This condition can be relentless. Nerve problems. Your Information is 100% Secure and Will Never Be Shared With Anyone. When itching is a symptom of diabetes, it's due to high blood sugar, which can cause: Itching can be a symptom of diabetes or prediabetes, which is when your blood sugar is nearing a diabetic level. Often times, due to poor circulation in the extremities, the lower legs are the itchiest part of the body. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. I have horrible dental problems because of this; several teeth have fallen out (but thankfully no pain). Allergy. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Required fields are marked *. That can lead to diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage that's common among people with diabetes. 2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332, Schmelz M. Itch processing in the skin. I have always found breakfast the absolute worst meal of the day just bogs you down. doi:10.7759/cureus.13407, Rinaldi G. The itch-scratch cycle: a review of the mechanisms. I always tell my patients to limit bathing to once a day or even once every other day, use lukewarm water (hot water feels soothing but it also strips away important lipids from the skins surface) and dont stay in the bath or shower too long (510 min is more than enough). In infants, doctors call seborrheic dermatitis "cradle cap." . High blood sugar can make you itch in several ways. (function() {var a="",b=["aid=111213"];for (var c=0;cDiabetic Itching Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments The farthest body part from your heartyour legsare most vulnerable to decreased circulation. It's important to go to all follow-up appointments so that your healthcare provider can monitor your blood sugar and general health, as well as address the symptom of itching. See how to do it right and avoid side effects. In this article, we look at the reasons a person with diabetes might experience itching and offer tips on providing relief. Stasis dermatitis (also known as varicose eczema or venous eczema or gravitational eczema) is a condition that can result from poor blood circulation. Check your skin daily for signs of rashes, redness, infections or sores. 2015 2023 Diabetes Strong. The nerve damage caused by the illness may stop diabetics from sweating, which robs their skin of natural moisture. However, if you do struggle with persistently high blood sugar levels, they are likely causing or worsening your dry skin. Tania Tarafdar | Updated: May 11, 2016 11:28 am Many people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes are surprised as the condition often occurs without obvious symptoms. Elevated blood sugar can also impact the sweat glands which can lead to itching in the feet and scalp. Itching can occur anywhere on the body. Acanthosis nigricans as a warning sign This is a condition that results in the darkening and thickening of certain areas of the skin, especially in the skin folds. Skin Problems Associated with Diabetes Mellitus. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. Then work . Itching and hair loss without signs of an infection or another skin reaction may indicate an underlying nerve problem, which could be due to damage, disease, or an abnormality. For diabetics, skin issues are usually because high blood-sugar levels can result in dehydrated skin, poor circulation, and a compromised immune system. So what causes skin barrier disruption? Various conditions can cause your scalp to itch, from dandruff to ringworm, or something more serious like an infection.2 While the scalp, like skin anywhere on the body, is prone to infections from many different types of infectious agents; fungal and bacterial infections are by far the most common.3 clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Itching is a common symptom of diabetes. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. People can also experience itching as a result of poor circulation. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms. Bloating and constipation diabetes how i can solved stomach problem, If you have consistent bloating and constipation you should see a doctor. Sweating or getting the hair wet without properly drying the scalp can cause mold or mildew to develop and create an itching sensation as well. Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that is first recognised during pregnancy. This means your first action towards treatment is to contact your diabetes healthcare team and ask for the help you need to adjust your medications, nutrition, and other health-related habits to improve your blood sugar levels. Fungal Infections: The most common fungal infection in people living with diabetes is one called Candida albicans characterized by a red, itchy rash that is often surrounded by small blisters and scales. This ebook, valued at $36.95 is 100% FREE. Three other common diabetes skin problems are fungal infections. Any changes in pigmented areas of the body, especially on the bits regularly exposed to sunlight should be checked by your doctor.