Health Tip: Caring for a Diabetic's Skin
People with diabetes may be concerned with their heart, eyes and nerves. But don't forget the body's largest organ.
As many as one-third of diabetics develop a skin disorder, the American Diabetes Association says.
The association offers these skin care suggestions:
- Make sure your skin is always clean and dry. Sprinkle some talcum powder in areas where skin touches other skin, such as under the arms and in the groin area.
- Take lukewarm, not hot, showers and baths, and always use a gentle moisturizing soap.
- Moisturize your skin with a good lotion, just not between the toes, which can encourage fungal growth.
- Promptly wash any cuts or scrapes with water and soap, and protect them with a gauze pad.
- See your doctor about any skin wounds that appear serious or that don't seem to heal.
Health Tip: Diagnosing Joint Pain
Joint pain has many possible causes, ranging from injury to arthritis.
To help your doctor diagnose a cause, it's important to fully discuss the details of your condition.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this checklist:
- Which joint hurts, and which parts of the body are affected.
- If the pain just began, and whether you've felt it before.
- If the pain started severely or slowly, and if it is persistent or fluctuates.
- Any recent injuries, fevers or illnesses.
- What makes the pain feel better, and what makes it feel worse.
- Any other symptoms, including numbness or stiffness.
- Times of day that the pain is better, and times that it feels worse.
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