7 Tips to Protect Your Diabetic Skin | The Prescription Shop

Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? If you’re diabetic, The Prescription Shop wants to help you take better care of your body. In the winter months, anyone’s skin can become dry and itchy. But for people with diabetes, it’s especially important to avoid cracking, bleeding and other complications like skin infections. Here are some tips every diabetic should know.

Mind the cold air
As winter air becomes colder, the humidity (moisture in the air) plummets. Heaters also make the air more dry. As our skin loses water through evaporation, the dry air is also drying to our skin. Skin that becomes very dry is prone to cracking–especially on the feet, fingers, elbows and knees. It’s important to nip dry skin in the bud before it leads to more serious complications like dermatitis, or bleeding and an infection.

Limit hot showers and baths.
Long, hot baths and showers tend to strip away natural oils in our skin. Particularly during the winter months, you should limit your time in the water to no more than 10 minutes. Once your fingers get pruny, it’s time to get out. You should also always use a mild and moisturizing soap when you wash.

Pat skin dry.
Never dry off your skin by rubbing it. Instead, use a cotton towel to gently pat your skin dry after a shower or bath. Always be sure to dry the area between your toes. Check your feet each day for cuts, sores and dryness. While the rest of your skin is slightly moist, apply an oil-based moisturizing ointment or cream to help keep your skin moist during the day.

Find out why it’s so important to check your feet when you have diabetes.

Protect your hands.
You can protect the skin on your hands from harsh soaps and overexposure to water. When you clean up your home or wash the dishes, always wear vinyl gloves. And always select mild cleansers and soaps. After cleaning, apply moisturizer to keep your hands soft. Keep in mind that extremities are more prone to dryness in the winter.

Use sunscreen daily.
Sun exposure remains an issue in the winter months. Any time you take walks outdoors or play an outdoor winter sport, your skin should be protected from the wind and sun. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen of at least 15 SPF on your face. Use a lip balm with your sunscreen to avoid getting dry and chapped lips.

Use a humidifier.
To help combat the dry air from heaters at home and work, you can use a humidifier to help keep the air more moist. While you’re working on adding more moisture to the air, also drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated inside and out.

Learn how to eat healthy during the winter holidays when you have diabetes .

Stay warm.
It’s important to keep your body warm in the winter, since a cold body can further aggravate circulation problems. Always wear gloves, diabetic socks and appropriate layers in the cold winter months. Keep your fingers as warm as possible to make it easier to test your blood sugar. Wash your hands with a gentle soap and prior to testing and avoid alcohol swabs which will dry out the skin.

Are you prepared for a healthy winter despite diabetes? Be sure to visit our website to learn more about our services to make healthy choices easier. And please don’t hesitate to come on in and speak directly with our pharmacists about your diabetic concerns.