Skin disorders like sores, itchiness, and infections can give anyone sleepless nights as they are difficult to manage and take longer to heal. They can be caused due to several factors and ‘Diabetes’ is one of them. In fact, skin problems are the first warning signs in a person suffering from high blood sugar levels.
For any diabetes-related complication, proper medical treatment is necessary to ensure further damage to the organs of the body. This requires dedicated medical attention and financial cushion in the form of Diabetes Health Insurance.
Understanding the link between high blood sugar and skin problems is necessary so that one can take the necessary steps to prevent it.
Read below to know more.
The link between Skin Complications and High Blood Sugar
Excess sugar in the blood over a prolonged period can cause damage to the nerves, infections and circulation problems. This could reflect as discoloration of the skin, redness, blisters, tingling, numbness, pain, etc. The common skin conditions are seen in diabetic patients:
Bacterial infections:
Styes on the eyelid, boils, infections of hair follicles or around nails. Inflammation of the tissues makes the skin swollen, red, hot and painful.
Fungal infections:
The yeast-like fungus causes infections like ringworm that cause itchy rashes, moist and red areas with blisters and flaky skin.
Skin itching:
Itching can be caused by an infection, dryness or poor blood circulation, especially in lower legs.
Acanthosis Nigricans:
This is a skin condition wherein the skin, especially on the neck, armpits, hands, elbows, knees and groin areas becomes darkened and thickened. Excess body weight can also be a risk factor.
>> Check: Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes
Diabetic dermopathy:
It is a condition where changes occur in small blood vessels and appear as skin disorders like brown, scaly patches.
Eruptive xanthomatosis:
This condition occurs in people with uncontrolled sugar levels in the blood and high levels of triglycerides. The symptoms include tiny, yellow-colored bumps surrounded by a red halo, commonly on the feet, legs, arms, buttocks or backs.
In addition, autoimmune diseases like type-1 diabetes lead to a condition called Vitiligo wherein the skin cells that produce melanin are damaged and appear as irregular patches on the body. Type-1 diabetes also causes digital sclerosis where the skin becomes waxy and thick.
>> Check: Can Diabetes Increase the Risk of Infections?
Treatment and Prevention of Skin Disorders
Bacterial infections are treated by administering antibiotics to the patient. Dry and itchy skin can be easily cured by moisturizing the skin. However, for treating chronic skin conditions, proper medical care and specialized medication is required.
Skin experts suggest that preventive measures must be taken to avoid complications. The first thing is maintaining blood glucose levels through regular exercises, a healthy diet and controlling body weight.
Some skincare tips are mentioned below:
- Avoid hot baths or saunas.
- Keep the skin clean and moisturized to prevent chapping.
- Use quality bath products like fragrance-free soap and mild shampoo.
- Do not scratch or rub infections, sores or rashes.
- Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Apply antibiotic cream.
- Avoid the use of feminine hygiene sprays.
- Consult a dermatologist for medical care if the problem persists.
Ease your financial burden by opting for customized health insurance plans for diabetes by Care Health Insurance.
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for diabetes subject to policy terms and conditions.
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