conditions have such major consequences for people with diabetes, it is important to take preventative measures that will reduce the likelihood of suffering from dry skin or infections. To help keep skin healthy, people with diabetes are advised t

• Keep diabetes well-managed. High levels of glucose (blood sugar) tend to cause dry skin and prevent the body from keeping bacteria at bay. This hyperglycemia leaves the people with diabetes at greater risk of infection. High glucose reduces the body’s ability to fight bacteria.

  

• Keep skin clean and moisturized. Patients can use talcum powder where skin touches skin, such as in the armpits and groin.
  
  
• Bathe daily (except during cold, dry months). Keeping skin clean will reduce the likelihood of skin infections.
  
  
• Take measures to protect skin during cold, dry months. In winter, indoor air is heated, which decreases humidity. Outdoor air that is cold and dry can also dehydrate a person’s skin. Running a humidifier indoors can help keep the skin from drying out. Patients may be advised to bathe less frequently during these months, when practical.
  
  
• Keep baths and showers warm or lukewarm. This will help prevent skin from drying out. Bubble baths are not recommended. To keep skin from drying out, patients can use moisturizing soaps and oil-in-water skin creams.
  
  
• Moisturize skin. Dry or itchy skin can cause the patient to scratch excessively, which can open the skin and allow infection to set in. Moisturizing the skin can prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather. However, patients should not use lotion between the toes, as this can encourage fungus to grow.
  
  
• Treat minor cuts immediately with soap and water. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. Patients should see their physician promptly if they suffer a major cut, burn or infection.
  
  
• Use mild shampoos and soaps that will not dry out the skin by removing the skin’s natural oils (sebum).
  
  
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
  
  
• Examine the body closely after bathing. Check for dry, red or sore spots that can lead to infection.
  
  
• Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents or household detergents.
  
  
• Consider wearing natural fibers. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends all-cotton underwear to let air circulate better around the skin.
  
  
• Take good care of the feet. Patients should check their feet every day for dry and cracked areas, sores and cuts. They should wear broad, flat shoes that fit well and check their shoes for foreign objects before wearing them.

In some cases, medications may be necessary to treat skin conditions related to diabetes. Such ointments include:

• Emollients. Patients can apply products such as petrolatum or lanolin to their skin after bathing. This can help trap moisture in the skin. Emollients are especially effective when patients blot themselves dry after bathing and then apply a lotion, leaving a small amount of water on the skin that will be trapped by the lotion.
  
  
• Urea-based products.  Products containing 10 to 20 percent urea also hold moisture in the skin. Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) lotions restore the structure of dry skin. Urea and lactic acid mixtures are often not well-tolerated for dry skin on sensitive areas such as the face, and may sting if applied to unhealed cuts or rashes. In such locations, products with emollient bases may be better alternatives.
  
  
• Corticosteroids, antimicrobials or other medications. These treatments may be necessary in certain cases, such as when dry skin causes eczema-related changes or infections. A physician or dermatologist can perform a physical examination to determine whether such medications are necessary. Corticosteroids can raise glucose levels, and patients taking these medications should maintain regular contact with the healthcare team. Antibiotics can fight bacterial infections but not those caused by fungi, viruses or parasites. Antifungals can treat nail fungus, yeast infections or thrush.

People with diabetes should also keep their own first-aid kit to immediately treat minor injuries and to prevent them from progressing. A kit should include:

• Antibacterial ointment and antifungal ointment
• Gauze pads
• Hypoallergenic tape or paper tape
• Prepackaged cleansing towelettes

Patients are advised to consult their physician about which skin conditions can be treated at home and which need the attention of a dermatologist or other physician.