As a diabetic, your skin is one organ you
need to make sure gets daily care. Oh,
you remember to wash is it, but when
was the last time you really looked at it?
There are several places you may not be
able to see by yourself. Your spouse
may best view these places at home,
unless your spouse has vision problems.
Then you need to make other
arrangements. Doctors will do this check
for you if you just make an appointment.
Your feet require constant care also. Lotions and creams
are good to help keep them soft, but as a diabetic, chances
are that one-day you will lose some sensation and me unaware of the change.
During that time, you may step on something quite innocently that may go
undetected by you. It may fester and still go undetected. If you have a small
mirror on a handle, you may be able to check your feet this way. If not, ask your
doctor to also keep an eye on your feet. Make it a vow to always remove your
shoes and socks in your doctor’s office. This will remind you both that you need
to keep your feet in good shape. After all, they hold you up, why not hold them
up (for inspection).
If shaving bothers your skin, try shaving with
cream rinse. This leaves a film to protect the
skin from irritants. If your skin is very dry,
especially in the winter, use a super-fatted soap
like Basis. It is creamy and feels lovely. You may
also wish to use Lubriderm or Alpha Keri for relief of dry skin. If you still have itch
problems, be sure to check your BG's. High BG's can lead to dry skin. Dry skin is
more susceptible to bacterial infections. You may not be aware if you scratch
when you sleep, but that infection that just keeps coming back is calling out for
help. Medications are available over the counter for itching skin, also. Most have
a local anesthetic as well as a base that softens your skin and helps dryness.
If as you are inspecting your skin you see an open sore, this requires extra care.
Clean the affected area well; use hydrogen peroxide even on an open wound it
does not sting. Follow this by an antibiotic ointment. If this does not react fairly
quickly or you see more redness or swelling or red streaks, go to your doctor
ASAP. Always mark the parameter of a red spot with an ink pen. This allows you
to see what is really changing. I have been known to time and date them when I
was treating infected areas. This does make it very clear to the doctor when you
get there that you were aware and treating the area. Skin is your largest organ,
although it is often overlooked. Now you understand that instead of overlooking
it, you need to "look over it".
Best wishes,
Marilyn
Diabetic Skin Care
By Marilyn Neves
18th Edition Feb 2007
