Diabetes may damage nerves in the skin leading to dry skin, say experts

As American Diabetes Month approaches, leading experts like Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, stress the importance of foot care, especially for those with diabetes. People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing dry skin due to nerve damage.

In the United States 23.6 million people have diabetes. While the disease may present many challenges, most skin conditions associated with diabetes can be prevented, or if detected early, easily treated.

Diabetes may damage the nerves in the skin, which can impair the body's ability to sweat. Without this function, skin that is normally well hydrated becomes dry, and then cracks. When blood glucose is high, the body loses fluid. With less fluid, the skin can become dry and itch, causing one to scratch their skin and make the dry skin sore. If left untreated, cracked, dry skin can open the door to very serious complications such as bacterial and fungal infections.

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

One of every three people with diabetes will experience some type of skin disorder. You can help to maintain healthy skin with a few lifestyle adjustments:

• Keep your glucose levels well managed to decrease likelihood of dry skin.
• Keep skin clean and dry by using talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as armpits and groin.
• Avoid using very hot water when bathing, limiting bath and shower time to between 5 and 10 minutes, and use a mild or moisturizing soap/shampoo/conditioner.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream immediately after bathing - while the skin is still moist - to help retain water in the skin and to prevent chapping.
• Check feet every day for sores and cuts. After bathing or showering, dry feet thoroughly and apply a moisturizer, except between toes. Careful, too much moisture there can increase the risk of infection.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends lactic acid-based moisturizers as an option to help heal severely dry skin. "By using a thin coat of foot lotion like AmLactin® Foot Cream Therapy, a lactic acid-based product to help keep the skin moisturized, diabetics will be taking a positive step forward to healthy feet," explained Sutera.

Lactic acid, an extremely effective humectant, is a naturally occurring substance that attracts water molecules to the skin to keep it hydrated. No prescription is needed for AmLactin® products, but patients should see their doctor regularly to make sure their foot care needs are met.

AmLactin® Foot Cream Therapy has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Approval for its superior hydration formula and AmLactin® remains the No.1 recommended moisturizer by podiatrists.