I've always been used to humidity. I may not appreciate what it does to my curly, frizz-prone hair, but I'm used to it. Sixty to seventy percent humidity was fairly common growing up. I just never realized how much my skin appreciated the high humidity of my area.
My mom always said to like it since people in high humidity areas wrinkle less. I didn't make the connection until I moved and started experiencing the irritation of dry skin. Moving, just four hours away, sent me into a completely different climate where the air is typically dry and a lot colder than what I'm used to (except in summers when it's so much hotter than what I'm used to but without that humidity it's actually tolerable at 115 degrees).
I've struggled with dry skin off and on over the years. Blame it on the 'betes. My face is oil-prone (thanks PCOS), but my arms and legs often feel like the Sahara. But it was always manageable with the right soap and regular moisturizer. It'd come and go every now and then and that moisturizer would zap whatever dryness was hanging around.
The lack of humidity here has apparently left my skin in a continual dry spell where no amount of moisturizer, water, or typical skin care will help. I've even considered buying special "diabetes dry skin lotion." I haven't yet, but I've thought about it while standing in the pharmacy line.
This dry skin leaves the backs of my hands, upper arms, lower legs, and feet rough and honestly looking like that desert. I put lotion on and my skin soaks it up only to feel the same moments later. A continual routine of dry skin, lotion, and more dry skin.
Sadly, a large part of me is concerned about the dry skin as far as diabetic complications. I've always had poor circulation, from the start, but each year does seem a little bit worse. My feet fall asleep easier, the dry skin gets worse, or I just can't warm my toes. No pain and no tingling. No feeling of wearing a sock. Just that feeling that my nerves or arteries are not quite right.
I know that the dry skin means I need to be extra vigilant about cuts and blisters and scrapes on my hands and feet. I typically don't have issues with any of that anyway. I avoid pedicures that don't clean between each person. I "try" to avoid shoes that I know will bother my feet. I'm careful about cleanliness in pools, hot tubs, and so on.
I just wish there was an easier fix for the continual dry skin. Perhaps when winter is over, it won't be such a problem. Perhaps I need to invest in some of that "diabetes dry skin lotion."
Have you tried olive oil - as a lotion as well as a food!
Applying it after a bath without drying off first, and massaging it in lightly, does wonders for my skin.
i am living with the same situation with dry skin and itching mainly in the winter months be diabetic i take it very serious'''i will try the olive oil'''blessing
Try body misturizers with scented African
Shea butter. I have dry skin and it works for me every time. The brand I like is Carol's daughter. I little pricey at 18$ a tin, but it last forever ( 2 1/2 to 3 months); smells great ( I like Almond cookie body butter): You can get it online or at Federated dept. stores like Macy's or Dilliards. There are coupons on line for it as well. Love the frgance and the moisture during cold Ohio winters in my home with such dry heat.
God BLess,
Brunetta
Extra Virgin coconut oil is also good after a bath or shower.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 16 years ago. This is the first winter I am having a dry skin problem. Just was told I have eczema-it is on many parts of my body. I used Vanos cream(RX from dermatologist) but I didn't like all the possible side effects listed for it. I have since switched to Palmer Cocoa Butter with vitamin E Lotion and Palmers Soothing Oil For Dry, Itchy Skin.
Can someone tell me what else I could be doing? And are there foods I ought not to be eating?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Sincerely,
ethel
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 16 years ago. This is the first winter I am having a dry skin problem. Just was told I have eczema-it is on many parts of my body. I used Vanos cream(RX from dermatologist) but I didn't like all the possible side effects listed for it. I have since switched to Palmer Cocoa Butter with vitamin E Lotion and Palmers Soothing Oil For Dry, Itchy Skin.
Can someone tell me what else I could be doing? And are there foods I ought not to be eating?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Sincerely,
ethel
I also keep many plants in the house; and sometimes use a humidifier n mny bedroom. That keeps motsture in and I breathe better at night.
God Bless,
Brunetta
Yeah I noticed the dryness right away. Texas sure is unforgiving. Though I think purchasing a humidifier is a great idea. Its been raining here for the last two days and my skins been doing great thanks to that bit of humidity. That and Vasaline cocoa butter lotion does wonders. ~Andrew
For me, I find the dry skin issues are definitely a winter thing. While I haven't noticed a direct relationship between circulation and dry skin, I'm finding my circulation issues are worse this year than they've ever been before (we're talking cyanosis through all the knuckles on my hands). Lotions, oils, butters, and creams are of limited use as they often make the surface of the skin more-easily irritated by clothing. Hydration is said to help, but it's hard to drink water when one is having trouble not shivering to death (so to speak)...
Brenda Bell (T`Mana)
T2 D&E dx 07/16/2002
T3 to 2 T2s (metformin/other
oral)