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Tips to Prevent Itching from Skin Complications related to Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 affects every organ system of the body, including the integumentary system; the integumentary system comprises the skin and its underlying structures. One common complaint among diabetics is that they have itchy skin. If you are diabetic and you have itchy skin that is bothersome, check your blood glucose level. You will probably see by the reading on your glucometer that your blood sugar is high.

Itching skin can be due to skin disorders that are caused by complications of blood sugar levels that are consistently out of control. Diabetics often have darkened areas on the neck, hands, elbows, knees, arm pits, and in the groin area. These areas can become very itchy. This disorder is called acanthosis nigricans.which can be caused by obesity and by insulin resistance. The way to treat this disorder is to correct the insulin resistance through weight loss and diabetic medications.

Itchy skin can also be caused by the underlying blood vessels that do not bring enough oxygen to the tissues of the skin, which is called atherosclerosis.You may notice, if you have atherosclerosis, that might lose some of your hair on your head, and over your body. If you are diabetic, and you have atherosclerosis, you should never scratch your skin. Because of the impaired blood flow to the skin, you also have fewer white blood cells in the vessels in the skin to fight infection. If you get an infection from scratching, the microbes can be bacterial and/or fungal. You are likely to experience itching in your feet and legs. There are numerous skin conditions that can be attributed to high blood sugar levels, and resistance to insulin.

Jock itch in men and vaginal yeast infections in women are also common in diabetics with elevated blood glucose levels. When you have this type of infection, you can purchase over-the-counter antifungal medications for this; however, you should let your physician know, because your blood sugar levels will need to be addressed.

Tips to prevent or treat itchy skin related to diabetes:

1.If you experience itching, it is important that you do not scratch the itch, because you will only make the itching worse. You may also cause a break in the skin that could become the start of an infection. Since much of the itching takes place in the lower extremities, it is also possible that an infection could cause a wound that is slow to heal. Many diabetics also experience leg ulcers that started just by a scratch on the skin.

2. Use a good moisturizer that will lock in the moisture into your skin to relieve itching.

3.Stay hydrated. Your skin should be less dry if your skin is well hydrated.

4.If you are itching somewhere on your body and it is bothersome, such as in the groin, vaginal area, under the arms, under the breasts, or on the lower extremities, you need to suspect that your blood sugar level is high. While you are having itchy skin, you will need to pay special attention to your blood glucose levels. You will likely need to test your blood glucose level with a glucometer.

5.Report itching that won’t go away to your doctor, because this is a sign that there may be complications associated with your diabetes. Also report any significant increases in your glucometer readings when you take your diabetic glucose tests.

When you are diabetic you need to take special care of your skin. At least once a week you should look your body over in a full sized mirror to look for any changes in your skin. Try not to scratch any itchy areas, no matter how badly it itches. A little scratch in the skin of the lower extremities could cause serious complications.

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