Skin care for diabetes: What those affected should pay attention to

Skin care for diabetes: What those affected should pay attention to

Diabetes can affect the skin in a variety of ways. Those affected often suffer from dryness, itching, increased susceptibility to infection and problems with wound healing. The reason for this lies in the diabetic metabolism, which impairs the natural functions of the skin. To alleviate these problems and keep the skin healthy, careful and adapted care is essential.

The aim is to gently cleanse the skin, provide it with sufficient moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Stressed areas such as the feet require special attention. This article gives valuable tips on what diabetics should pay attention to in their daily skin care in order to prevent complications and feel completely comfortable.

Daily cleaning: wash gently and shower

The basis of all good skin care is regular and gentle cleansing. Diabetics should use mild, moisturizing products that do not attack the skin's natural protective layer. Soap-free syndets with a skin-neutral pH value or oil baths are ideal.

Showering or bathing too often or too hot can dry out the skin and should be avoided. Short, lukewarm showers of a maximum of 5-10 minutes are better. Only clean the most necessary areas such as armpits, intimate areas and feet with a mild shower gel. It is usually enough to just rinse the rest of the body with water.

After washing, just pat the skin gently, do not rub. This keeps the moisture in the skin. Then apply cream directly to the still slightly damp skin to intensify the effect.

Caution is also advised when shaving: electric dry razors or sharp ones Disposable razors can quickly irritate or injure sensitive skin. Razors with multiple blades and a moisture strip are better. Be sure to use a shaving foam or gel to protect the skin and shave in the direction of hair growth.

Intensive care: moisture and moisturizing

Diabetic skin tends to dry out due to the impaired barrier function. To counteract this, extensive and regular care is essential. Those affected should use high-quality products that are specifically tailored to the needs of dry, sensitive skin.

Creams and lotions with a high proportion of lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids are well suited. These substances help to stabilize the skin barrier and retain moisture in the skin. Ingredients such as urea (urea), glycerin or hyaluronic acid are also useful because they bind water like a sponge and thus hydrate the skin.

Particularly dry, flaky areas can benefit from ointments with a high fat content. These form an occlusive film on the skin that literally locks in moisture and promotes regeneration.

Care should be carried out consistently at least twice a day, ideally in the morning after showering and in the evening before going to bed. Additional portions of cream can be applied during the day if necessary. It is important to massage the products in gently until they are completely absorbed. Do not rub too hard so as not to put additional strain on the skin.

Feet in focus: extra attention for stressed areas

Diabetics have an increased risk of diabetic foot syndrome. Due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow, the feet are often less sensitive to pain and more susceptible to pressure sores, injuries and infections. This makes daily foot care and inspection all the more important.

Wash your feet daily with a mild soap substitute, dry them carefully (including between the toes) and then apply cream. Pay attention to redness, pressure points, cracks or injuries. If you notice any abnormalities, see a doctor immediately.

Carefully remove calluses with a pumice stone, but not too much so as not to damage the skin. Cut nails straight and push back cuticles, do not cut. Have ingrown nails or corns treated by a podiatrist.

Shoes should be comfortable, non-squeezing and offer enough space for the toes. Soft, breathable materials like leather are best. Socks made from cotton or special diabetic fibers absorb sweat and reduce friction. Before putting them on, check your shoes for foreign objects.

Keep feet warm, but do not overheat. Do not walk barefoot, not even on the beach or in your own garden. Elevate your feet daily to promote blood circulation and prevent swelling.

Be careful with injuries: support wound healing

Wound healing is often impaired due to diabetic metabolism. Even small injuries can become infected and heal poorly. This is why diabetics need to be particularly careful and act quickly.

Be careful to avoid injuries when you do your daily skin care. Handle sharp objects such as scissors or razors with care. Do not scratch skin, even if it itches. It is better to provide relief with cooling gels or lotions.

If the skin is injured, clean and disinfect the wound immediately and cover it with a sterile plaster or bandage. Make sure to use skin-friendly wound dressings that do not stick. Check and bandage daily until the wound has healed.

For larger, deep or heavily bleeding wounds, see a doctor immediately. Even if the wound becomes inflamed, festering or does not heal within a few days, professional help is required. Antibiotics or special wound therapies may then be necessary.

In general, control your blood sugar levels well, don't smoke and eat a balanced diet. All of this promotes blood circulation and thus wound healing. For wounds that heal poorly, special nutritional therapy with vitamins, minerals and trace elements can also be useful.

With the right care and a little mindfulness, many skin problems associated with diabetes can be avoided or at least significantly alleviated. It is important to recognize the individual needs of the skin and respond to them consistently. If in doubt, you should not be afraid to consult a dermatologist. In this way, diabetic skin can be kept healthy and supple in the long term.