Protecting Your Skin
Protecting Your SkinYour skin is the largest organ in your body and your main defense against infection. But to do its job, your skinneeds to be healthy. While you work to protect your feet and overall health, it is important you also protect yourskin.When you have diabetes, high blood glucose can cause your skin to dry and crack, making you more at risk forinfection.People with diabetes may also be at higher risk for: rashes, boils and the growth of some bacteria and fungi.To prevent breaks in your skin and infection, keep your blood glucose in a healthy range. Make healthy foodchoices and drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Keep your skin clean. And alwaysprotect it from damage.When showering or bathing, check the water with your elbow before getting in, to make sure it’s not hotenough to burn you. Nerve damage in your feet due to neuropathy, may not allow you to feel very hot water.Use a mild soap, with warm, not hot, water and pat your skin dry with a towel. Do not rub it.If you moisturize with a lotion or cream, choose one that doesn’t contain alcohol because alcohol tends to takemoisture away from the skin.“You just need to moisturize your skin from top to bottom. You just need to make sure your skin don’tbe dry and brittle because it can cause cracks and sores and become infected.”Do not put the lotion between your toes. This warm, moist area is nice place for bacteria to grow and usuallydoes not need the extra moisture anyway.The best time to apply moisturizer is right after your bath or shower. This way, your lotion can lock in themoisture your body has already absorbed. And making it a part of your daily routine will help you remember touse the lotion.Protect your skin from damage like sunburn.“Some people are good at wine, some people are good with cars, I got sunscreen.”Always wear appropriate sunscreen, clothing with built-in SPF, and find a place in the shade. And don’t forgetto apply the sunscreen to your feet; they can burn too.“It does have an expiration date so it’s important to buy fresh. And why not?”Use insect repellant when needed. If you do get an insect bite, try not to scratch it.There are several products available that can take the itch out of your bite and protect your skin.Together, these steps can help keep your skin healthy and able to protect you from infection.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10186B EN ProtectingYourSkin.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Protecting Your SkinAlthough Diabetes is complex, it’s manageable when you have the right information and support. DiabetesCare and Education Specialists are trained to be your diabetes expert and can help you learn how tosuccessfully thrive with diabetes. You deserve nothing less!Ask your provider for a referral today! Find one at www.DiabetesEducator.org/find.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10186B EN ProtectingYourSkin.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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