Diabetics and skin conditions

Diabetes is a rising concern in the world today. It is a misconception that diabetes only affects the kidneys; it actually damages every part of the body including the skin.

- Dr. Rinky Kapoor

Many tend to dismiss these problems as trivial cosmetic issues but the reality is that diabetic skin conditions need immediate attention. Skin issues can also be indication of diabetes. When the sugar levels become high and remained uncontrolled, many things and changes happen in the body which affects the health of the skin and other organs such as

® Dehydration because of frequent urination

® Inflammation that affects the immune response.

® Poor circulation that causes nerve and blood vessel damage that causes damage to skin's collagen and delays wound healing.

Here is a brief list of diabetic skin conditions and their common symptoms that one should be aware of:

Bacterial infections:

These cause inflammations on the skin and it can become hot, swollen, red and painful. The most common bacterial infection is staph infection. Styes, boils, folliculitis, carbuncles and infection in the nails are common bacterial infections.

Fungal infections:

Yeast like fungal infections caused because of Candida Albicans is the most common fungal infection affecting diabetic people. This fungus can cause itchy rashes, blisters and scales in moist and warm folds of the skin. the most common infection sites are under the breasts, nails, between fingers and toes, armpits etc. Fungal infections include vaginal infection, jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm etc.

Itching: