Diabetes affects more than the body’s metabolic processes, it also influences skin health. When blood sugar is not well controlled, people with diabetes may develop skin complications such as diabetic blisters, dry and itchy skin, and skin patches or lesions in various areas. These problems often cause discomfort and need targeted care.

Why Does Diabetes Lead to Itching and Other Skin Complications?

People with diabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar. This disrupts the nervous system and drives the body to release large amounts of cytokines. Under typical conditions, cytokines support the immune system and help the body to defend against infection. In diabetes, however, these proteins tend to be overproduced, fueling inflammation reactions that leave the skin dry, cracked, and itchy.

Treating Skin Complications Caused by Diabetes

Dry, itchy skin in diabetes can be hard to ignore, but scratching often makes things worse. This habit can increase the risk of skin infections. Because people with diabetes are more prone to wounds that heal slowly, scratching habit can lead to sores and scarring that are difficult to resolve.

Skin management depends on the specific condition. Here are several ways to address skin complications in diabetes:

1. Keep baths brief

Bath and showers, especially if you use warm water, can bring short-term relief. Still, avoid water with excessively hot temperature or spending too long in the bath or shower, as this strips the skin’s natural moisture. Choose a moisturizing cleanser to help prevent excessive dryness.

2. Apply moisturizer regularly

To ease dry, itchy skin, use moisturizer whenever skin feels tight or right after bathing. Moisturizers help lock water into the outer layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated and reducing itch. In addition to standard creams, options such as olive oil–based creams, tea tree oil, or aloe vera gel may be used to care for dry skin.

3. Follow a healthy diet

A key to stable blood sugar level is a nutritious diet. Limit foods that can cause sharp glucose spikes, such as sweets or foods with a high glycemic index like pasta or rice.

The three approaches above offer practical steps for treating skin disorders caused by diabetes. Because these skin issues stem from underlying diabetes, you also need comprehensive diabetes management. Speak with your doctor about optimizing blood sugar, and consult a dermatologist for any wounds or skin concerns related to diabetes.

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