By Dr. Maya Thosani | Thoughts on Innovation
When most people think about Type 2 diabetes, they think about blood sugar. But one of the first places I often see diabetes show up is the skin.
High blood sugar doesn’t just affect your internal organs. It can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, making it more prone to dryness, irritation and infection. That’s important because your skin is your body’s first line of defense against bacteria, fungi, viruses and environmental pollutants. When that barrier breaks down, so does some of your protection.
More than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and about 90% to 95% have Type 2 diabetes. That’s why I encourage my patients to think of skincare as part of their diabetes care, not just a cosmetic routine.
If I could give every patient one piece of advice, it would be this: moisturize every day.
The best time to apply a thick cream is immediately after your shower while your skin is still damp. In fact, I tell my patients to keep their moisturizer in the shower. The steam helps it spread more easily, it absorbs faster and by the time you’re dressed, you won’t have that sticky feeling.
Look for creams with ceramides, glycerin, vitamins A or E and nourishing ingredients like shea butter. You don’t need an expensive product. I actually tell patients that if there are three different fruits or herbs in the product name, it’s probably more fragrance than your skin needs.
Your cleanser matters, too. Choose one that’s gentle and fragrance-free. After washing, your skin should feel clean, not tight or dry. And while hand sanitizer is convenient, frequent use can dry out the skin. Whenever possible, soap and water is the better choice.
I also spend a lot of time talking with patients about their feet.
Over time, diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. You may not notice a blister, an ingrown toenail or even a pebble in your shoe until it has already caused an injury. Poor circulation also means those injuries can take longer to heal.
That’s why I recommend checking your feet every day. Look at the tops, bottoms and between your toes. Even something that looks minor, like cracked heels or the white, peeling skin of athlete’s foot, can create an opening for infection.
If you find a cut or scrape, wash it gently with soap and water. Avoid rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because they can slow healing. Apply a healing ointment, cover it with a nonstick bandage and keep it clean. If the wound isn’t improving, or if you notice increasing redness, swelling or pain, don’t wait to seek medical care.
One of the phrases my patients hear me say often is to treat themselves like “delicate darlings.” Skip long, hot showers that dry out your skin. Wear sunscreen every day. Moisturize consistently. And don’t ignore your feet.
These small daily habits may seem simple, but over time they can help prevent infections, protect your skin and keep you healthier for the long run.
Editor’s note: Dr. Maya Thosani is a dermatologist and member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff. She is passionate about incorporating advances in modern medicine to give patients cutting edge treatment in dermatology.
