Diabetic Skin Care and Infection Prevention

Why Skin Care Matters When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body — including your skin. When blood sugar levels run high over time, skin can become dry, fragile, and slower to heal, which increases the risk of infections.

Skin changes or infections are sometimes early warning signs that blood sugar is not well controlled. The good news? With daily care and early treatment, many skin problems can be prevented or treated successfully.

---

How Diabetes Increases Skin Infection Risk

When diabetes is not well controlled, it can:

• Pull moisture from the skin, causing dryness and cracking
• Reduce blood flow to the skin, slowing healing
• Decrease feeling in some areas, making cuts or sores harder to notice
• Weaken the body’s ability to fight bacteria and fungi

Small skin issues can become serious if they are not addressed early.

---

Daily Skin Care Tips to Protect Your Skin

Keep Skin Clean and Comfortable

• Bathe regularly using warm (not hot) water
• Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
• Apply a moisturizer after bathing, especially on arms, legs, and hands
  • Avoid putting lotion between toes, where moisture can cause infection

Protect Against Dryness

• Use a humidifier during cold or dry months
• Avoid very long baths or showers
• Choose mild shampoos and skin products

---

Preventing Skin Problems and Infections

• Keep blood sugar as close to your target range as possible
• Avoid scratching dry or itchy skin
• Wear loose, breathable clothing
• Keep skin folds (under breasts, groin, armpits) clean and dry
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly

---

Foot Care Is Especially Important

Your feet need daily attention if you have diabetes:

• Check feet every day for:
  • Cuts
  • Blisters
  • Redness
  • Swelling
• Wash feet daily and dry well, especially between toes
• Wear well-fitting shoes and clean socks
• Check inside shoes before wearing them
• Trim toenails carefully or ask for help if needed

---

Common Skin Infections in People with Diabetes

Bacterial Infections

These may include:

• Boils
• Infected hair follicles
• Infections around nails
• Red, warm, swollen areas that may be painful

Bacterial infections often require medical treatment, including antibiotics.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are common and often appear in warm, moist areas, such as:

• Between toes
• Groin
• Under breasts
• Skin folds

Signs may include:

• Itching
• Red or scaly patches
• Cracking skin
• Small blisters

Common types include:

• Yeast infections
• Athlete’s foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm

Untreated fungal infections can allow bacterial infections to develop, so early treatment is important.

---

Caring for Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds

• Wash minor cuts with soap and water
• Cover with a clean bandage
• Use antibiotic ointment only if recommended by your provider
• Watch closely for signs of infection:
  • Increasing redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling
  • Drainage
  • Pain

Call your doctor right away if a wound does not improve or looks worse.

---

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Skin redness that spreads
• Drainage or pus
• Fever
• Painful sores
• Wounds that do not heal
• Any skin problem you cannot manage at home
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

---

Key Takeaways

• Healthy skin starts with good blood sugar control
• Daily skin and foot checks help catch problems early
• Keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected
• Never ignore cuts, rashes, or signs of infection

---

Medical Disclaimer

This educational material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor, nurse, or other qualified healthcare professional with questions about skin concerns, infections, or diabetes management. Do not delay seeking medical care based on information in this resource.

---

Sources:

• https://clackamasvim.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sci-advisor_2018_skin_care_and_infections_v3.pdf