diabetas, odos priežiūra - May 11, 2021

Skin care tips for diabetes

Diabetes can dry out the skin , which has some risks. Dry skin is less elastic, which means you can get injured more easily, get infected more often and take longer to heal. These problems can reduce the overall quality of life and complicate the management of diabetes.

Protect yourself from the elements of nature

To protect the skin from cold or wind , it is especially important to take care of the warmth of the face, ears and hands. Cover your ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat to reduce exposure to the cold. You should also wear warm gloves and boots or long boots to protect your feet from the cold and moisture. These measures are especially relevant in winter, when the air temperature is lower and the wind is stronger.

In addition, in order to prevent skin dryness and related problems, it is recommended to:

Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Cold weather can dry out your lips very quickly, so it's important to moisturize them properly.
Use a room humidifier , especially during the heating season, when the air humidity in the home decreases. It helps maintain a sufficient level of humidity indoors, which reduces the risk of skin dryness.
Choose warm (not hot) water in the bath or shower, and also use a mild, moisturizing soap. Hot water can further dry out the skin.
Do not take a long bath or shower to avoid the loss of natural oils that protect the skin.
Dry the skin by patting it with a towel rather than rubbing, as strong rubbing can irritate dry skin.
Use a gentle lotion after washing or when the skin is dry. Especially useful are creams designed specifically for people with diabetes , which take into account their specific skin care needs.
Avoid scratching dry skin . If you feel discomfort, it is better to apply a moisturizing cream to the skin, which will help reduce itching and dryness.
Keep a bottle of lotion near the sink so you can easily use it after washing your hands.
Limit yourself to a few skin care products to reduce the risk of skin reactions and allergies. Using too many different products can cause adverse reactions.
Consult a dermatologist if you have problematic skin (such as acne or acne). Some skin types can be made worse by using the wrong moisturizers.
Choose products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "non-comedogenic" (non-pore-clogging) to prevent the formation of comedones or worsening of existing skin problems.

In order to prevent the effects of cold on the skin , it is important not only to dress correctly, but also to use suitable skin care products. These tips will help you keep your skin healthy and protected from the challenges of winter.

Make a skin first aid kit

For people with diabetes, it is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit, especially when looking after the hands and feet, which are particularly vulnerable. Diabetes increases the risk of infections and slows wound healing, so you need to be ready to respond immediately to any wounds or injuries.

A first aid kit should include the following items:

Antibacterial ointment is an essential product to help protect minor cuts, scrapes, or cuts from infection. The ointment can also help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Gauze pads – they are used to protect wounds and stop bleeding . Gauzes are soft and absorbent, making them ideal for direct use on the skin.
Hypoallergenic or paper strip - these strips are gentle on sensitive skin, which is very important for people with diabetes. They are used to secure a bandage or gauze to the skin without causing additional irritation.
Packed cleaning wipes – These are especially useful when soap and water are not available. Cleansing wipes can be used to clean wounds quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of infection.

All of these components help ensure that skin damage can be responded to quickly and effectively when needed, reducing the risk of complications and promoting recovery. In addition, people with diabetes should regularly check their feet and hands for any new lesions or changes, and seek immediate medical attention if they notice more serious symptoms or complications.

How to treat blisters

Do not try to puncture the blister. The skin covering it protects against infection.
Wash the area gently with soap and warm water.
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the blister.
Bandage or cover with a gauze pad. Secure this with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
Change the dressing at least once a day.
If the blister is on the foot and was caused by rubbing shoes, wear another pair of shoes until the blister heals.

How to care for small incisions

Gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water.
Apply antibacterial ointment.
Bandage the incision or cover it with a gauze pad. Secure it with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
Change the dressing at least once a day.

How to deal with minor skin problems such as rashes

Gently wash the area with soap and warm water, pat dry.
Cover the irritated skin with a bandage or gauze pad. Secure this with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
Check the area regularly to make sure the skin irritation is not getting worse.
Change the dressing at least once a day.

What to do in cases of minor burns

When treating minor burns, it is important to respond correctly to prevent infection and promote faster healing. Here are some steps to take in case of minor burns:

Cool the burn area - immediately after the burn, place the affected area under cool, clean running water for about 10-20 minutes. This step helps to reduce the temperature of the skin, reduces pain and inflammation.
Do not try to puncture the blisters - if blisters have formed on the burn area, do not touch or puncture them. Blisters help protect damaged skin from infection and promote the natural healing process.
Wash the area gently - use mild soap and warm water to clean the affected area. Avoid using strong disinfectants or soaps that can irritate the skin.
Dry the affected area - gently pat the skin with a soft towel or clean material, avoiding rubbing or further damaging the skin.
Cover the burn with a gauze pad – Place a clean, dry gauze pad over the burn to absorb moisture and protect the wound.
Secure the bandage with hypoallergenic or paper tape - Gently secure the gauze to the skin using hypoallergenic or paper tape so that the bandage is not too loose and does not cause additional pressure or friction.
Change the dressing at least once a day - Check and change the dressing regularly to maintain hygiene and monitor the condition of the wound. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, pain, heat, or pus, see a healthcare professional right away.