My kid is diabetic. Any skin issues I should be aware of, now or later in life? Hassan Rizvi.
Rizvi sahib, kids with diabetes can live life to the fullest by taking certain small steps. Generally speaking, children have Insulin dependent diabetes. Monitor Insulin regularly with glucometer. Make sure no meal is missed especially after the injection. Be aware of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If a child is drowsy or weak, give him anything sweet. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous.
Coming to the skin issue, one third of children with diabetes will have any of the following skin disorders: delayed wound healing, itching of the skin, bacterial infections, fungal infections, velvety dark skin and changes of the neck called Acanthosis Nigricans. There are several things you can do to prevent skin problems:
l Take a bath regularly but avoid hot water. Keep skin clean,
dry, especially in the body folds and in between the web spaces of the feet to avoid fungal infections. Moisturising soaps will be of great help.
* Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up
and allow infection.
* Treat cuts right away and take good care of the feet.
* During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid.
See a Consult a dermatologist about skin problems if you are
not able to solve them yourself.
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