Dry skin is a common issue for a lot of people. It can certainly be annoying, but generally speaking, the flaking and itchiness of dry skin are more of a nuisance than a significant issue. A little lotion can set things right pretty quickly.

But if you have diabetes, dry skin can become a big problem in a hurry.

The Problem of Dry Skin With Diabetes

The odds are pretty good that you don’t give too much thought to how and when your body knows to sweat, but the fact is your brain sends signals via your nerves to sweat. If the nerves in your legs and feet don’t transmit that signal due to diabetic neuropathy, your feet won’t sweat, and dry skin may be the result. We may not think about the role sweat plays in keeping our skin moist and soft, but it is an important component of keeping your feet healthy.

If the skin in your feet is too dry, it may crack—and those cracks can allow germs to get in and cause problems. Fortunately, your podiatrist can recommend moisturizing soaps and lotions that can help maintain the moisture in your feet and keep problems at bay.

What If the Problems Have Already Started?

We want to add an important note here: If you have already been experiencing problems with dry skin on your feet and you find yourself with sores that simply are not healing, you must see your podiatrist immediately. Failure to get treatment for sores on your feet can lead to extremely serious issues—including a need for amputation.

As a result, it is essential that you take dry feet seriously if you have diabetes. What seems like a small annoyance for many people can quickly become a major issue for you.

We Can Help Keep Your Skin Healthy

At InStride Carolina Podiatry Group, we know how dangerous dry skin can be when you have diabetes—and we know how to help. We have the expertise necessary to help you maintain the health of your feet so that your diabetes does not lead to additional issues. Contact us today to learn more about the ways we can help.