How to care for diabetic skin

The skin on your feet is particularly susceptible to damage if you are Diabetic, so be sure to check your feet regularly. Perhaps family or friends can help?
Always clean your skin before you moisturize.
Wear socks and shoes made of breathable materials to prevent moisture from building up.

Avoid foods that can cause itchy skin, especially citrus fruits (fresh fruit, fruit juices and juice-based fizzy drinks) and do not drink chlorinated water. 
Do not use a vinegar foot soak or attempt to treat feet with gels or foot powders.

Diabetics often suffer from a disturbed skin barrier, which can cause lead to reduced sweat and sebaceous gland activity. The result is dry or scaly skin.

In more extreme cases, Diabetes can interfere with the skin’s ability to detect wounds and this increase the risk of infection.

Giving diabetic skin the care it needs can help to prevent and/or alleviate these symptoms. 

Do not shower more than once a day, and for no longer than five minutes. Keep the water temperature below 37°C.
If you bathe, use a moisturizing oil – try not to use bubble bath or bath salts.

Use a mild shower oil or gel, ideally one that contains Urea and is proven not to dry skin out such as Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Washfluid 5% Urea.
Use an intensive  moisturizer such as Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Lotion 5% Urea or Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea to keep the skin on your body hydrated. 

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and sufficient exercise is also good for the skin.

And finally, to be on the safe side, if you notice any changes in your skin, consult your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist as soon as possible.