Summer Dry Skin

Dry skin in the summer! Diabetes often causes dry skin, which sometimes becomes itchy. Cracks can develop which can lead to an infection. Having moisturizer handy and bathing in a moisture rich body wash can be a great ways to prevent dry skin. You may be asking yourself why your skin is dry in the summer? The answer is the sun! Sunlight absorbs the moisture from our skin leaving it dry and flaky. If you have skin inflammation like dermatitis, the sun, swimming in a chlorinated pool and stress can all activate a flare-up.

For myself, dry skin is a year-round issue which is an annoyance. My hands seem to be the dryest year-round. My diabetes does not care about the season, and it seems my skin does not either when it comes to dryness. I have learned to keep a small bottle of lotion in my purse to help with my dry hands when I am out. I also have lotions in my kitchen, office and bedroom. These are all places in my home where I frequent and have options for some moisturizer. Somedays I want a moisturizer that smells good, I find in the kitchen is where I have my scented hand lotions. I place mine in a dish next to my dish and hand soaps.

Giving your skin some moisturizer or cream is the best solution to fight dryness. Finding a lotion or cream designed for diabetic or dry skin especially after bathing and applying it throughout the day can help heal dryness. After every handwashing is also a good time to apply a moisturizer or cream. It may take some time to find a moisturizer or cream you like. I recommend visiting your dermatologist and asking for some samples. I also recommend adding a lotion or cream to places in your home where you frequent to signal yourself to moisturize when you feel your skin is dry. Here’s to healthy and happy moisturized skin!