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Written by:Ely Fornoville
6 Min Read
Diabetes is a condition that affects many people in today's society. The diabetic population has increased significantly over the years, and diabetic skin care products are becoming more available to help diabetic individuals take proper care and prevent skin problems. There are a variety of diabetic lotions and creams on the market, but some stand out from the rest as being best for this specific purpose.
In this Diabetic & Me article you will learn about:
- What is proper skin care for diabetic patients?
- How to apply lotion and cream on dry skin?
- What are common diabetic skin conditions?
table of contents
What Is the Proper Skincare for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes?
How to Use Diabetic Skin Care Products?
What Is the Best Cream for Diabetic Skin?
What Are Common Diabetic Skin Conditions?
What Diabetic Foot Cream Is the Best?
Conclusion
In this blog post, I will review 6 different diabetic lotions and creams so you can see which ones might be right for your needs!
Diabetes can be hard on diabetic skin. The constant fluctuation of blood glucose levels in diabetics can cause skin problems like dry skin, cracked skin, and itchy skin. Diabetic skin care is especially important because diabetic skin is more susceptible to infections from cuts or punctures due to circulation problems.
What Is the Proper Skincare for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes?
Treating diabetic skin, keeping healthy skin, and preventing skin disorders is mandatory for each diabetic. People with diabetes have sensitive skin and not creating it correctly can cause dry and cracked skin, nerve damage, and fungal infections.
A lotion or cream can be used to moisturize the skin and keep it hydrated. Lotion is usually preferred since lotion provides more moisture to the skin. Diabetics should also make sure they are applying a lotion that doesn't have any form of alcohol in it because this dries out the skin as excessive scratching would.
Diabetic lotions have ingredients that help prevent infections by healing small cuts quickly before bacteria is able to migrate into them and convert those wounds into holes or ulcers which are more difficult to heal.
The proper diabetic skincare for patients with type 2 diabetes includes making sure their hands and feet are taken care of, as well as avoiding other actions that might aggravate inflammation or bacterial growth.
How to Use Diabetic Skin Care Products?
Lotion and cream work to rehydrate the skin and seal in moisture so it’s not easily lost.
Apply lotion, creams, oils, or ointments sparingly - they should be applied after bathing, dressing, and before bedtime. Many diabetics need lotions with more oil than cream because lotions evaporate better into the skin. Make sure to apply lotions and creams evenly over the hands, feet, and legs. They should be massaged gently into the skin.
The sensitive skin may want something that is scent-free or unscented for a more calming moisturizer for its hypersensitive nature. Your hands are frequently touching wet surfaces like doorknobs, utensils, and paper money - often without gloves! The sensitivity can be increased by trauma from rough washcloths on elbows and knees during a scrubbing session.
- Here are some tips and tricks on how to apply lotion and cream to your skin:
- If lotion is watery, rub lotion in your hands first before applying it to the skin.
- Use lotions or creams with a thicker consistency to rehydrate sensitive areas like elbows and knees.
- Apply lotions sparingly so as not to overwhelm the skin.
- Start moisturizing at the feet and work up toward the heart - this will ensure that you have an even coat of lotion on all parts of your body when finished! This also helps avoid any potential staining if the product gets onto clothes while massaging into dry patches.
- After applying cream on your feet put on socks to make sure the feet keep dry and the cream is massaged into your skin.
- Skin care products may be applied by hand (using fingers) or with a cotton ball or pad soaked in lotion for larger areas such as arms and legs.
What Is the Best Cream for Diabetic Skin?
Below you can find a list of the best creams and lotions for diabetic skin to help you with your personal care, irritation, redness, to feed your whole body with amino acids, increase the blood flow in your blood vessels, and prevent severe conditions.
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1. Gold Bond Hydrating Lotion for Diabetics' Sensitive Skin
Gold Bond Ultimate's Diabetics' line of products provides the intensive hydration that diabetics need to help put their sensitive skin at ease for up to 24 hours. This one-touch aloe, vitamin A, vitamin E enriched lotion is fragrance-free and nongreasy so it won't make your tight clothes tough for you to move in all day.
The best part? It comes with a special 50% lighter formula specifically designed for dry skin caused by diabetes! Now go ahead & sweep those worries away with our moisturizing quality lotion today!
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Diabetics’ Dry and Cracked Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Diabetics’ Dry and Cracked Skin is a thick, nourishing lotion that provides 48-hour hydration. Formulated with essential ceramides 1, 3, 6-II as well as Urea, this light cream helps ease dry skin and has patented MVE technology to replenish your skin's natural skin barrier.
This product also contains the antioxidant Bilberry extract. You can rely on CeraVe knowing every ingredient in this delicate formula is carefully selected & crafted to help you feel relaxed all over again!
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3. Aveeno Relief Lotion Treating Diabetic Skin
Aveeno Relief Lotion Treating Diabetic Skin helps treat and soothe dry, itchy skin associated with diabetes. With a rich, fast-absorbing formula; you won't have to worry about your skin being pale or irritated for 24 hours. Follow the natural shea butter relief lotion after bathing in order to be well moisturized all day long and create a good skin barrier.
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4. Neoteric Diabetic - Advanced Healing Cream for Dry Skin
The Neoteric Diabetic Advanced Healing cream can help heal wounds, treat circulatory issues and other skin concerns. This product uses a clinically proven method to combine oxygenated corn oil with essential vitamins and nutrients that help speed up the healing of bruises and scrapes as well as providing relief for any painful itching. With this cream, there is no need to worry about greasy residue because it absorbs so quickly leaving behind a pleasant scent.
5. Diabetic Ulcer Cream & Sore Relief Treatment
An ulcer, also known as an open wound or sore, is one of the most common health problems for people with diabetes. It’s estimated that over 60% of all diabetic hospital admissions include treatment and prevention against these wounds. Keep your feet happy on those couches by using the Diabetic Ulcer Cream & Sore Relief Treatment! Get the 3X Action™ you need and be free from itching, soreness, discomfort, and redness.
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6. Formula 2 Skin Care Cream
Formula 2 Skin Care Cream is a formulated product by a father and son pharmacist team. This high-concentrate moisturizer is not watered down like other products, so it's perfect for people that can't always find what they're looking for. Say goodbye to dry, cracked skin and say hello to Formula 2 Skin Care Cream! You'll get deep hydration with no alcohol or fragrance with this product.
What Are Common Diabetic Skin Conditions?
When diabetes does affect the skin, it can sometimes cause a range of dry and other skin conditions that affect the appearance, feeling, or resilience of the skin. Poor blood circulation can lead to increased infection risks, particularly if lesions are open sores due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage).
The most common diabetes-related skin conditions include:
- Superficial bacterial infections are usually caused when diabetes medication increases susceptibility to virus-like molluscum contagiosum or herpes simplex virus type 1.
- Diabetic dermopathy, or skin lesions associated with diabetes that is usually painless and occurs on the shins.
- Lichen simplex - a disorder in which there is intense itching or burning due to an allergic reaction to sweat trapped under bandages, elastic stockings, or other clothing against the skin.
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP) can cause red bumps near hair follicles – this is also known as “chicken skin” because of its texture. It occurs when inflammation leads to the thickening of the outer layer of cells on top of the skin's surface called keratinocytes.
- Foot problems such as calluses and ulcers are caused by neuropathy-related injury from diabetes.
What Diabetic Foot Cream Is the Best?
The best foot cream for diabetes dry skin is CeRave moisturizing foot cream for dry skin, which contains moisturizers to prevent dry skin, especially during the winter months when air conditioners make dry skin even worse. The thick cream penetrates through the dry cracked or callused areas of your feet, allowing you to walk painlessly by lubricating and nourishing damaged and dry skin cells. It’s clinically shown gentle enough for people with diabetes.
Conclusion
Dry skin and other common diabetes-related conditions can be treated with the right products. Moisturizing cream for dry skin is a great way to keep your skin healthy, especially during colder months when dryness is more prevalent. It’s clinically shown gentle enough for people with diabetes, so you don't have to worry about any side effects or allergic reactions!
Last update on 2023-02-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Feet, Diabetes Products
Tagged in:
Diabetes, Diabetic, feet, skin, swollen feet, Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2
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About the Author
Ely Fornoville
Hi, I'm Ely Fornoville and I am the founder of Diabetic & Me. Being a type 1 diabetic since 1996 I developed a passion to help people learn more about diabetes. I write about diabetes and share stories from other diabetics around the world.I am currently using a Medtronic Guardian 4 and a Minimed 780G insulin pump with Humalog.
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FAQs
What is the best skin lotion for a diabetic? ›
...
4 Best Lotions for Dry Diabetic Skin
- Gold Bond Diabetics Dry Skin Relief. ...
- Diabetic Defense Daily Therapy Foot Moisturizer. ...
- TriDerma MD Diabetic Dry Skin Defense Healing Cream. ...
- Medline Remedy Phytoplex Nourishing Skin Cream Moisturizer.
CeraVe Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Cleansing Wash was developed with dermatologists to gently cleanse, hydrate and soothe diabetics' dry skin in just one wash.
What cream is good for diabetic legs? ›- Eucerin Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Foot Creme.
- Gold Bond Ultimate Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Skin Protectant Foot Cream.
- Flexitol Diabetic Foot Balm.
- Miracle Foot Repair Cream.
- O'Keeffe's for Healthy Feet Foot Cream.
Moisturize Your Skin
If you've got diabetes, itchy skin due to dryness can be a concern. A good moisturizer like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion may help to soothe and relieve itchiness.
Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk ( 20 , 21 ). Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk ( 22 , 23 ).
Is Dove soap good for diabetics? ›Skincare Tips for Diabetes Patients
Moisturize daily with an unscented emollient such as Cerave, Cetaphil or Uradin 10 lotion. Apply when skin is still damp- within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower. Use a moisturizing, fragrance-free cleanser such as Dove soap.
People who have diabetes may be more prone to having sensitive skin that gets irritated easily, so finding an antiperspirant and deodorant that does its job without irritation can often be difficult. Luckily, there's Vanicream Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant for Sensitive Skin.
What should diabetics keep away from? ›Your main goals should include staying away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains, and other foods that contain refined carbs. Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications.
What helps diabetic skin? ›Take short, lukewarm showers or baths and use mild soaps and shampoos when you wash. Skip deodorant or scented cleansers, which can be harsh on sensitive skin. Moisturize if your skin is dry. The best time is right after a shower or bath, when it's still moist.
What do diabetics get on their legs? ›Having diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels that supply your legs and feet. This puts affected people at increased risk of developing ulcers on the feet and legs which can become infected, and in the worst cases, develop gangrene (where the tissue dies, resulting in the need for amputation).
How can diabetics improve circulation in their legs and feet? ›
Exercise to benefit problem areas
If you are having circulation problems, choose exercises that focus on that part of the body. If circulation is poor in your feet, walking gets blood moving in your toes, feet, ankles and legs. If you can't get outside, target your lower body with squats, leg lifts and calf raises.
Take care of your feet.
Dry them thoroughly, and don't forget to dry between your toes. Moisturize your feet, but avoid moisturizing between your toes. Keep your toenails trim, and use an emery board to file down sharp edges. Check your feet for sores, cuts, blisters, corns, or redness daily.
Use a pumice stone once your heels become thick and dry to exfoliate any dead skin cells. You can also use a foot scrub on your heels to help with removing dead skin and to keep your heels soft.
What helps diabetic wounds heal faster? ›A common diet recommendation for people living with diabetes is less carbohydrates and more protein. That's because if you're eating foods with less sugar and lower glycemic levels, it's a lot easier to keep blood sugar levels in check. Eating more protein has an added advantage – it can help wounds heal more quickly.
Which oil reduces blood sugar? ›Data suggests that diet, rich in olive oil and nuts, significantly reduces fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin).
What oils stop sugar cravings? ›CINNAMON BARK ESSENTIAL OIL: This one can help curb sweet cravings, while making you feel satisfied and warm as well. ANISE, PEPPERMINT AND BASIL: These three can actually stimulate the appetite, supporting healthy digestion and metabolism.
What essential oils for high a1c? ›Researchers in a 2005 animal study found that a mix that included fenugreek, cinnamon, cumin, and oregano oils enhanced insulin sensitivity in lab animals with diabetes. Researchers concluded that this mix of oils lowered glucose levels and systolic blood pressure.
What food washes out sugar from blood? ›Eggs, peanut butter, beans, legumes, protein smoothies, fatty fish, and nuts are all high in protein. An increase in healthy fat intake also helps in sugar detox.
Can lemon water lower your blood sugar? ›Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.
Can drinking a gallon of water a day help lower blood sugar? ›The quick answer is yes, drinking water may help lower blood sugar. Water not only prevents dehydration, but also helps flush out excess sugar through your urine.
What is the best material for diabetic socks? ›
Government sources recommend cotton and wool socks for diabetic patients to help keep feet dry. 4,5 They also reinforce the need to wear socks at all times. Many do not make specific fabric recommendations, but they do suggest that people avoid tight socks.
Is coconut oil good for diabetic dry skin? ›Diabetes patients frequently develop dry or cracked skin. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser that promotes skin health as it contains antioxidative effects and anti-inflammatory characteristics. In addition, it promotes healing and soothing relief. Furthermore, it also provides instant hydration and protection.
Should diabetics take baths? ›Research being presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), suggests regular heat exposure through a hot bath is associated with a beneficial effect on risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including glycated haemoglobin |(HbA1c), a measure of blood sugar control.
How do diabetics stop sweating? ›Blood glucose control is the best way to manage night sweats caused by low blood glucose. Sometimes, simply adjusting your exercise time or eating a snack before bed can help. Your doctor can help you alter your diet, exercise, or medications to reduce or eliminate night sweats.
What is the safest deodorant to use? ›- Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Stick.
- Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream.
- Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream.
- Follain Charcoal Deodorant.
- From Molly With Love Probiotic Deodorant.
- Ursa Major No B.S. Deodorant.
- Lovefresh Super Strength Deodorant.
- Type: A The Minimalist Deodorant.
For functionally independent older adults, the IDF recommends an A1C goal of 7–7.5%, whereas for functionally dependent, frail patients or patients with dementia, an A1C goal of 7–8% is recommended.
What is the best diet to lower A1C? ›A Mediterranean diet, which is low in saturated fat and high in vegetables and fruit, reliably lowers A1c numbers.
What fruit should diabetics avoid? ›Diabetics should avoid fruits with a high GI or eat them in moderation so that their blood sugar levels do not spike abruptly. Pineapple, watermelon, mango, lychee, and banana have a high GI, so these are the worst fruits if you are diabetic.
What part of the body itches with diabetes? ›Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.
How do diabetics get rid of dark spots on face? ›To reduce the appearance of acanthosis nigricans, some people try topical or cosmetic treatments. Examples of topical creams and ointments are: retinoids containing a combination of tretinoin. ammonium lactate, which people may use with a topical retinoid.
Can diabetes skin be reversed? ›
Diabetes-related dermopathy is a harmless skin condition that affects people living with diabetes. It looks like small, round brownish patches and usually appears on your shins. There's no treatment for diabetes-related dermopathy, but makeup and moisturizer can help with its appearance.
How do you reverse diabetes legs? ›There is currently no way to reverse diabetic neuropathy, although scientists are working on future treatments. For now, the best approach is to manage blood sugar levels through medication and lifestyle changes. Keeping glucose within target levels can reduce the risk of developing neuropathy and its complications.
Do legs get thinner with diabetes? ›In fact, the longer you have diabetes, the more muscle mass you tend to lose, especially in the legs (3). InBody results for patients with T2D shows that lower body muscle mass is particularly low.
Why do diabetics lose feet? ›Most lower leg and foot removals begin with foot ulcers. An ulcer that won't heal causes severe damage to tissues and bone. It may require surgical removal (amputation) of a toe, a foot or part of a leg. Some people with diabetes are at higher risk than others.
What vitamin is good for circulation in legs and feet? ›Potassium (Vitamin K)
Potassium is an essential mineral for many important bodily functions, including blood circulation. It keeps the blood vessel walls strong and can even help prevent bulging veins.
- Walking. Walking is the simplest yet most effective exercise to help improve blood circulation in your legs. ...
- Stretching exercises. ...
- Different sitting positions. ...
- Compression stockings. ...
- Yoga. ...
- A massage. ...
- Sauna bath.
- Get walking. Walking is one of the best low-impact ways to get your circulation moving in a healthy way. ...
- Elevate your legs. ...
- Get into yoga. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Wear compression stockings. ...
- Get a massage. ...
- Stretch it out. ...
- Take a bath.
Diabetic lotion helps with health issues associated with diabetes. For people with diabetes, one major problem is poor blood circulation which can dry out the skin, cause swelling and numbness or loss of sensation. Diabetics often have tingling and itchiness in their hands, legs, feet and toes because of this.
What is the best thing for diabetic dry skin? ›...
For best results, dermatologists recommend that you:
- Use a cream or ointment rather than a lotion. ...
- Choose a fragrance-free cream or ointment that contains ceramides. ...
- Apply your cream or ointment after bathing, swimming, and when your skin feels dry or itchy.
Moisturize. After you bathe, apply a fragrance-free lotion to any areas that can get dry and itchy (avoid your toes, though). Other ways to keep your skin hydrated: Use a humidifier in your home and drink plenty of water. Check your skin daily.
Does Body lotion affect blood sugar? ›
The use of the hydroquinone-containing body lotion on the other hand significantly increased the measured value of capillary glucose level. This overestimation was persistent up to 1 hour after application of this latter cosmetic. A similar observation has been reported by Bouche et al.
What should diabetics not have? ›- Sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for someone with diabetes. ...
- Trans fats. Artificial trans fats are extremely unhealthy. ...
- White bread, rice, and pasta. ...
- Fruit-flavored yogurt. ...
- Sweetened breakfast cereals. ...
- Flavored coffee drinks. ...
- Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup. ...
- Dried fruit.
Hi, you can have most treatments done. Waxing is not recommended but sugaring is as sugar paste is room temperature. With manicures and pedicures the therapist has to be extra careful and avoid cuticle work etc. I would recommend you speak with your doctor first as it does depend on the individual.
What helps itchy skin from diabetes? ›Moisturising cream can be used to moisturise dry skin or as a preventative measure against skin becoming dry and itchy. Calamine lotion can help to alleviate skin that is itching. Medications which may be prescribed to relieve itching include mild steroid creams and antihistamine tablets.
Why do diabetics skin get so dry? ›Dry, itchy skin
This skin condition is common, even for people who don't have diabetes. But dry, itchy skin can be a result of poor circulation, which is more likely when you have diabetes.
Skincare Tips for Diabetes Patients
Moisturize daily with an unscented emollient such as Cerave, Cetaphil or Uradin 10 lotion. Apply when skin is still damp- within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower.
If you want to help lock in moisture after using a foot cream, then wear socks after application. Wearing socks overnight can help keep your feet hydrated, though it's probably best to try this trick out in the colder months when feet are more likely to dry out.
What time of day is blood sugar highest? ›The dawn phenomenon is an early-morning rise in blood sugar, also called blood glucose, in people with diabetes. The dawn phenomenon leads to high levels of blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia. It usually happens between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
What should my blood sugar be when I wake up? ›What should your blood sugar be when you wake up? Whenever possible, aim to keep your glucose levels in range between 70 and 130 mg/dL in the morning before you eat breakfast, and between 70 and 180 mg/dL at other times.
Why is my blood sugar high when I have not eaten anything? ›Skipping meals can actually increase your blood glucose levels. If your body doesn't get a regular supply of energy from food, your liver may panic and start releasing glucose into your bloodstream. This glucose can come from stored liver glycogen or can be newly synthesized from protein.