According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can affect every part of the body, including one?s skin. The ADA claims that as many as one third of the people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some point in their lives and that such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Additionally, most skin conditions can be prevented or treated, if caught early.

Some diabetes-related skin problems are acanthosis nigricans, allergic reactions, artherosclerosis, bacterial infections, diabetic blisters, itching, diabetic dermopathy, digital sclerosis, disseminated granuloma, eruptive xanthomatosis, and fungal infections. Both the ADA and WebMDHealth offer detailed explanations of these skin complications.

The ADA's goal is to prevent and cure diabetes. They offer the following suggestons for good skin care:

• Keep your diabetes well controlled. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Both conditions increase the risk of infection.
• Keep skin clean and dry. Use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as armpits and groin.
• Avoid very hot baths and showers. If your skin is dry, don?t use bubble baths. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterward, use a good skin cream, but don?t put it between the toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.
• Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.
• Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Do not use Mercurochrome, antiseptic, alcohol, or iodine to clean skin because they are too harsh. Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it?s okay. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See your doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.
• During cold, dry months keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.
• Use mild shampoos and unscented soaps.
• See a dermatologist about skin problems if you are not able to solve them yourself.
• Take good care of your feet. Check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well.

We suggest that you consider the following products to include in your skin care regimen: Jericho Bath Salts, body lotion, and hand and foot creams.