Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the entire body and also serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury and infection. Our skin performs several functions for our body such as regulating body temperature, storing water and fat, preventing entry of bacteria, fungi and viruses into the body and making Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. The skin is a vital source of sense perception of the environment.Skin conditions in DiabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition that may affect a variety of organs including the skin. Nearly 30-40 per cent of people with Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, present with a skin complication of Diabetes at some point during their lifetime. These conditions vary in severity and may be benign, deforming or even life-threatening. Such skin changes can offer insights into blood sugar control and maybe the first sign of metabolic dysfunction in undiagnosed people with Diabetes.Dermatological manifestations of Diabetes have various health implications ranging from those that are aesthetically concerning to those that may be life-threatening.Awareness of skin complications of Diabetes can provide insight into the present or prior metabolic status of a person. Some of the specific skinconditions that are associated with Diabetes are:• Skin manifestations such as hyperpigmentation of the skin over face, neck, armpits, hands (acanthosin migricans) spots and patches on the lower leg, foot ulcers, limited joint mobility and hardening of the skin on the back. • Non-specific dermatologic signs and symptoms such as thick dry fish-scale skin, dry skin, small bumps on the skin caused by high cholesterol levels, small soft elongated skin growth, Diabetes associated itching, redness of face skin and yellow skin and nails• Dermatological conditions such as round-patterned skin bumps, psoriasis, itchy non-infectious rashes, loss ofpigment in the cells, painful lumps under the skin, glucagonoma• Common skin infections such as bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections• Cutaneous changes due to insulin and oral medicationsEnvironmental changes during the rainy seasonIt is hard to ignore the intoxicating fragrance of rain, the sight of the lush green, dewy trees and the coolness in the breeze. However, it also brings its fair shareof problems like every other season such as temperature change, pollution, humidityand water contamination. The high humidity levels lead to sweating andmoisture in the folded areas and give rise to several skin conditions.Changes in the skinScalpThe increase in humidity and persistent drenching in the rain can make one's hair prone to bacterial and fungal action. One may experience hair problems such as dandruff, dry, dull and frizzy hair with itchy scalp during the rainy season. Itchy scalp may occur due to many reasons - dandruff, parasitic conditions, fungal infections, allergic reactions, dietary habits or a lag in hair care.FaceUrticaria or insect bite reaction is a common sight during the monsoon. Insect bites can cause distress such as red itchy bump to the very severe hives along with swelling around eyes and lips. When humidity rises in the atmosphere, the skin becomes dry. This triggers the oil glands and clogs the pores, leading to acne.Eczema is another common dermatological condition in which patches of skin become itchy, inflamed, red, rough and blistered initially and later become thickened and roughened. Humidity may also cause dryness of skin, further aggravating the condition.Hands and feet• Carry an extra pair of clothing and footwear. It is important to keep the feet completely clean and dry to avoid any infection.• People with Diabetes should take special care of their feet. Feet tend to get wet frequently in the rainy season so carryan extra piece of clothing to wipe your feet in case this happens. It is necessary for people with Diabetes to wash their feet after exposure to rain.Clean the feet and wipe them dry twice daily and after you come home from a walk. Apply moisturizer to the feet.• Make sure your footwear is of a comfortable material that doesn't trouble your skin. Even the smallest open wounds are a portal for further infections. Optfor an open pair that doesn't trap any water or keep your feet moist. Consult your podiatrist to know the right footwear and socks for you.• Avoid walking barefoot and going long distance in slippers.• Take care of your toenails as infection in the toenails is very common in the rainy season.• Cut your nails properly. Visit your doctor to cut thick toenails.• Inspect your feet daily if there are blisters, wound, redness or a small increase in the warmness of the foot.• Those with ulcers or wound in the feet should not walk in a puddle of water. Infection can easily enter through the wound.• Wipe the web spaces between the toes dry and use an antifungal powder, after consultation from a dermatologist or a podiatrist. Dr Pradeep Patil is a consultant Dermatologistand Cosmetologist.
Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the entire body and also serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury and infection. Our skin performs several functions for our body such as regulating body temperature, storing water and fat, preventing entry of bacteria, fungi and viruses into the body and making Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. The skin is a vital source of sense perception of the environment.Skin conditions in DiabetesDiabetes is a chronic condition that may affect a variety of organs including the skin. Nearly 30-40 per cent of people with Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, present with a skin complication of Diabetes at some point during their lifetime. These conditions vary in severity and may be benign, deforming or even life-threatening. Such skin changes can offer insights into blood sugar control and maybe the first sign of metabolic dysfunction in undiagnosed people with Diabetes.Dermatological manifestations of Diabetes have various health implications ranging from those that are aesthetically concerning to those that may be life-threatening.Awareness of skin complications of Diabetes can provide insight into the present or prior metabolic status of a person. Some of the specific skinconditions that are associated with Diabetes are:• Skin manifestations such as hyperpigmentation of the skin over face, neck, armpits, hands (acanthosin migricans) spots and patches on the lower leg, foot ulcers, limited joint mobility and hardening of the skin on the back. • Non-specific dermatologic signs and symptoms such as thick dry fish-scale skin, dry skin, small bumps on the skin caused by high cholesterol levels, small soft elongated skin growth, Diabetes associated itching, redness of face skin and yellow skin and nails• Dermatological conditions such as round-patterned skin bumps, psoriasis, itchy non-infectious rashes, loss ofpigment in the cells, painful lumps under the skin, glucagonoma• Common skin infections such as bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections• Cutaneous changes due to insulin and oral medicationsEnvironmental changes during the rainy seasonIt is hard to ignore the intoxicating fragrance of rain, the sight of the lush green, dewy trees and the coolness in the breeze. However, it also brings its fair shareof problems like every other season such as temperature change, pollution, humidityand water contamination. The high humidity levels lead to sweating andmoisture in the folded areas and give rise to several skin conditions.Changes in the skinScalpThe increase in humidity and persistent drenching in the rain can make one's hair prone to bacterial and fungal action. One may experience hair problems such as dandruff, dry, dull and frizzy hair with itchy scalp during the rainy season. Itchy scalp may occur due to many reasons - dandruff, parasitic conditions, fungal infections, allergic reactions, dietary habits or a lag in hair care.FaceUrticaria or insect bite reaction is a common sight during the monsoon. Insect bites can cause distress such as red itchy bump to the very severe hives along with swelling around eyes and lips. When humidity rises in the atmosphere, the skin becomes dry. This triggers the oil glands and clogs the pores, leading to acne.Eczema is another common dermatological condition in which patches of skin become itchy, inflamed, red, rough and blistered initially and later become thickened and roughened. Humidity may also cause dryness of skin, further aggravating the condition.Hands and feet• Carry an extra pair of clothing and footwear. It is important to keep the feet completely clean and dry to avoid any infection.• People with Diabetes should take special care of their feet. Feet tend to get wet frequently in the rainy season so carryan extra piece of clothing to wipe your feet in case this happens. It is necessary for people with Diabetes to wash their feet after exposure to rain.Clean the feet and wipe them dry twice daily and after you come home from a walk. Apply moisturizer to the feet.• Make sure your footwear is of a comfortable material that doesn't trouble your skin. Even the smallest open wounds are a portal for further infections. Optfor an open pair that doesn't trap any water or keep your feet moist. Consult your podiatrist to know the right footwear and socks for you.• Avoid walking barefoot and going long distance in slippers.• Take care of your toenails as infection in the toenails is very common in the rainy season.• Cut your nails properly. Visit your doctor to cut thick toenails.• Inspect your feet daily if there are blisters, wound, redness or a small increase in the warmness of the foot.• Those with ulcers or wound in the feet should not walk in a puddle of water. Infection can easily enter through the wound.• Wipe the web spaces between the toes dry and use an antifungal powder, after consultation from a dermatologist or a podiatrist. Dr Pradeep Patil is a consultant Dermatologistand Cosmetologist.
