Can Type 2 Diabetes Cause Skin Problems?

Increased blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can damage the nervous system. Along with this, blood vessels also start getting damaged. When blood vessels and the nervous system are damaged, blood flow is disrupted. In this situation the level of collagen in the skin may decrease. Due to this, signs of aging may appear on the skin. Skin may appear hard and wrinkled.

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When blood sugar levels are high, swelling begins. Due to prolonged swelling on the skin, the skin starts looking dull and lifeless, but when the blood sugar level remains under control in diabetic patients, the swelling can reduce.

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Diabetic patients have frequent urination. Due to this, there is a lack of water in their bodies. When the body becomes dehydrated, the skin starts looking dry and lifeless. Besides, the skin also appears rough and flaky.

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Psoriasis can also occur in type 2 diabetes. In this, patches develop on the skin. It may become itchy and scaly. In this condition, changes are also visible on the nails and scalp.

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Let us tell you that people with type 2 diabetes have to face skin related problems. Along with this, they may also have to experience skin infection. Diabetic patients may get skin infections more often than other people. Swelling and wounds caused by skin infection may also take a long time to heal.

Apart from this, skin related problems like Granuloma Annulare, Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum, Xanthelasma and Diabetic Ulcer can also occur. Most skin diseases associated with diabetes are harmless, but they can be painful. It is important for diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar levels under control to keep their skin safe.

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In type 2 diabetes, the patient may also have to suffer from skin tags. The tags are soft in this. These may appear hanging on the skin. This problem can affect about 25 percent of people with type 2 diabetes.

In diabetic dermopathy, red, light brown spots or patches start appearing on the skin. These spots are round. According to studies, about 39 percent of people with type 2 diabetes may develop diabetic dermopathy.

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Type 2 diabetes patients may also have to face a skin disorder called blister. In this condition, wounds start developing on the skin. These wounds can be seen more on legs and hands. The wounds are large and painless.

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Waxy skin can also be seen in type 2 diabetes. In this the skin may appear thick, tight and waxy. It can affect the hands and upper body more.

Scleredema Diabeticorum can also occur due to type 2 diabetes. This is a rare situation. In this the skin starts becoming thick. Especially the back and the back of the neck.

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Type 2 diabetes may cause a skin problem called acanthosis nigricans. In this the skin becomes thick and hyperpigmented spots appear on the skin. These may appear brown or black in color. This condition usually affects the waist, back of the neck and armpits.

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Making small changes in lifestyle can also provide some relief to diabetic patients from skin related problems. These changes are like this -

• Avoid bathing with hot water. You can take a bath with lukewarm or freshwater.
• Use moisturizing, fragrance free and chemical free soap.
• Make sure to moisturize the skin after bathing.
• To keep the skin hydrated, drink a sufficient amount of water.
• Use antibiotic ointment on wounds or injuries.

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Talcum powder can also prove useful in treating skin related problems. Using this powder can reduce itching, burning and redness of the skin.

Doctors can also prescribe some medicines to cure skin related problems in type 2. For this, doctors can prescribe antibiotics and antifungal medicines. Besides, medicine or insulin therapy can also be given to keep blood sugar under control. Apart from this, corticosteroids can also be prescribed.

If skin related problems are bothering someone with type 2 diabetes, then in this situation you can use over-the-counter. For this you can use topical antifungals or steroids. Apart from this, moisturizer can also be used to reduce dryness of the skin.

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