About 30% of people with diabetes experience “itchy skin”, especially in older patients. Itching is a common side effect of elevated blood sugar levels. Severe symptoms may cause erythema, papules, hyperpigmentation, dry and scaling skin, blood scabs, and skin hypertrophy and chapped damage. The more itching, the more scratching. The more itching, the serious impact on the quality of life and physical and mental health.
Causes of itchy skin in diabetic patientsThe itchy skin of diabetic patients may not only be caused by high blood sugar, but may also be related to climate , environment and other factors are closely related.
Increased glucose levels in the blood of diabetic patients can directly stimulate the peripheral nerves of the skin and cause itching, or the long-term high blood sugar causes the skin to be in a state of chronic dehydration and malnutrition for a long time, and the secretion of sebaceous glands and sweat glands is significantly reduced. The skin is overly dry and itchy. The immune system of people with diabetes is low, and the skin is easily infected by various germs (bacteria, fungi, etc.), causing itching. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause peripheral neuropathy, abnormal nerve response, disordered signal transmission, and abnormal skin reactions such as dry skin, itching, and rash. 4. Occasional factors such as weather and climate < /section> Changes in heat and cold, friction in clothes, contact with chemical fiber fur fabrics, drinking and eating spicy food, etc. can all induce skin itching in diabetic patients. What should I do if I have itchy skin? 1. Strictly control blood sugar Hyperglycemia is an important cause of itchy skin in people with diabetes. Therefore, active and effective control of blood sugar is the key to controlling itchy skin Heavy. Fasting blood sugar is generally controlled below 6.1mmol/L, and 2 hours postprandial blood sugar is controlled below 7.8mmol/L, and blood sugar fluctuations should be minimized to keep blood sugar stable. Elderly diabetics over 65 years old can relax appropriately, but the fasting blood sugar should also be within 8, and the blood sugar within two hours after a meal should be within 10. 2. Timely symptomatic relief of itchingFor possible People with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy can take methylcobalamin or B vitamins according to their individual conditions to supplement vitamin B12 to nourish nerves and prevent neuropathy.
At the same time, under the guidance of a doctor, symptomatic treatment should be given according to the severity of itching.
mild itching but not broken Apply a lotion rich in moisturizing factors, allantoin and other ingredients to reduce dryness and desquamation of the skin; topical sedative and antipruritic drugs; topical antifungal drugs for genital itching caused by Candida infection Severe itching with skin breakdown < span> Oral administration of antihistamines, and topical hormonal antipruritic drugs according to the condition. Note: The ointment should not be applied to the broken skin.
Use moisturizer and skin cream to keep your skin moist and healthy. Avoid scented creams and lotions, as diabetic skin may react to them, causing more itching. Moisturize twice a day. Moisten your entire body with body lotion as needed in each shower. Soaps should also be avoided as the chemicals in them can cause dry skin andInflammation, you can switch to mild, unscented soap.
4. Change the way of bathing Bathing too often Can cause itching to worsen. Limit bathing to once every two days. Of course, the frequency will also vary depending on the climate, weather, and your own activities. However, once every two days is enough. When bathing, avoid very hot water, which tends to make the skin more irritated. Water at room temperature or lower can be used. Hot water dilates blood vessels and accelerates insulin metabolism, which can lead to hypoglycemia. Diabetic patients should not use hot water for bathing, another reason is that patients with neuropathy lose sensitivity to pain and temperature, and may unknowingly burn Own.
5. Cold compress to soothe If you want to soothe the skin When it’s itchy, using a cold pack can do wonders. Because the sensation of temperature and itching are transmitted to the brain along the same path. Continue the cold compress on the itching area until relief is felt. You can also take a cold shower to relieve itching. But keep in mind that people with diabetes are discouraged from bathing too often, especially if their blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Therefore, it is best to stick to cold compresses in most cases. 6. Use a baking soda mixture to relieve itching Add a paste made from 1/2 cup of water to one cup of baking powder and stir with a spoon until the paste is thoroughly combined and smooth. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes, then wash it off. 7. Use over-the-counter creams creams or Ointment can help relieve itching. Remember, a dime-sized amount of paste is enough to cover an area twice the size of your palm. When looking for over-the-counter remedies for itching, look for those containing: camphor, menthol, phenol, diphenhydramine, and benzocaine. 8. Apply steroid ointment to the affected area some Anti-itch creams that contain steroids are available at drugstores and can help relieve itching. Hydrocortisone cream is usually the best option and is available at most drugstores. Beclomethasone cream can also be used, which works the same as hydrocortisone. Remember, steroid-containing creams or ointments should not be used long-term without consulting a doctor.
9. Use antifungal creams to prevent yeast infectionsPeople with diabetes have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infection. One type of infection is a fungal infection that grows on the skin and causes itching. Antifungal creams can be used, including: miconazole, ketoconazole, or benzoic acid.
10, taking antihistamines group Amines are hormones that cause itching. When taking antihistamines, this hormone is suppressed, which soothes the skin. Common antihistamines include: chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine. Remember that these antihistamines can make you feel sleepy. Stress can increase itching. This means that itching increases when people with diabetes are stressed. To combat stress, practice relaxation, including:Practice meditation. Meditation frees the mind and relieves stress. Meditate for a few minutes each morning to stay relaxed throughout the day.
Use trigger lexical. Choose a phrase that calms you down, such as “It’s going to be alright” or “Everything will be fine.” When you start to feel stressed, take a few deep breaths and repeat the trigger phrase in your mind until you feel calm.
12. Discuss other options with your doctor If the above measures do not provide relief, or if a serious cause related to itching is suspected, you should go to the hospital for treatment, and your doctor will do further tests to determine the cause of the itching.
Source: International Institute of Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes