Publication Date: 1/6/2010
Good skin care habits are important. When you have diabetes, you want to look good and stay healthy.
Alaska Native Medical Center
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
http://www.alaska.net/~akdm/Clinical/patient_ed/SkinCare_pat_ed.htm
8/31/03
Reproduced with permission.
Here are a few tips for skin care.
- Use a mild soap with warm or lukewarm water on a daily basis.
- Dry yourself very well with a soft towel.
- Use a skin softener, lotion, or cream on dry skin.
- Use a mild powder such as baby powder after bathing.
- Use a sunscreen to avoid sunburn. SPF 10-15 is best.
- Avoid scratches, punctures, and other injuries to your skin.
- If you do have an injury, take care of it as soon as possible. (See tips below for how to take care of an injury.)
A lifetime of healthy skin is very important, so please avoid these things on your skin:
- Do not use strong or heavily perfumed soaps.
- Do not let your skin become too dry. Dry skin cracks, making it easier for infection to start.
- Do not use harsh lotions, or medicated or perfumed powder.
- Do not stay in the hot sun too long.
- Do not walk on hot sand or pavement without shoes.
- Do not use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or very hot water.
- Do not use iodine, boric acid, alcohol, or antiseptic lotions on a wound.
- Take care of cuts or wounds as soon as possible.
- Wash the area well with water.
- Cover the wound with a dry, sterile pad or bandage.
- Go to the clinic if cuts or bruises do not heal within 2 or 3 days.
- Go to the clinic if you see any signs of infection.
Here are signs of infection:
- redness
- swelling
- warmth
- rash
- pain
- drainage
From the Alaska Area Diabetes Program
Alaska Native Medical Center
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
http://www.alaska.net/~akdm/Clinical/patient_ed/SkinCare_pat_ed.htm
8/31/03
Reproduced with permission.
