> Healthy Advocacy | People and Places > Loving The Beach and Your Skin

Loving The Beach and Your Skin

Summer – it is the time of the year when boys and girls toss their textbooks and hit the road to the best summer get-away – the beach! Dads and moms spend extra time in the groceries shopping for the family’s out-of-town trip. Even yuppies spare a weekend or two just to have their skin tanned for that sensual glow.

But, of course, if you want to show off in your skimpy and sexy bikinis, your skin demands utmost care especially if you have diabetes.

Skin should be tight and rosy. But in the case of diabetic patients, skin often feels dry and flaky accompanied by unbearable itch. This skin condition doesn’t only mean cosmetic problems, but it entails health risks. Since the natural acid protection layer is destroyed, fungi and bacteria can enter the skin easily via small injuries and eventually attack it.

The skin can get dehydrated due to frequent urination from high blood glucose levels. The skin’s inner pressure decreases and the skin gets the typically wrinkled and limp look. Sweat and oil glands are often irritated due to nerve disorders or may have limited function.

People with diabetes can also develop many different foot problems. A diabetic patient’s foot may become very dry. The skin may peel and crack. The problem is that the nerves that control the oil and moisture in your foot may no longer work.

Sun bathing may be inviting, but may be harmful for diabetic patients. In the same way, beach games may be relaxing and fun, still, simple accidents could lead to serious foot complications for diabetic patients. That is why diabetic patients have to always be on guard. But one can still enjoy the sand, beach and sun even with diabetes. Just keep in mind some extra guidelines to enjoy a worry-free summer.

Here are worthy skin and foot care tips to consider:
• Drink a lot. Beach activities could be tiring and can dehydrate you, especially your skin. You should have a bottle of water within reach at all times. Drink at least two liters a day.

• Diet affects your skin. Even if you are on vacation, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to watch your diet anymore. Though luscious servings of different meals may tempt you, you still have to control your sugar and calorie intake. Go for healthier food options. Besides maintaining your glucose level, healthy foods contain vitamins and minerals that give your skin the nutrition it needs.

• For cleaning purposes, use mild and soap-free products. Bath gels and foams may work better for diabetic patients. Soaps tend to dry the skin by removing natural oils.

• Avoid very hot baths. Hot water can dry your skin and eventually lead to itching. Use tepid water instead. Bubble baths may sound pleasurable but can also dry your skin.

• Use moisturizers. Moisturizers are specially designed to make the external layers of the skin (epidermis) softer and more pliable, by increasing its hydration. Moisturizer will prevent the skin from drying up especially when the weather is too hot.

• Do not walk barefoot. Walking barefoot on hot sand and pebbles can seriously injure your feet. Sea urchin spines, shards of glass and sharp shells may also be buried just beneath the sand. To prevent burns, cuts and bruises in the first place, wear properly fitting footwear on or off shore.

• Pamper your feet. After playing in the sand all day long, rest your feet before bathing. After the bath, dry your feet and seal in the remaining moisture with a thin coat of plain petroleum jelly or an unscented hand cream. Do not put oils or creams between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to infection. Also, soaking your feet can dry your skin.

It is also a must to check feet everyday for sores and cuts. Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts preferably with water and mild soap. Some antiseptics and alcohol may be too harsh for your skin.

• Too much tan is a no-no. Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Before sun bathing, be sure to apply generous amounts of sun protection lotion to prevent sun damage.

• Don’t scratch that itch. Itching can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin or poor circulation Scratching can make the skin problem worse by causing skin breaks and letting germs through. You may be able to treat itching yourself. Limit how often you bathe, especially when the humidity is low. Mild soap is highly recommended. Apply skin cream after bathing. And most importantly, control your blood sugar!

Related terms:

Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts

» Tags: , , , , , ,

Related terms:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *