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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Diabetes. Peeling Skin On Leg, Painful. What Can I Do?

my husband is a diabetic, he s been takin pretty good care of himself, but ever since i have been with in (3 years) the lower part of his legs his skin is peeling and crusty, and looks like you could peel it off. Also the has a tan color, almost like peeling leather skin off... it is painful if picks it off.. it looks like dead skin that you take off... what is it and why is it doing this? also his feet are always so dry and cracking... i put lotion on his legs and feet, is there anything else i can do?
Sat, 30 Mar 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Uncontrolled diabetes  can affect all body systems, including skin.
Skin problems should be addressed and promptly treated to avoid serious consequences and complications.

Apart from bacterial and fungal infections dry skin is more common in people with diabetes. Skin becomes flaky, sore and red.

Dry skin can be caused by high blood sugar levels because fluids are removed from the body via urination to help eliminate sugar. Nerve damage, which can be caused by diabetes, can also cause dry skin because the process of sweating is hindered by nerves that cannot properly receive or relay the messages to sweat.

Another reason in people with diabetes is poor circulation in the arms and legs, a condition called peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, as with neuropathy, poor circulation can cause a decrease in perspiration that keeps skin moist. Another blood flow condition causing dry skin is known as diabetic dermopathy, which involves scaly patches of skin resulting from damage to small blood vessels that supply the skin with blood.

Dry skin and diabetes can be a vicious cycle. If dry skin cracks, germs can enter and cause infection. High blood glucose feeds germs and worsens the infection.An infection that doesn't heal because of poor circulation may lead to gangrene, the death of tissue due to lack of blood.
Treatment involves...
Meticulous control of blood sugar levels.
Protection of feet and avoidance of injuries on feet
Use moisturising soaps,lotions and creams.
Drink plenty of fluids including water,to keep skin moist and healthy.
Be under guidance of your doctor regularly.
Thanks
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General & Family Physician Dr. Michelle Gibson James's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There a different possibilities. It is possible that he simply has dry skin which can be found in some persons.
It is also thought that diabetics may be predisposed to dry skin because the loss of fluid from the body ( including the skin) that can occur with elevated blood sugars.

It would be best to apply moisturising agents within 3 minutes of exiting the bath when the skin is still a little wet. He may need to use agents that provide extra moisture such as oils ( for example peanut oil), glycerine, sebamed, emulsifying ointments. You can consider trying one and determining which would work best for him.

Hope this helps
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  User's Response
dr sachin pandit's  Response

it can be best treated homoeopathically but by understanding some important aspect of him e.g.how this skin disease begin and by understanding type of diabetes and with what symptom he was suffering when diagnosed with diabetes. it will not only improve with his skin disease but it also help him to improve his general condition.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
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Have Diabetes. Peeling Skin On Leg, Painful. What Can I Do?

Hello, Uncontrolled diabetes  can affect all body systems, including skin. Skin problems should be addressed and promptly treated to avoid serious consequences and complications. Apart from bacterial and fungal infections dry skin is more common in people with diabetes. Skin becomes flaky, sore and red. Dry skin can be caused by high blood sugar levels because fluids are removed from the body via urination to help eliminate sugar. Nerve damage, which can be caused by diabetes, can also cause dry skin because the process of sweating is hindered by nerves that cannot properly receive or relay the messages to sweat. Another reason in people with diabetes is poor circulation in the arms and legs, a condition called peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, as with neuropathy, poor circulation can cause a decrease in perspiration that keeps skin moist. Another blood flow condition causing dry skin is known as diabetic dermopathy, which involves scaly patches of skin resulting from damage to small blood vessels that supply the skin with blood. Dry skin and diabetes can be a vicious cycle. If dry skin cracks, germs can enter and cause infection. High blood glucose feeds germs and worsens the infection.An infection that doesn t heal because of poor circulation may lead to gangrene, the death of tissue due to lack of blood. Treatment involves... Meticulous control of blood sugar levels. Protection of feet and avoidance of injuries on feet Use moisturising soaps,lotions and creams. Drink plenty of fluids including water,to keep skin moist and healthy. Be under guidance of your doctor regularly. Thanks