|
 |
|
|
|
Your Skin May Need A Little Extra Attention
Skin problems are not a direct symptom of diabetes. But the impact of continual injections, plus some side effects of high or low blood sugar, can have an impact on the skin. A few things, like minor bruising or a change in fatty tissue at the injection site, are not uncommon or dangerous. Often the skin of a diabetic may form areas of high or low pigmentation or discoloration or may become a little dry. And there are a few, very infrequent problems, like bursitis, hair loss, or dry skin. But none of these are considered medically serious or threatening. Most can be remediated by over-the-counter medications or behavioral changes. Unless a condition becomes painful or debilitating, you can care for it yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
What Type of Skin Care Products Do You Need?
Diabetic skin care is preventive. It does not depend as much on buying and using particular products as it does on taking rigorous care of your skin and keeping a keen eye out for injuries. While the actual contents of lotions marketed as "diabetic skin care" don't differ from regular skin care products, don't let this lead you to believe that diabetic skin care is just a marketing ploy! Diabetics need to pay extra-special attention to their skin, not just because they are prone to more skin conditions but also because reduced nerve sensitivity and circulation to extremities such as the feet can make it difficult to identify skin problems.
- You are welcome to try skin care products marketed for diabetics, but they are no different, medicinally, from regular skin care products.
- In most cases, the skin problems that you encounter should be treated in the same manner that anyone without diabetes would treat them. So just choose the best antifungal for your athlete's foot and the best moisturizer for your dry skin the way anyone else would.
- Try to stay away from skin care products that tend to leave an opaque film on your skin, such as very thick moisturizers. They may make it difficult for you to see injuries or skin problems.
- For your general skin care needs, stay away from products that work by burning or peeling away skin, such as strong glycolic acids or wart removers. Reduction of your sensory capabilities could lead you to overuse these products and inadvertently injure yourself.
- Keep in mind that not all of your skin care problems are related to your diabetes.
Keep Your Skin Healthy
- Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Sure, it protects your other organs, but you certainly need to protect it, too.
- Diseases and disorders of the skin are always at risk of entering the bloodstream and spreading infection and disease to other parts of the body.
- You must treat your skin in the same way as you would treat any other vital organ -- if you see something wrong with it, see a doctor!
- Many skin abnormalities, such as acne, dry skin, insect bites, or minor cuts and abrasions can be treated with over-the-counter remedies.
|
|
|
|
|
When to Seek Help
- If you have injuries that don't appear to be healing, contact your doctor immediately.
- Skin disorders may be a sign of an internal condition, so even if the symptoms that appear on the skin subside, you may still be ill.
- If your skin has ulcers or is oozing, consult a doctor immediately.
- If a rash appears to be spreading, it may be contagious. Seek the advice of a doctor and try to keep the rash covered in order to avoid spreading it to others.
The Risk of Neuropathy
What is neuropathy? It is nerve damage brought on by diabetes. It is not yet known why or how diabetes causes nerve damage. Neuropathy decreases or removes your nervous system's ability to relay messages from your nerves to your brain. Your sensation is decreased and, therefore, your ability to recognize injury is diminished, leaving you open to infection and further damage.
Neuropathy is a serious problem among diabetics and is often the culprit behind amputations. Amputations are more common among diabetics than in any other portion of the population. One of the most common sites of neuropathy is the foot -- diabetics with severe neuropathy in their feet can step on nails, driving them all the way through the foot, and not feel a thing!
On Amputation
The fear of amputation is one that all diabetics have at some point. It is rare, but it is a real risk. Don't let your fear turn into denial. Pay close attention to your skin health and seek help if necessary. In virtually all cases, amputation could have been prevented through proper foot care and adequate control of blood sugar levels.
If you do face amputation, we realize that you will want to preserve as much of your limb as possible. But keep in mind that the limb is having trouble healing itself. For this reason, all the infected or dead tissue must be removed because your body's inability to fight off that infection after an amputation can lead to more amputation.
Get a second opinion. Think about it carefully and consult your doctor in depth. Amputation is a potentially life-changing event, whether you lose a toe or an entire leg. Voice your concerns and be open.
Remember that there have been many advances in artificial limbs and that life can and must go on after an amputation. Don't underestimate the psychological effects of amputation. Even if you have never previously considered seeking psychological counseling, please consider it if you face amputation. You deserve support in coming to terms with the consequences and you deserve the chance to prepare yourself to move on.
Skin Problems
Diabetics are prone to skin problems that the general population does not encounter as frequently. Some are harmless, though cosmetically unacceptable. If you notice a skin abnormality, discuss it with your healthcare professional, to ensure it is not a life- or limb-threatening complication.
Fungal Infections- Fungal infections may be treated by over-the-counter medications or may need more intensive care. These are conditions such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm. There is a chance that they may become more serious if the fungus somehow enters the bloodstream. Consult a physician if you believe the condition is getting worse.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD)- NDL is associated more with diabetes Type I. It appears gradually over weeks as a lesion on the legs, and its cause unknown. Generally seen on the shins, NDL is a patch of plaque that can be yellow-brown to purple in color, and there is a pronounced border. The skin over this area may thin and ulcer. It usually heals, often leaving a brownish depressed scar.
Diabetic Dermopathy- This condition is also referred to as shin spots. These lesions are smaller than NDL, and they are not the same. They are round and raised at the edges. Shin spots may ulcer. When they heal they also leave a small, brown, depressed scar.
Bullosis Diabeticorum- These manifest as small to large nodules underneath the skin. They can be thought of as blisters below the skin. They are of unknown origin and may rupture.
Acanthosis Nigricans- This condition causes dark brown to black lesions to appear on the skin. It has a higher prevalence in Hispanics and blacks. It may be a sign of insulin resistance but is not life threatening, though you should consult your physician to check for insulin resistance.
|
|
|
|
|
Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. American Diabetes Assocation.American Diabetes Association: Complete Guide to Diabetes. New York: Bantam Books 1996.
- 2. American Pharmaceutical Association. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington., D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Assocation 1996.
- 3. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
- 4. Saudek, Christopher D. et al. (Baltimore: JHU Press, 1997.The Johns Hopkins Guide to Diabetes for Today and Tomorrow. Baltimore: JHU Press 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Haire-Joshu, Debra and Sheryl Ziff."Where there's smoke. . . There's complications". Diabetes Forecast; Vol. 47 3/1/1994.
- 2. Bulat, Tatjana, and Mark Kosinski."Diabetic Foot: strategies to prevent and treat common problems". Geriatrics; Vol. 50 2/1/1995.
| |
|
