World Diabetes Day: First aid for peeling skin due to dry skin in diabetics

We all are aware that cold climate leads to dehydration of the skin, which increases your risk of dry skin. But what most of us do not know is that diabetes can also result in dry skin, which in the long run can increase your risk of skin infection. So if you are diabetic, it is important o control your blood glucose levels not only to lower the risk of heart disease and nerve damage but also to prevent skin infections. Dr Rubina Guleria, Cosmetologist at Grow Fit shares few insights on how diabetes causes dry skin and first-aid tips to deal with cuts and scrapes in diabetics. The best way to rule out your risk of skin damage due to diabetes is to maintain blood glucose levels within control. It is because high blood glucose causes frequent urination, which leads to lack of water in the body. Moreover, the body turns water into urine to remove excess sugar from the blood, which causes the skin to become dry. Also, lack of water causes soreness, itching and redness of the skin, which is a common sign of uncontrolled diabetes. The dry skin if left untreated or ignored can cause peeling of the skin and cracks, making you susceptible to infections. Also, as dry skin is itchy in nature, excessive scratching can lead to skin damage and put you at risk of infection, which might worsen if the blood glucose is not within control. As diabetics are at a high risk of infections, it is important to prevent any skin injury or cut. And if you have experienced one, then here is a five-step first aid to follow before you consult a doctor or dermatologist to treat it. 1. Wash the cut or scrape in the skin with clean water. You can use soap water but stay away from using chemical-laden soaps as it might increase the risk of stinging of the skin. 2. After you have washed the area with soap and water, then pat dry the area with a clean towel and apply an antibacterial ointment on the skin. 3. Now, cover the cut or scrape with gauze pads as it will prevent the bacterial or fungal attack at the affected area. If the gauze pads are not fixing properly, you can secure the gauze with a hypoallergenic or paper tape. 4. If you are out and can’t have access to soap and water, then keep prepackaged antibacterial cleansing wipes in hand as it might help in cleaning the wound and prevent skin infection. Also read about things your diabetologist wants you to know. Image Source: Shutterstock

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