Being Comfortable in the Skin Your in with Diabetic Skin and its Care

I began wondering why is my nose always have flakey dry skin and my body would peel in places just like if I had been burned by the sun.  I just didnt know what was happening and this was a very long period into my Diabetes. 

One day while at my doctors office I asked my doctor why my skin was peeling and why was I having such an issue with my dry skin.  She told me that with Diabetes it is part of the disease and that moisture is not there like it used to be.  I still have never understood that so I went on a fact finding mission.  I am going to share what I have learned with you all.

As a Diabetic we are more prone to have different types of skin issues. Here is what happens:   The body loses fluid when blood glucose gets high, making skin drier and thus itchier and sore. If the skin becomes dry enough to crack, germs are liable to enter and cause infection. High glucose levels also inhibit sweating, which keeps skin moist. Because high glucose levels provide breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, the body's ability to heal itself is compromised.  Source:  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5729502_skin-diabetes_.html

Some of the types of the skin issues include:

1.  Diabetic Dermopathy
2.  Necrobiosis Lipoidica
3.  Diabeticorum Lipoidica
4.  Diabetic Blisters
5.  Eruptive Xanthomatosis
6.  Acanthosis nigrica

This is a breakdown of the skin issues and a definition of what they are:

1.  Diabetic Dermopathy (also known as "shin spots") is a type of skin lesion usually seen in people with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by dull-red papules that progress to well-circumscribed, small, round, atrophic hyperpigmented skin lesions usually on the shins. It is the most common^{[1]:540[2]:681} of several diabetic skin conditions being found in up to 30% of diabetics. Similar lesions can occasionally be found in non-diabetics usually following trauma or injury to the area, however >4 lesions strongly suggests diabetes.
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetic_dermopathy

2.  Necrobiosis lipoidica is a necrotising skin condition that usually occurs in patients with diabetes but can also be associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.^[1] In the former case it may be called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD). NLD occurs in approximately 0.3% of the diabetic population, with the majority of sufferers being women (approximately 3:1 females to males affected). 
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necrobiosis_lipoidica. 

 

3.  Necrobiosis  Lipoidica Diabeticorum A skin condition called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) occurs when collagen breaks down, deposits of fat build up and the blood vessel walls thicken.
Source:  http://www.diabetescare.net/content_detail.asp?id=815

4.  Diabetic Blisters are also called bullosis diabeticorum or diabetic bullae. They can sometimes develop in people with diabetes, although the condition is relatively rare. Only about one-half of one percent of those with diabetes is ever diagnosed with diabetic blisters. 
Source:  http://www.diabetescare.net/content_detail.asp?id=813

5.  Eruptive Xanthomatosis is due to high concentrations of plasma triglycerides, as occurs with uncontrolled diabetes. The xanthomas usually disappear when the underlying condition is treated, as when the diabetes comes under control.  Source:  http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=31584

6.  Acanthosis Nigricans (affects mostly Native Americans, Latinos and African Americans)  (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin can become thickened and may smell bad. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck.
Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acanthosis-nigricans/DS00653

The Skin is one of the largest Organs on a humans body.  Being a Diabetic your organs get affected by the disease.  It is of utmost importance that we have the best skin care possible so to avoid major issues with it.  Take proper care of your skin making sure to keep it clean, moisturized and in cases that there is a skin issue seek medical attention and make sure to follow the insturctions of your doctor. 

We have to take care of ourselves in able to support other Diabetics with complications.  Together we make a community that is over 26,000,000 Americans alone.  We are large and growing.  It is important to offer each other a variety of good solid information so we can care for ourselves and others better. 

If you have a story a question or would like to write an article for this blog please contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com