Diabetes skin sores are the most common kind of diabetes sores. Learning how to prevent and care for these diabetes sores is crucial to avoiding complications such as amputation. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) recommends the following techniques for taking care of your skin:

After washing with mild soap, rinse and dry off well. Check places where water can hide, such as under your arms and between your toes.

  • Keep your skin moist by using lotions or creams after you bathe.
  • Drink lots of fluids, especially water, to keep your skin healthy.
  • Wear cotton clothes because they allow air to move around your body.
  • Check your skin after washing up for any dry, red, or sore spots which could lead to infection.
  • Talk to your doctor about any skin problems.

 

Diabetes Foot Sores

 

Foot sores from diabetes are the most likely skin sores to manifest. This happens primarily for two reasons. The first is because of nerve damage which causes you not to feel pain, heat, or cold. Therefore, if you get a sore on your feet it can go unnoticed and led to infection. The second reason is poor blood flow. This is worse in the lower extremities in the body and it causes sores and infections to take longer to heal. Smoking makes this much worse.

In treating foot sores and diabetes skin problems you must pay special attention to your skin and inspect it daily, particularly your feet. Wash your feet in warm water every day so that if you do have do have any diabetes sores they are cleaned to prevent infection. Do not soak your feet and dry them well paying close attention to the areas between your toes. Examine your feet daily, checking for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, and calluses. If your skin is dry, put lotion on your skin but not between your toes. File away corns and calluses after bathing or showering. Other practices you should follow are:

  • Cut your toenails when needed.
  • Always wear slippers or shoes.
  • Always wear socks with shoes, but no knee highs.
  • Wear shoes that fit well.
  • Check shoes for anything that may cut you before putting them on.

 

Diabetes Mouth Sores

 

Oral diabetic sores are another thing that may need to be taken care of. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of oral and health problems due to high blood sugar levels. The fact that people with diabetes often have dry mouth also contributes to tooth decay and mouth sores. Gum inflammation, poor healing, and oral fungal infections of the mouth are also usual problems.

Mouth ulcers may also form. These usually form as a result of an injury from a toothbrush, accidentally biting a cheek, poor hygiene, and burns from hot food. Keeping good oral hygiene usually prevents these diabetes sores from forming. If you develop mouth ulcers, be sure and consult your physician.

 

Related articles: Diabetic Hearing Loss | Diabetes Skin Complications | Carbuncles Diabetes | Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetes | Diabetes Eye Disorders | Diabetic Heart Disease | Diabetic Ketoacidosis Causes | Diabetes Poor Circulation | Renal Complications of Diabetes | Uncontrolled Diabetes Complications | Diabetic Leg Problems | Diabetes and High Blood Pressure | Gastroparesis and Diabetes |