Why Do Diabetics Often Feel Itchy? This Is The Cause And Solution

JAKARTA - It turns out that diabetics are more susceptible to itching skin than those who do not experience the disease. This condition is caused by neuropathy, namely conditions that affect nerves. In addition, diabetes can also increase the risk of the emergence of certain skin diseases and infections.

Itching is often a symptom of diabetic polyneuropathy, which is a condition that occurs when diabetes damages nerves. Some skin conditions that develop due to diabetes can also cause itching skin.

The most important thing is that diabetics should not ignore itching skin. Dry skin, irritation or itching is more easily infected. Unfortunately people's bodies with diabetes can't always fight infection. They are not as strong as people who don't have diabetes.

Reporting from Medical News Today, there are several reasons why diabetics can feel itching more often. Sometimes, itching can be caused by damaged nerve fibers in the outer layers of the skin.

Often, the cause of itching related to diabetes is diabetic polyneuropathy or peripheral neuropathy. This is a diabetes complication that develops when high blood sugar levels damage nerve fibers, especially in the legs and hands.

Before the nerve damage occurs, high levels of cytokines, namely inflammatory substances, circulate in the body and can cause itching. Recent research shows this cytokine increase can be related to nerve damage due to diabetes.

So itching that is constantly can be a sign that diabetics are at risk of nerve damage. Many people also experience itching as a symptom after the neuropathy develops. If this itching continues, you should immediately seek medical help.

Itching can also be a side effect of new drugs consumed to allergic reactions. But never stop treatment without confirmation from a doctor first. Doctors may need to predicate a substitute drug.

In addition, poor blood circulation can also cause itching, especially at the bottom of the leg. Another factor, skin products that contain perfume, dyes, and hard soap can dry and itchy skin. The skin can also become dry or sensitive in winter.

Sometimes, itching can be caused by certain skin conditions. Diabetics are more easily exposed to some skin conditions and infections, including:

- Muncul Infections: fungal infections such as aphids (athlete's foot) can cause itching. The skin can also be red, hot, or swollen. Sometimes, small lephahans appear and secrete liquids. The yeast star named Candida albicans is often the cause.

-Gipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD): This is a rare skin condition that usually appears at the lower leg, although it can also be in other parts of the body. NLD starts as a dull red speck with a prominent surface which then develops into lesions such as scars with a dark edge. This condition can feel pain and itching.

- Eruptive Xanthoxis: More common in people with type 1 diabetes. This condition forms yellow lesions on the skin the size of a peanut. High cholesterol and fat levels increase the risk of this condition. These spots often appear in the legs, feet, hands, arms, and buttocks. Each speck will have a red ring around it and may feel itchy.

Symptoms To Pay Attention To

Symptoms of itching can vary depending on the cause. For example, if a person suffers from peripheral neuropathy, itching will be felt more often at the bottom of the leg. They may also experience numbness, usually on the feet or hands, which are accompanied by a tingling sensation.

People with certain skin conditions or infections will feel itchy at the location of the speckle or lesion.

Itching can make a person feel uncomfortable while dressing, wake them up at night, and make them constantly want to scratch.

How To Overcome Itchy Feelings

There are several steps that diabetics can take to keep their skin healthy and relieve itching:

- Set diabetes carefully and prevent blood sugar levels from becoming too high.

- Avoid bathing with too hot water. Hot water can remove moisture from the skin.

- Use lotion when the skin is still moist after bathing. But never apply lotion between the legs, because the humidity there can provoke fungi.

- Avoid moisturizers that contain hard perfume or dyes. Look for a product with the label 'Soft Light' or 'hipoallergenic'. Some manufacturers even make special lotion for diabetics.

- Make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, to help reduce skin symptoms.

If you have tried the ways at home for about 2 weeks but the itching has not improved, immediately discuss it with the doctor.

While everyone can feel itching occasionally, for diabetics, itching can be a signal that diabetes is out of control and there may be nerve damage.

Doctors can check dry or scaly skin areas to determine whether the cause is diabetes or other skin conditions. They can also prescribe treatment or recommend changes to diabetes management routines.