Itching in diabetes mellitus in women: causes and how to treat

Diabetes mellitus occurs due to serious metabolic disorders, which, in turn, affects the state of the patient’s internal organs. Itching of the skin, which is a consequence of malfunctioning of the body, can become a concomitant complication. Inflammation in advanced form in diabetes mellitus is difficult to treat and cause severe discomfort in the patient.

Causes of itching in diabetes

Itching in diabetes is a fairly common occurrence. The main cause of skin inflammation is impaired blood circulation. Due to high blood sugar, small crystals are formed that settle on the walls of blood vessels, which in the future can lead to microangiopathy (damage to the walls of blood vessels). The skin of a patient with diabetes mellitus instantly reacts to a violation of the process. It loses its elasticity and becomes dry. In diabetes mellitus, itching can occur due to the use of drugs that are incorrectly selected for treatment. This includes choosing the wrong dosage. Therefore, it is not recommended to self-medicate. You must strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor. Inflammation of the skin can appear due to deviations in the general diet. In this way, the body reacts to an increase in the concentration of harmful substances. 

Itchy skin with diabetes in women

Diabetes mellitus in women appears due to disruption of the endocrine system, which affects metabolic processes and insulin production. Prolonged itching of the abdomen, shoulder blades, buttocks and genitals is a sure sign of this condition. It is worth noting that a burning sensation can occur in the ears, in fat folds with increased sweating, armpits, under the breast and on the inner side of the thigh. Diabetic scabies can be a consequence of angiopathy , accompanied by the destruction of small vessels. The natural process of blood supply in the mucous membranes is disrupted, which, in turn, prevents vital nutrients from entering the internal organs. Local immune and protective functions are sharply reduced, which affects the general condition of the skin. It becomes dry, and microcracks appear on the affected areas, increasing itching and burning. The appearance of wounds on the skin is dangerous for diabetics, since microbes can penetrate through them, causing inflammatory reactions.

Features of itching in diabetes in women

In diabetic women, itching very often occurs in the perineum, pubis and vagina. This is due to high sugar in the urine itself, which contacts the genitals and causes inflammation. The environment in which this process takes place is especially favorable for the development of bacteria and fungi. Because of this, women with diabetes can often suffer from other serious diseases of the genitourinary system.

Inflammation can appear in women with high sugar levels and on the vaginal mucosa. At such moments, it is worth stopping sexual intercourse until the itching and rashes in this area are completely eliminated.

Localization of itching in diabetes mellitus

Itching with diabetes can appear in different places. Diabetics often complain of scabies in the area of ​​the legs below the knees, feet, hands, and genitals. There may be a burning sensation at the anus and on the mucous membranes.

Itchy feet

Most often, people suffering from diabetes notice the appearance of severe itching on the legs. The progressive development of diabetes and the presence of a large accumulation of sugar crystals in the vessels manifests itself in the form of peeling of the skin on the legs. Itching can occur between the toes and below the knees, causing severe discomfort in daily life. Red spots and blisters may appear on the affected skin areas, which will quickly spread to healthy skin areas without treatment. It is worth noting that the higher a person’s blood sugar level, the more itching will be.

Itching in the intimate area

Itching in the genital area in diabetes can be caused by a yeast that can spread to the groin folds. The skin around the genitals and anus begins to redden and swell. A white curdled bloom appears. As a result of severe irritation, microcracks appear through which various bacteria can easily enter the body. In case of genital itching, it is recommended to avoid excessive scratching of the area. It is worth paying special attention to personal hygiene and choosing the necessary means for this. To prevent itching in the vulva area, you need to choose underwear made from natural materials.

Itchy eyes

Diabetics may complain of itchy eyes. Metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus strongly affect the water balance of the eye, therefore, there is no longer enough natural moisture for the comfortable operation of the visual apparatus. This greatly affects the quality of vision. In such cases, it is necessary to use special eye drops, which can only be prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

What is the danger of itching in diabetes?

Treating itching in diabetes is a very crucial moment. Diabetes mellitus can greatly affect the condition of the skin, so all inflammation and redness must be treated in a timely manner. Bacteria and fungi that enter through microcracks can cause inflammatory processes that are difficult to treat. And after treatment, spots and scars may remain.

Itching treatment

Lack of the right treatment for itching in diabetes can lead to serious complications. In order to see the state of the body, first of all, it is worth taking tests and consulting with your doctor. The therapy prescribed will depend on the condition of the patient. But how to treat skin inflammation? Itching in diabetes, which has just appeared on the skin, can be eliminated by lowering blood sugar levels, and the discomfort is easily relieved with a medicinal cream that is appropriate for the medical indication. With the normalization of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, skin problems should disappear. This can be done with the help of a special drug, which is taken for several weeks. An important point in the treatment of itchy skin is adherence to a therapeutic diet specially designed for diabetics. A number of foods can help maintain sugar levels. Together with this, the body will be able to receive a large amount of nutrients that have a positive effect on the work of blood vessels and internal organs.

At the time of severe itching from the diet, it is recommended to remove all foods containing fats and fast carbohydrates. These foods only make itching worse and interfere with treatment.

In case of severe itching , antimycotic, antiviral and antibacterial therapy is performed on the affected skin areas. This is done in order to alleviate the patient’s condition and prevent the spread of infection. Along with drug treatment, it is worth undergoing physiotherapy procedures that can improve blood circulation and the rate of absorption of drugs by the body. Serious purulent inflammations require surgery. Itchy skin can occur after the use of medications. In such cases, the drug can be replaced with another that does not cause such severe side effects. 

To maintain the immune system, it is worth periodically drinking a course of vitamins approved by your doctor.

Diabetes skin care

Metabolic disorders often lead to changes in the skin. Therefore, special and thorough skin care is recommended for diabetes mellitus. To do this, you need to purchase moisturizers specifically designed for diabetics. It is best to use them twice a day: in the morning and before bed. Excessive dryness of the skin in diabetes mellitus can also be caused by the aggressive effects of detergents, so you should pay attention to hygiene products intended for children. They are able to moisturize the skin well and not cause strong reactions. It is also worth choosing a soft washcloth that is incapable of injuring the skin. For the treatment of inflamed skin areas, it is worth choosing creams with an antiseptic effect. You can relieve the condition of the skin with the help of folk remedies. These include herbal lotions and baths with herbal teas. Antiseptic and restorative plants include: string, sage, celandine, oak bark, and chamomile.

Self-massage will also be helpful to improve blood circulation. Thanks to the constant effect on the skin, the condition of the vessels improves, and the affected areas return to normal faster.