Skin care
Skin problems related to diabetes range
from itching to painful infections, but there is a lot you can do
to keep from having these problems.
Nine easy steps to basic skin care:
1. Bathe every day with mild soap and lukewarm water.
2. Pat skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing. Dry between
all skin folds.
3. Use a small amount of lotion after bathing to prevent dry
skin.
4. Take extra care to avoid scratches or bruises.
5. Wear gloves when you do work that might cause injury.
6. Use a sunscreen lotion with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15
or higher to protect your skin from the sun.
7. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure in very cold
weather.
8. Wash cuts and scrapes with soap and water. Cover with a
bandage.
9. Call your doctor if a cut or scratch does not heal or your
skin is red, swollen, feels warm or hot, has pus, or produces
bad-smelling drainage.
Foot care
Many people with diabetes lose the
feeling in their feet (neuropathy). Therefore, they might not know
they have an injury that can lead to serious problems, such as foot
removal (amputation). By taking care of your feet, most serious
problems can be prevented. If you have problems checking your own
feet, have a family member or friend help you.
Ten easy steps to protect your feet:
1. Check your feet every day for: dry cracked skin, cuts, open
sores, blisters, redness, swelling, corns, calluses, or toenail
problems. Use a mirror if necessary. Report any problems to your
doctor.
2. Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the
toes.
3. If your feet are dry or cracked, use a moisturizing lotion,
but not between the toes.
4. Cut your toenails straight across, not into the corners, and
smooth with an emery board.
5. Don't go barefoot. Wear shoes or slippers at all times.
6. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
7. Check inside your shoes for foreign objects or rough spots
before putting on shoes.
8. Always wear socks.
9. Avoid using anything hot, such as heating pads, hot water
bottles, hot tubs, or bath water. Check the temperature of bath
water with your elbow not your foot.
10. Take your shoes and socks off at every office visit to
remind your doctor to check your feet.
Also, never tape a dressing directly to the skin on your legs or
feet. Instead, use a self-adherent bandage to avoid injuring the
skin on your lower extremities.
Dental care
High blood sugar can cause dental
problems such as gum disease and infections.
Eight easy steps to prevent gum disease
1. Check your blood sugar and keep it in your target range.
2. See your dentist at least every 6 months.
3. Tell your dentist you have diabetes.
4. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
5. Use dental floss at least once a day to remove food particles
and plaque from between your teeth.
6. If you wear dentures, clean your dentures and rinse your
mouth with mouthwash at least once a day.
7. Don't smoke.
8. Call your dentist if you have bleeding gums when you brush or
eat, loose teeth, sores, patches, or ulcers in your mouth, dentures
that don't fit properly, or bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
all the time.