Diabetes mellitus can dry out the skin, which carries certain risks. Dry skin is less elastic, which means you can injure yourself more easily, get infections more often and take longer to heal. These problems can reduce your overall quality of life and complicate the management of diabetes.
Protect yourself from the elements
To protect your skin from cold or wind, it is especially important to keep your face, ears and hands warm. Cover your ears and face, including your nose, and wear a hat to reduce exposure to the cold. You should also wear warm gloves and shoes or tall boots that protect your feet from cold and moisture. These measures are especially important in winter, when temperatures are lower and the wind is stronger.
In addition, to prevent dry skin and related problems, it is recommended to:
- Use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Cold air can dry out your lips very quickly, so it is important to keep them properly moisturised.
- Use a room humidifier, especially during the heating season, when indoor humidity drops. This helps maintain sufficient humidity indoors, reducing the risk of dry skin.
- Choose warm (not hot) water in the bath or shower, and use a mild, moisturising soap. Hot water can dry out the skin even more.
- Avoid long baths or showers, so you do not lose the natural oils that protect your skin.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing, as vigorous rubbing can irritate dry skin.
- Use a gentle lotion after washing or whenever your skin feels dry. Creams designed specifically for people with diabetes, which take their particular skin care needs into account, are especially useful.
- Avoid scratching dry skin. If you feel discomfort, apply a moisturising cream instead to help reduce itching and dryness.
- Keep a bottle of lotion next to the sink so you can easily use it after washing your hands.
- Limit yourself to a few skin care products to reduce the risk of skin reactions and allergies. Using too many different products can cause unwanted reactions.
- Consult a dermatologist if you have problem skin (e.g. pimples or acne). Some skin types can be made worse by using the wrong moisturisers.
- Choose products labelled "non-comedogenic" (non-pore-clogging) to avoid blackheads or worsening existing skin problems.
To protect your skin from the cold, it is important not only to dress properly but also to use suitable skin care products. These tips will help you keep your skin healthy and protected from the challenges of winter.
Put together a skin first aid kit
For people with diabetes, it is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit, especially for caring for the hands and feet, which are particularly vulnerable. Diabetes increases the risk of infection and slows wound healing, so you need to be ready to respond immediately to any wound or injury.
A first aid kit should include the following items:
- Antibacterial ointment – an essential product that helps protect minor wounds, scratches or cracks from infection. The ointment can also help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Gauze pads – used to protect wounds and stop bleeding. Gauze is soft and absorbent, making it ideal for direct use on the skin.
- Hypoallergenic or paper tape – gentle on sensitive skin, which is very important for people with diabetes. It is used to secure a bandage or gauze to the skin without causing additional irritation.
- Individually packed cleansing wipes – especially useful when soap and water are not available. Cleansing wipes can be used to clean wounds quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of infection.
All these items help ensure that skin injuries can be dealt with quickly and effectively when needed, reducing the risk of complications and promoting healing. In addition, people with diabetes should regularly check their feet and hands for any new injuries or changes and seek medical advice straight away if they notice more serious symptoms or complications.
How to treat blisters
- Do not try to pop the blister. The skin covering it protects against infection.
- Gently wash the area with soap and warm water.
- Apply antibacterial ointment to the blister.
- Bandage it or cover it with a gauze pad. Secure with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
- Change the dressing at least once a day.
- If the blister is on your foot and was caused by your shoes rubbing, wear a different pair of shoes until it heals.
How to care for small cuts
- Gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water.
- Apply antibacterial ointment.
- Bandage the cut or cover it with a gauze pad. Secure with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
- Change the dressing at least once a day.
How to deal with minor skin problems such as rashes
- Gently wash the area with soap and warm water and pat dry.
- Cover the irritated skin with a bandage or gauze pad. Secure with hypoallergenic or paper tape.
- Check the area regularly to make sure the irritation is not getting worse.
- Change the dressing at least once a day.
What to do in case of minor burns
When treating minor burns, it is important to respond correctly to prevent infection and promote faster healing. Here are some steps to follow for minor burns:
- Cool the burn – immediately after the burn, hold the affected area under cool, clean running water for about 10–20 minutes. This lowers the skin temperature and reduces pain and inflammation.
- Do not pop blisters – if blisters have formed on the burn, do not touch or pop them. Blisters help protect damaged skin from infection and support the natural healing process.
- Gently wash the area – use mild soap and warm water to clean the affected area. Avoid strong disinfectants or soaps that can irritate the skin.
- Dry the affected area – carefully pat the skin dry with a soft towel or clean cloth, without rubbing or damaging the skin further.
- Cover the burn with a gauze pad – place a clean, dry gauze pad over the burn to absorb moisture and protect the wound.
- Secure the dressing with hypoallergenic or paper tape – gently fix the gauze to the skin with hypoallergenic or paper tape so the dressing is not too loose and does not cause extra pressure or friction.
- Change the dressing at least once a day – check and change the dressing regularly to keep it hygienic and monitor the wound. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, pain, warmth or pus, see a healthcare professional immediately.
These steps help ensure that minor burns are treated safely and effectively, reducing the risk of complications and promoting healing.
How to deal with frostbite
- Seek medical help immediately.
- Use warm, not hot, water to warm the skin.
- Do not rub the frostbitten area and do not apply creams.
- Do not walk on an affected foot or use an affected hand.
When to see a doctor or podiatrist (foot care specialist)
If you have diabetes, your feet need special attention. In addition to daily foot care, call your doctor or podiatrist immediately if:
- You see no improvement the day after treating a minor injury (cut).
- Pain or discomfort lasts longer than 2 days.
- You have a fever.
- You notice pus on an ulcer or near a wound.
For daily foot skin care we recommend Eubos Diabetic's Skin Care foot and leg cream – it is designed for the dry, crack-prone skin of the feet and legs of people with diabetes.
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