Diabetic Skin Care

Diabetic Skin Care at Walgreens

Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels become elevated either because the body is not able to produce the hormone insulin or does not properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into the cells. Without enough insulin, glucose stays in the blood. A chronic disease with no cure, diabetes can impact your whole body, including your skin. Fortunately, there are ways to manage diabetes to help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and reduce your risk of complications. Follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your health care provider. You can also take steps to promote healthy skin and reduce your risk of some dermatological complications associated with diabetes with proper care. Walgreens offers a wide variety of skin care products that can help you care for your skin. You can shop the selection of formulas online or visit your local Walgreens store to see what's currently available.

Diabetes and Your Skin

When blood glucose levels are elevated, the body loses fluids more rapidly. As a result, people with diabetes are at an increased risk for skin dryness. Its common for dry skin to feel itchy, but scratching can make skin crack open, and introduce infections.

Solutions for Addressing Dry Skin

To help prevent dry skin, use a moisturizer daily. Some moisturizers are marketed specifically for people with diabetes. These products may contain ingredients called emollients that help keep the skin moist and feel smooth. Others may feature humectants that help draw moisture from the dermis (inner layer of your skin) to the epidermis (outer layer of your skin), occlusives that hold water into the skin to minimize moisture evaporation, or a combination of these ingredients. Moisturizers can include additional additives like aloe vera, which may help soothe some skin discomforts. You can also find skin care products that contain over-the-counter anti-itch medications.

Products for Foot Care

Caring for your feet on a daily basis is important. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This can cause you to lose the ability to feel pain in your feet, which can make it challenging to tell if your foot is injured. High blood sugar levels can also decrease circulation to your feet, which can slow the healing of sores and blisters and increase the risk of infections. Your health care provider will likely recommend that you inspect your feet daily for red, warm or painful spots, flaking skin, cuts, blisters, calluses and ingrown nails. If you see any of these potential sources of irritation or infection, it is recommended that you notify your doctor. Your health care provider will also likely advise you to wash your feet each day with soap and warm water, and dry them well. After cleansing, you can apply a thin coat of moisturizing cream or lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet except for the spaces between your toes.

Important Advice

To help prevent skin problems due to diabetes, keep your blood glucose levels as close to your target range as possible and maintain a good skin care routine. Even though you can purchase diabetic skin care products over the counter without a doctor's prescription, it is still important to discuss your skin symptoms with your medical provider before simply addressing concerns on your own. If you notice sores or cuts that fail to heal, it is wise to notify your health care provider as soon as possible.