Skin DEEP
DO● (^) After washing, dry yourself
thoroughly, especially
between folds of skin and
toes. Try using a hairdryer
to reach tricky spots.
● (^) Wear breathable cotton
underwear and socks and
avoid synthetic clothes.
● (^) Manage your blood
glucose levels (BGLs) as this
will reduce your chance of
having fungal flare-ups.
● (^) Ask your GP or pharmacist
for advice on anti-fungal
creams, powders and sprays.
DON’T
● (^) Use anything that’s been
perfumed, like toilet paper,
toiletries, feminine hygiene
products or harsh soaps.
In fact, always try to avoid
anything scented because
these can upset the natural
pH balance of your skin.
T
he days are shorter, the nights are colder and the indoor
heater is on high. You’re probably also piling your bed
with brushed cotton sheets, a heavy doona and a fluffy
blanket. While this is great for keeping your tootsies warm, it’s
not so helpful for your skin. When the temperature drops, get
into the habit of paying extra attention to your largest organ.
Your skin provides an essential barrier against infections
and irritants. Ideally, you want to prevent cracked skin and
avoid losing too much moisture, as that can lead to infection.
Diabetes can reduce circulation, slow healing and compromise
your skin’s protective barrier, so it’s even more important to
keep your dermis as hydrated and healthy as possible.
When chilly winds and heating are added to the mix, skin
issues – such as dryness, sensitivity, itching and cracking – flare
up. “Low humidity and heat contribute to dry skin, as does
ageing,” says Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon, a fellow with
the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Keep your skin in
tip-top condition this winter with these simple dos and don’ts.
‘Tis the season to rug up and give your
dermis some extra love. Here’s how
to stay healthy and hydrated
Fungal inf ections
DO
● Check the overnight
temperature before you
go to bed and adjust your
bedding accordingly.
“Depending where
you live and whether
the environment is
temperature-controlled,
the overnight climate
may vary by over 10
degrees,” says Assoc.
Prof. Nixon.
● Choose gentle soaps
and shower gels. Non-
perfumed, pH-balanced
or hypoallergenic varieties
make good choices.
● Moisturise your face
and body (especially legs)
morning and night, and
slip a hand cream into
your bag or keep one in
the car for instant relief.
● Stay hydrated! Chilly
days may mean you
drink less than the
recommended eight
glasses of water a day.
Try sipping herbal tea –
it’ll keep you warm, too.
DON’T
● Bathe or shower in extra-
hot water as it can strip
your skin of oils. Use warm
water and only soak for
10 minutes or less. ➤
Dry skin
diabetic living JULY/AUGUST 2017 107
LIVING well