Diabetes Mellitus and Skin Care

Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, can lead to skin problems. If blood sugar (glucose) is not well controlled, it can cause problems over time. These problems include:

Damage to nerves. This can affect your ability to feel wounds. This means you may not notice small skin injuries that could lead to bigger problems. This can also decrease the amount that you sweat, causing dry skin.
Damage to blood vessels. The lack of blood flow can cause skin to break down. It can also slow healing time, which can lead to infections.
Areas of skin that become thick or discoloured.

Common skin conditions

There are certain skin conditions that often affect people with diabetes. These include:

Dry skin.
Thin skin. The skin on the feet may get thinner, break more easily, and heal more slowly than normal.
Skin infections from bacteria. These include:
- Styes. These are infections near the eyelid.
- Boils. These are bumps filled with pus.
- Infected hair follicles.
- Infections of the skin around the nails.
Fungal skin infections. These are most common in areas where skin rubs together, such as in the armpits or under the breasts.

Common skin changes

Diabetes can also cause the skin to change. You may develop:

Dark, velvety markings on your skin. These may appear on your face, neck, armpits, inner thighs, and groin.
Red, raised, scar-like tissue that may itch, feel painful, or become a wound.
Blisters on your feet, toes, hands, or fingers.
Thick, wax-like areas of skin. In most cases, these occur on the hands, forehead, or toes.
Brown or red, ring-shaped or half-ring-shaped patches of skin on the ears or fingers.
Pea-shaped, yellow bumps that may be itchy and have a red ring around them. This may affect your arms, feet, buttocks, and the top of your hands.
Round, discoloured patches of tan skin that do not hurt or itch. These may look like age spots.

Supplies needed:

Mild soap or gentle skin cleanser.
Moisturising cream.

How to care for dry, itchy skin

Frequent high glucose levels can cause skin to become itchy. Poor blood circulation and skin infections can make dry skin worse. If you have dry, itchy skin:

Avoid very hot showers and baths.
Use mild soap and gentle skin cleansers. Do not use soap that is perfumed, harsh, or that dries your skin. Moisturising soaps may help.
Put on moisturising cream as soon as you finish bathing.
Do not scratch dry skin. Scratching can expose skin to infection.

If you have a rash or if your skin is very itchy, contact your healthcare provider. Skin that is red or covered in a rash may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Very itchy skin may mean that you need help to manage your diabetes better. You may also need treatment for an infection.

General tips

Barefoot person sitting with right leg crossed over left, using handheld mirror to see bottom of right foot.

Most skin problems can be prevented or treated easily if caught early. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. General tips include:

Check your skin every day for cuts, bruises, redness, blisters, or sores, especially on your feet. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these injuries and if they are healing slowly.
Keep your skin clean and dry. Do not use hot water.
Moisturise your skin to prevent chapping.
Keep your blood glucose levels within target range.

Follow these instructions at home:

Two wounds on the skin. One is normal and the other is red with pus.

Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider. This includes all diabetes medicines you are taking.
Schedule a foot examination with your healthcare provider once a year. During the examination, the structure and skin of your feet will be checked for problems.
Make sure that your healthcare provider does a visual foot examination at every appointment.
If you get a skin injury, such as a cut, blister, or sore, check the area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
- Redness, swelling, or pain.
- Fluid or blood.
- Warmth.
- Pus or a bad smell.
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your healthcare provider.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

You get a cut or sore, especially on your feet.
You have signs of infection after a skin injury.
You have itchy skin that turns red or develops a rash.
You have discoloured areas of skin.
You have places on your skin that change. They may thicken or appear shiny.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

Medical knowledge, Patient Education

Diabetes Mellitus and Skin Care

Diabetes Mellitus and Skin Care