Tuesday, March 12, 2024

How To Stop Itchy Feet From Diabetes

Must read

Keep The Blood Flowing To Your Feet

What Causes Itchy Feet and How to Stop It? Dr.Berg

Try the following tips to improve blood flow to your feet:

  • Put your feet up when you are sitting.
  • Wiggle your toes for a few minutes throughout the day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.
  • Do not wear tight socks or elastic stockings. Do not try to hold up loose socks with rubber bands.
  • Be more physically active. Choose activities that are easy on your feet, such as walking, dancing, yoga or stretching, swimming, or bike riding.
  • Stop smoking.

Smoking can lower the amount of blood flow to your feet. If you smoke, ask for help to stop. You can get help by calling the national quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW or 1-800-784-8669. For tips on quitting, go to SmokeFree.gov.

Top Of Feet Itchy Is A Sign Of Diabetes

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Related questions

Found in:

People also asked

Fungal Infections Are Common With Diabetes

People with diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections, especially one called Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus creates a red, itchy rash, frequently surrounded by small blisters and scales, that is usually found in warm, moist areas like armpits or between the toes. Other fungal infections common to diabetics include ringworm, jock itch, athletes foot, and vaginal yeast infections. Talk to your doctor about the best medication to kill fungal skin problems.

You May Like: What Foods To Eat For Insulin Resistance

What Are Some Common Foot Problems Of People With Diabetes

Anyone can get the foot problems listed below. For people with diabetes, however, these common foot problems can possibly lead to infection and serious complications that could make amputation necessary.

Athletes foot Athletes foot is a fungus that causes itching, redness, and cracking. Germs can enter through the cracks in your skin and cause an infection. Medicines that kill the fungus are used to treat athletes foot. These medicines may be pills and/or creams applied directly to the problem area. Ask your healthcare provider to recommend a medication for athletes foot.

Fungal infection of nails Nails that are infected with a fungus may become discolored , thick and brittle, and may separate from the bed of the nail. In some cases, the nail may crumble. The dark, moist and warm environment of shoes can promote fungal growth. In addition, an injury to the nail can put you at risk for a fungal infection. Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. Topical medications are available, but they only help a small number of fungal nail problems. Oral medications may be prescribed by your health care provider. Treatment also may include periodic removal of the damaged nail tissue.

Dry skin Dry skin can result if the nerves in your legs and feet do not get the message from your brain to sweat, which keeps your skin soft and moist. Dry skin can crack, which can allow germs to enter. Use moisturizing soaps and lotions to help keep your skin moist and soft.

Diabetes And Skin Infections

How to get rid of calluses: 7 home remedies

Studies suggest that more than half of people with diabetes will develop a skin infection at some point.

Scratching and dryness can create cracks that let bacteria in. Its not unusual for people with diabetes to develop bacterial infections such as folliculitis, boils and carbuncles.

Itchy fungal infections are also more likely in people with diabetes, possibly due to high blood sugar. Infections caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans often crop up in areas with moist folds, such as the armpits, groin area, under the breasts and between the fingers and toes. Infections caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes include ringworm, jock itch and athletes foot.

Don’t Miss: Best Sweetener For Baking For Diabetics

Can Skin Problems Associated With Diabetes Be Prevented

Keeping your diabetes under control is the most important factor in preventing the skin-related complications of diabetes. Follow your healthcare providers advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood glucose level within the range recommended by your healthcare provider. Proper skin care also can help reduce your risk of skin-related problems.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/05/2015.

References

How Can Diabetes Affect My Skin

If your blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid, causing your skin to become dry. This occurs because the body is turning the water into urine to remove excess glucose from the blood. Your skin also can get dry if the nerves, especially those in your legs and feet, do not get the message to sweat . Sweating helps keep your skin soft and moist.

Dry skin can become red and sore, and can crack and peel. Germs can enter through the cracks in your skin and cause an infection. In addition, dry skin usually is itchy, and scratching can lead to breaks in the skin and infection.

Skin problems are common in people with diabetes. Blood glucose provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, and can reduce the bodys ability to heal itself. These factors put people with diabetes at greater risk for skin problems. In fact, as many as a third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder related to their disease at some time in their lives. Fortunately, most skin conditions can be prevented and successfully treated if caught early. But if not cared for properly, a minor skin condition can turn into a serious problem with potentially severe consequences.

Recommended Reading: Low Blood Sugar At Night Without Diabetes

It’s Easy To Get The Care You Need

See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.

If you have diabetes, you may also have skin problems. Skin conditions affect one out of three people with diabetes anywhere from head to toe.

Why? In some cases, dryness due to dehydration that comes with high blood sugar. And nerve damage caused by diabetes can prevent you from noticing an infected area.

Managing your blood sugar and drinking plenty of fluids are good ways to keep skin hydrated.

Fortunately, theres a lot you can do to stay comfortable in your own skin. Here are some common skin problems associated with diabetes and some suggestions on how to prevent or manage them:

Some Skin Problems Linked To Diabetes

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MagniLife DB Antifungal Foot Cream to stop Itching, Burning REVIEW
  • Scleroderma diabeticorum: While rare, this skin problem affects people with type 2 diabetes, causing a thickening of the skin on the back of the neck and upper back. The treatment is to bring your blood sugar level under control. Lotions and moisturizers may help soften skin.
  • Vitiligo: Vitiligo, a skin problem more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes than type 2 diabetes, affects skin coloration. With vitiligo, the special cells that make pigment are destroyed, resulting in patches of discolored skin. Vitiligo often affects the chest and abdomen, but may be found on the face around the mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Current treatment options for vitiligo include topical steroids and micropigmentation . If you have vitiligo, you should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn on the discolored skin.

Read Also: Chromium Picolinate Dosage For Diabetes

Diabetic Blisters May Heal On Their Own

Its rare, but sometimes people with diabetes erupt in blisters . The blisters occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, and sometimes on the legs or forearms. These skin sores resemble burn blisters. Having diabetic neuropathy puts you at higher risk of developing these blisters. Heres the good news: They are usually painless and heal on their own in a few weeks. Keeping blood glucose under control is the only treatment for this diabetes skin problem.

Outbreak Of Small Reddish

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though.

Eruptive-xanthomatosis

These bumps appear suddenly and clear promptly when diabetes is well-controlled.

When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Youll usually find these bumps on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees. They can form anywhere though. No matter where they form, they are usually tender and itchy. The medical name for this skin condition is eruptive xanthomatosis.

Take action
  • Tell your doctor about the bumps because this skin condition appears when you have uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes.

Also Check: Development Of Type 2 Diabetes

What Causes A Diabetes Rash

For people who dont have diabetes, a skin rash may be the first sign of high blood sugar or prediabetes. Your healthcare provider can help you take steps to prevent diabetes.

If you take medications for diabetes, a skin rash may indicate that you need to adjust treatments to lower your blood sugar levels. Some other rashes result from reduced blood flow to your extremities .

Skin Problems Related To Diabetes

Possible cure for diabetes found, dry itchy feet home remedy

Diabetics face a variety of potential skin problems. Those with diabetes are at an increased risk for bacterial or fungal skin infection. Infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus, commonly known as staph infection, causes styes, boils, folliculitis, and even deep infection , and this type of infection is even more serious in those with poor control of their diabetes . Fungal infections may affect the nails, body folds, genital regions, and feet. The darkening and thickening of body folds due to insulin resistance, called acanthosis nigricans, may be early symptoms of diabetes. Diabetic dermopathy, damage to small blood vessels of the skin, may cause small, brown spots on the legs. Granuloma annulare are red, circular or arc-shaped lesions due to changes in the collagen of the skin. Click an image below to get diabetes information and learn more about early symptoms of diabetes.Continue reading > >

Recommended Reading: Diabetic Diet Plan To Lose Weight

How Do You Stop Diabetic Feet From Itching

How to relieve itchy feet

  • Apply moisturizer to your skin several times a day, especially after taking a shower or bath.
  • Take fewer showers or baths, maybe every other day.
  • Shower or bathe in lukewarm water.
  • Avoid skin products with harsh chemicals.
  • Avoid fabrics that irritate your skin.
  • Choose hypoallergenic detergents.
  • Home Remedy To Treat Your Itchy Feet:

    The solution of 2 table spoons of Himalayan Crystal Salt with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is effective as the way on how to stop itchy feet naturally. The possible reason may be that this tip will create acidic environment in which the fungus will not have chance to live. After taking a bath or showering, you can spray your feet and use this treatment with the cloth. After applying this solution, you need to make sure that your feet will dry completely.alvitacare.com/wp-content/languages/new/prednisone.html

    Read Also: Why Are Insulin Prices So High

    Disseminated Granuloma Annulare Causes Skin Itching

    This skin problem causes raised, bumpy, or ring-shaped spots that are skin colored, red, or red-brown. Disseminated granuloma annulare most often occurs on the fingers and ears. Some people report mild itching. Typically, medical treatment is not needed because the rash usually disappears on its own without leaving scars. But ask your doctor if a topical steroid, like hydrocortisone, could improve your skin problems.

    Prevention Of Diabetic And Friction Blisters On Feet

    Why Do People with Diabetes Get Itchy Skin?
    • Examine your feet daily and look for changes in skin
    • Wear proper diabetes footwear with absorbent socks
    • Do not walk barefoot even at home
    • Wash your feet and dry them properly
    • In dry weather, apply moisturizer to your feet
    • Trim toenails regularly

    In case you observe any redness, swelling, pain, and warm feeling on an area of the foot, consult your diabetes doctor or a podiatrist

    You May Like: Does Red Wine Lower Blood Sugar

    You May Like: How Many People In The Us Have Type 1 Diabetes

    Tips For Diabetic Foot Care

    Proper foot care can prevent these common foot problems or treat them before they cause serious complications. Here are some tips for good foot care:

  • Take care of yourself and your diabetes. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood sugar level within the range recommended by your doctor.
  • Wash your feet in warm water every day, using a mild soap. Test the temperature of the water with your elbow because nerve damage can affect sensation in your hands, too. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes.
  • Check your feet every day for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or any other problems. If you have poor blood flow, it is especially important to check your feet daily.
  • If the skin on your feet is dry, keep it moist by applying lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Do not put lotion between your toes. Your doctor can tell you which type of lotion is best.
  • Gently smooth corns and calluses with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. Move the emery board in only one direction.
  • Check your toenails once a week. Trim your toenails with a nail clipper straight across. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails. After clipping, smooth the toenails with a nail file.
  • Always wear closed-toed shoes or slippers. Do not wear sandals and do not walk barefoot, even around the house.
  • Foot Care Tips If You Have Diabetes

    • You should have your feet checked as part of your annual diabetes review. You may be eligible for an NHS podiatrist if you have diabetes and symptoms affecting your feet such as numbness. Ask your GP for a referral or find a local podiatrist.
    • Keep your feet clean and free from infection.
    • Wear shoes that fit well and don’t squeeze or rub. Ill-fitting shoes can cause corns and calluses, ulcers and nail problems.
    • Never walk barefoot, especially in the garden or on the beach on holidays, to avoid cuts and try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed so you don’t constrict your blood circulation.
    • Cut or file your toenails regularly.
    • Get corns or hard skin treated by a podiatrist.

    Read Also: Cauliflower Pizza Crust For Diabetics

    What Does Athletes Foot Look Like

    Athletes foot usually starts in warm, moist areas, like that found between the toes. From there, it can spread to the toes and skin on the foot. The scaly red rash it causes may burn and sting. Some types may develop blisters or progress to ulcers, a more dangerous problem for someone with diabetes. Lack of circulation and poor immune system response can make it difficult to heal if the infection progresses to that point.

    Natural Treatment For Diabetic Leg Ulcers

    Diabetic Foot Amputation Recovery

    Of course, a proper diabetes diet and blood sugar control are essential to preventing leg ulcers. For any existing, open ulcers, cleaning and dressing the wound is essential. You may want to consider coating the wound with honey as a natural antibiotic to supplement your immune systems own efforts to prevent infection. Supplemental zinc and vitamin C will speed up the healing process. As one more option, phototherapy offers a promising alternative medicine treatment for diabetic leg ulcers.

    My companion had a very bad ulcerated leg, we believe the cauce was from a fall that damaged his ankle, resulting in a plate and several screws years ago. It happened so fast at a time when he very busy having a large barn being constructed. His calf swelled to 2-3 times normal size in a day, and the skin became open and raw, about the size of a tennis ball. We couldnt get in to see our naturopath until the next day, so we found info on the internet about charcoal/flax poultice.

    Baby Aspirin for Diabetic Leg Ulcers

    In perimenopause, Id become pre-diabetic, with fasting blood sugar hovering in the 110 115 range, and developed sores on the skin around both ankles that wouldnt heal. I read somewhere that baby aspirin would help the sores go away, only one 81mg dose a day .

    Within days, the ulcers started healing, and now a month later, theyre completely gone, no trace!

    Also Check: Is Plant Based Diet Good For Diabetics

    More articles

    Popular Articles