Six Skin Care Tips For Diabetics

As a dermatologist in Salem, OR, our team at Valley View Dermatology works with patients every day who suffer from a variety of dermatological issues. If you suffer from diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing a wide range of chronic skin problems.

Despite the impact that diabetes has on your skin, you can still take precautions to keep yours healthy and looking great. Just follow these simple tips and you can stop diabetes from impacting your complexion.

Get educated. The first step in conquering diabetes is to gather as much information about the disease and what the problems it can cause as possible. Talk with your Salem dermatologist. Learn about any complications, understand your individual risks, and what you can do to lower them. The more you know about any potential problems, the better prepared you’ll be to handle them.

Manage your diabetes. Diabetes causes significantly more problems when unmanaged than when you have control keeping your blood sugar levels at a normal range. If you already suffer from skin problems, you can help prevent them from getting worse. Work towards maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, and cutting back on the amount of salt you consume. You should also work towards exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

Stay alert. If you suffer from diabetic nerve damage, a disorder referred to as neuropathy, you could have an infected cut, scratch, or skin wound and not even realize it. Don’t allow tiny problems to balloon into major issues. Be aware of the state of your body, and constantly check yourself for lingering wounds that never quite seem to heal.

Care for sores and wounds. If you’ve suffered a cut or other injury, don’t neglect giving them the proper treatment. If you notice a small cut, scratch, nick, or any other wound that’s refusing to heal, talk with your Salem dermatologist right away.

Take cover. One of the simplest lines of defense you can take to prevent skin issues is to cover up. Covering arms and legs with sleeves and pants can help you avoid the cuts and scratches that often lead to an infection.

Prevent dry skin. Skin that cracks, breaks, or dries out too easily can become infected. To prevent infection make sure you:

  • Keep your skin clean and dry, but not dried out. Try using talcum powder to find the right balance.
  • Take short, lukewarm baths or showers and use mild shampoos and soaps when you wash. Consider skipping the use of any scented cleanser or deodorant unless you find a brand that doesn’t irritate your skin.
  • Moisturize whenever your skin becomes dry. The best time to moisturize is immediately after a bath or shower, when your skin is still a little moist.
  • Pat yourself dry. Don’t vigorously rub yourself dry, and make sure to focus on correctly drying under your arms and between your legs and toes.

Practicing even basic skin care can go a long way towards helping reduce your risk of developing skin problems later on. If you have any questions or if a bruise, cut, or scrape begins to worry you, make sure to talk with your dermatologist in Salem, OR at Valley View Dermatology.