Diabetes affects all parts of the body, including the skin. That is why diabetes itching  feet is a common problem of the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), as many as 33% of diabetics will have a skin disorder, either caused or affected by diabetes, sometime in their lives. Many of these problems can happen to anyone, it is just that people with diabetes get them much easier than others do.

Dry skin is the simplest and most easily treated reason for diabetes itching feet. This doesn’t mean that the issue of dry skin should be overlooked. It has been found that “approximately 70% of the surgical amputations done diabetes patients have developed infections through cracks or breaks in extremely dry skin.” This is according to Dermaltherapy.com in their article on diabetes and dry skin. This amputation problem is in part attributed to diabetics having a low immune system.

EveryDayHealth.com provides the following information on how to properly take care of your skin to stop diabetes foot itching and other skin complications:

  • Once a week, thoroughly inspect your skin. This is particularly important for the skin of the lower legs and feet. You should look for persistent or unusual sore, bruises, pain, and any other foot wounds. Inform your doctor about any that you find as soon as possible.
  • Keep your skin clean and avoid chafing by applying talcum powder.
  • Avoid extremely hot baths and showers.
  • Moisturize your feet daily, and other parts of your skin often as well. Do not put moisturizer between your toes because this can lead to fungal infections.
  • Don’t scratch your diabetes itching feet or other areas of the skin because even tiny breaks in the skin can lead to serious infection.
  • Don’t smoke, this can make skin conditions worse.
  • See your dermatologists if there are any skin conditions which you cannot cure on your own.

 

Other Causes of Diabetes Itching Feet

 

General Skin Conditions – These conditions include bacterial infections, yeast infections, and fungal infections. These infections should not be under-estimated; you should call your doctor as soon as you realize these infections have developed.

NecrobiosisLipoidicaDiabeticorum(NDL) – NDL is caused by changes in blood vessels. This disease begins with a raised area on the skin which is red and dull. Then it looks like a shiny scar with a violet border. NDL can be very itchy and painful.

Allergic Reactions – Commonly occurring in response to medications, diabetes itching feet and other skin problems can occur. Sometimes people find bumps and rashes at the site where insulin is injected.