Taking Care of Your Skin

Diabetes and your skin: Tips for skin care

Healthy skin is important to everyone because our skin is a protective barrier against infection and injury. Having diabetes can put you at risk for skin problems but most people with diabetes can have healthy skin with good diabetes care and attention to skin care.

To help prevent diabetes-related skin problems:

Keep your diabetes well-managed with the help of your diabetes care team. Chronically elevated blood glucose can lead to dry, itchy skin and can increase the risk for skin and nail infections.
Keep skin clean and dry.
Moisturize to prevent chapping and cracking especially during cold, dry weather, but avoid putting moisturizer or lotion between your toes.
Avoid taking very hot baths and showers if your skin is dry.
Treat cuts right away, washing minor cuts with mild soap and water and covering with sterile gauze. Only use antibiotic cream if prescribed by your doctor.
See your doctor right away for major cuts, burns, infections, or if you are experiencing a skin issue that you are unable to clear up.
Keep sites of insulin pumps and subcutaneous monitoring devices clean and monitor for any signs of infection such as pain, redness or swelling. If you experience any of these or other skin symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider.