In this article, we look at the reasons a person with diabetes might experience itching and offer tips on providing relief. Call your provider if you notice signs of redness, pain, drainage or infection. If you have tingling or numbness as well as itchy feet, see your healthcare provider or your diabetes team. The good news is that a fair number of these conditions are treatable or can be prevented by maintaining blood glucose control and taking good daily care of your skin. Phone (336) 716-2901, Fax (336) 716-7732, [emailprotected] The publisher's final edited version of this article is available at Exp Dermatol See other articles in PMC that cite the published article. Not only can it damage your skin, but you're entering the dreaded itch-scratch cycle, in which scratching might feel good but makes the itching worse, so you scratch more. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cutaneous+Manifestations+of+Diabetes+Mellitus%3A+A+Review&sort=pubdate). A proper skin care routine can lower your risk of diabetes-related skin problems. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Ginger is the Associated Director of Communications at T1Dexchange.org. It is a condition that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on our scalp, which triggers inflammation at our roots and itching. These are the most common reasons for an itchy scalp . Vaginal itching from a vaginal yeast infection can be intense. Certain skin conditions that develop as a result of diabetes may. Scalp psoriasis. Doesnt have to be as soon as you wake up of course. Think it will be a trip to the docs for me then! I have diabetic neuropathy in my feet and hands. Did you know that itchy scalp could be a sign that your blood sugar level is really high? It seems to be getting bigger and more and more unsightly. (Soaking in a tub dries out skin.). But when your skin itches, hurts, flakes, breaks out, changes color, or just doesnt look or feel the way youd like it to, the phrase can take on a new, very literal meaning. What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Read on to learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. 8 Diabetes Warning Signs May Appear On Your Skin, Type 2 diabetes and skin health: Conditions and treatment, Diabetes & Eczema (Itchy Skin): Whats the Connection, Complications & Treatment, Diabetes Self Care: 10 Ways to Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin, Diabetes and Hair Loss: Why It Happens and What to Do, If You Suffer from Diabetes, Hair Loss, Heart and Joint Inflammation Try This Powerful Fruit, If You Suffer From Diabetes, Hair Loss, Heart & Joint Inflammation Try This Powerful Fruit, Diabetes Skin Care What You Need to Know and What You Can Do, Khloe Kardashian Discusses Rob Kardashian's Diabetes Diagnosis: "Let's Tackle It Head On", Change Your Ways, Reduce Your Risk: 7 Tips for Preventing Diabetes, What Your Parents Ate Before You Were Born Might Affect Your Risk of Obesity And Diabetes, 6 Signs Your Type 2 Diabetes Might Really Be Type 1, 10 Silent Diabetes Symptoms You Might Be Missing, Know the Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar and Diabetes, What every woman should know about menopause and diabetes, 10 Signs Of Diabetes Everyone Should Know, Dont Ignore Them, Sex With Diabetes: Mens Awkward Bedroom Questions, Answered. In addition to these treatments, people living in close contact may need preventive treatment. Skin changes such as itchiness often affect the feet, legs, and hands but other areas of the body can also be affected. Take these steps to prevent skin problems: Having diabetes increases your risk for skin rashes and skin problems. People who have diabetes tend to get skin infections. Itching is no fun, and scratching only makes it worse. If cold compresses help, stick with them! I have had an issue with an itchy scalp for many years, treated with various shampoos and lotions that the doctor prescribed! Sometimes, inflammation, flaking, scabbing or skin lesions accompany the itching, although your scalp can itch without any visible changes to the skin. Datsi A, Steinhoff M, Ahmad F, Alam M, Buddenkotte J. Interleukin31: the itchy cytokine in inflammation and therapy. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, over weeks or sometimes days. Oh, yes, please pet me; thats nice. Join the community Not sure that this is directly related to my Type 2 - but here goes! Diabetes can affect the skin in a number of ways that can make a person feel less than comfortable. Natural Herbs For Diabetes: 5 Natural Remedies For Diabetes That Work! If you suffer from diabetes may not be ab document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You are going to use the brush? Itching can also be managed by following these tips: Itchy skin is an annoyance, but if you have diabetes, it may be a sign that you have or are at risk for nerve damage. Did think that - yes saw a dermatoligist ages ago and was told it was a sort of ecezma/psoriasis on my scalp - but it has never been this bad! Check your skin daily for signs of rashes, redness, infections or sores. Apple cider vinegar. Avoiding moisturizers that contain harsh perfumes or dyes. This fungal infection - also called tinea capitis - causes pus-filled bumps as well as an extremely itchy scalp and hair falling out in women of all ages. Go ahead, scratchoh, a little over hereno, therego back. Continue reading >>, The main symptoms of diabetes are increased urination (polyuria), thirst ( polydipsia) and tiredness. Sometimes an underlying skin condition can cause itching. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Dryness commonly leads to other skin problems such as itching (and often scratching), cracking, and peeling. Diabetes can make people more vulnerable to yeast infections. eczema, psoriasis), histamine reactions (e.g. Poor blood circulation which occurs in diabetics as a result of elevated blood sugar levels also causes itching of the skin, particularly the legs. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. The way your blood sugars affect your skin is so slow and so gradual, it can be easy to forget that complications of diabetes can appear in this part of the body. By Nancy LeBrun It can be caused by conditions that range from mild, Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. Itching and hair loss without signs of an infection or another skin reaction may indicate an underlying nerve problem, which could be due to damage, disease, or an abnormality. Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care for People with Diabetes. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. When you have diabetes, your chances of having dry, itchy skin are higher than someone who doesnt have the disease. American Academy of Dermatology Association. The sensation is caused by either irritated nerve cells called C fibers or skin cells themselves. For example, if a person has peripheral neuropathy, they are more likely to experience itching on the lower parts of the legs. Potential causes of an itchy scalp include: An itchy scalp can feel tingly or painful. Topicals seem to do nothing, although sometimes cold does, a little. See how to do it right and avoid side effects. Apart from applying the cream the Dr gave me which I use immediately after a shower while the pores are still open, I also apply a moisturising cream - a non allergenic one - and have found that quite beneficial. Acanthosis nigricans usually affects people who are very overweight. Apart from dryness, consistent and intense itching can c Her background includes a B.S. A person with diabetes can take several steps to maintain healthy skin and find relief from itching, including: There is a range of diabetes-specific lotions available for purchase online. For people with diabetes, poor blood circulation is a known complication, particularly in those with persistently high blood sugar levels. This will seal in droplets of water that are present on t Diabetes that isn't . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is an evidenc By Shobha Shastry, Post updated on 2017/11/09 at 3:45 PM Suhasini Mudraganam is a leading food scientist who was instru Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Scalp pruritus is a common complaint that is considered a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging situation. Here's what to know about itching and diabetes, how you can manage it, and when to see a healthcare provider to get relief. Dry, itchy skin Dry skin can occur as a result of high blood glucose. However, a person with diabetes should not apply lotion between the toes, as this can work with moisture to attract harmful fungi. I have horrible dental problems because of this; several teeth have fallen out (but thankfully no pain). 1. Last medically reviewed on March 25, 2019, Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that affects a range of nerves in the bodies of some people with diabetes. No better way to start your day. I dont think it makes my condition worse but its difficult to say. Washing every day is maybe making it worse ! I suffer from eczema on my arms and I do find that being indoors with the central heating going 75% of the time makes my skin much worse. Continue reading >>. : (Scalp Itching Problems Relief) . . Topical medications containing vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex Scalp). 2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332, Schmelz M. Itch processing in the skin. An itchy scalp is a common problem causing frequent scratching. The shampoo helps eliminate the excess oils, and relieves the itch. Treatment for your itchy scalp depends on its cause. It could be due to a medication you take, something you eat or another issue, Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-skin-care). Most often the condition, which typically looks like a small wart, appears on the sides or back of the neck, the armpits, under the breast, and groin. Diabetes: 12 Warning Signs that Appear on Your Skin. Soft and fine hair with lots of shedding. Coarse, dull, dry, and brittle hair that breaks easily. Skin Problems Linked to Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Reduced Blood Supply to the Skin Diabetic Dermopathy: Often referred to as shin spots, this skin condition is caused by changes in the small blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin. It can also cause itching and scalp tingling. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Sometimes l itch so bad l have like scabs in my head. The American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for an A1c at or below 7.0 percent to reduce your risk of developing any and all diabetes complications. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is often to blame. As any diabetic knows, the condition can lead to all kinds of issues, particularly problems with their skin. You can prevent scalp yeast infections by practicing good head hygiene and keeping your scalp clean and dry. Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. Well go over the causes of an ear keloid before diving into. Learn about this super spice that is CHANGING PEOPLES LIVES Dandruff has several potential causes, the two most common being an overgrowth of yeast and dryness. Anyone with diabetes who tries home remedies to treat itchiness but sees no improvement after about 2 weeks should talk to their doctor about other options. The article says that hot water/shower makes the fungus condition worse. Keep your skin clean and dry it promptly. But frequent water immersion (e.g. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Scarring due to hair loss For cases where topical steroids arent appropriate or if theyve already been used for a length of time your doctor can proscribe other topical medications like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. Referred to as Candida albicans, this fungal infection is fueled and fed by the excess sugar in your blood. Wash your hair in warm but not excessively hot water to avoid irritating and drying out the scalp. If you have diabetes, itching can be intense. Do your research: are the products youre using to wash and moisturize your skin as natural as possible? Is is possible to have itch just below the scalp, perhaps deep in the follicles? Pam, that does sound unbearable. Avoiding taking very hot baths. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. When the blood glucose level is high, the body attempts to remove excess glucose from the blood by increasing urination. Below youll find out what might be causing your itchy scalp, along with how to treat and prevent it. Find out here about the differences and, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Very Nice Blog. They include: 1 Thyroid problems Kidney or liver disease Iron deficiency anemia Lymphoma or leukemia Diabetes Depression Shingles Stress Schizophrenia Allergies, such as a reaction to hair care products What makes it better though is watching my Glycemic Index and not eating much fruit, especially citrus! A person with . Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes. Treat cuts right away. Itching can be intense and even make it hard to get a good night's sleep. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Diabetes and your skin. Complications and special situations. Youve probably heard of yeast infections in regard to a womens genital health issue, but people with diabetes can develop yeast infections in a variety of other locations on their bodies. It can also signal prediabetes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. The itch-scratch cycle: a review of the mechanisms. We have reviewed the best compression socks for people with diabetes. The skin normally produces GLA or gamma-linolenic acid. Keeping your blood sugar controlled with a healthy lifestyle and taking medications your provider has prescribed can help not only with itching but also with your general health. What Causes White Spots to Form on Your Nipple? I know this as a liver spot and it's been with me for a few years. redness or pain in the mouth. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Click here to read more about diabetic neuropathy, http://www.diabetesaction.org/site/PageServer?pagename=tip_complications, https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13098-016-0176-y, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/other-conditions/diabetes-warning-signs, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23009311, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/skin-care.html, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/skin-complications.html, One-hour endoscopic procedure could eliminate the need for insulin for type 2 diabetes, New clues to slow aging? Keep your skin well-moisturized by using a cream moisturizer rather than a lotion.
