American Diabetes Association promotes skin care message for national diabetes awareness month

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. Diabetes can cause a lot of complications, but the American Diabetes Association is focusing on an easily preventable one during American Diabetes Month: dry skin.

People with diabetes, which affects nearly 24 million Americans, carry the risk of dry skin due to nerve damage that diminishes the body’s ability to sweat. When the skin dries, it can crack and become itchy, increasing the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.

“There are many preventive steps people with diabetes should take to reduce the likelihood of complications from dry skin on the feet,” diabetes specialist Jacqueline Sutera said in a statement. “Regular visits with a podiatrist, who can examine your feet, along with meticulous daily foot care, are vital to helping feet stay healthy.”

Ways diabetics can keep their skin healthy include keeping glucose levels under control, applying talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin and limiting time in the shower to five to 10 minutes while using mild soaps, shampoos and conditioners and avoiding very hot water.