Natural Remedies for Itchy Palms and Feet for Diabetic Patient

Diabetes is a metabolic disease condition that results in elevated blood sugars. People diagnosed with diabetes either have a problem with glucose metabolism or the production of insulin, both of which results in hyperglycemia.

Elevated blood sugar levels in the body causes certain changes in the long run. Nerves become damaged, vital organs become compromised, and the individual is prone to developing various health complications such as blindness, necrosis, cardiovascular accidents, or cerebrovascular accidents.

The skin is also one of the many organs in the body that becomes affected when a person is diagnosed with diabetes. There are changes in the skin that causes the skin to become extremely itchy to individuals.

Itchy Palms Diabetes

Diabetics often experience skin changes during the disease process. The skin becomes prone to dryness, itching, and the development of various skin conditions. The skin normally produces GLA or gamma-linolenic acid. In diabetics, the process is impaired and GLA is not produced in enough quantities that the body’s skin needs.

• Decreased amount of gamma-linolenic acid results in severely dry skin and severely itchy skin.
• The condition is often chronic, which means the individuals will be suffering the condition and its symptoms for long periods of time.
• Dry skin is prone to breaking and cracking, which gives a pathway to various bacteria or other microorganisms to enter the body’s mechanical defense barrier. As a result, the skin is prone to developing bacterial, viral, or even fungal infections.
• Itchy skin in diabetics is aggravated by factors such as hot baths, soaps, detergents, and weather changes.
• Skin changes such as itchiness often affect the feet, legs, and hands but other areas of the body can also be affected.
• Poor blood circulation which occurs in diabetics as a result of elevated blood sugar levels also causes itching of the skin, particularly the legs.

Itchy Palms and Feet Diabetes Remedies

While itching or pruritus of the palms and feet in diabetics may be a chronic condition, certain comfort measures can relieve the symptoms of itchiness.

• Limit the frequency of bathing in a day, especially when the humidity is lower than the usual.
• Use only mild soap for bathing.
• Apply skin cream or moisturizing lotion after taking a bath.
• Use protective gloves especially when washing or during activities that the hands will come in contact with detergents.
• Monitor and regulate blood sugar levels. The itching of the skin is often correlated with the individual’s blood sugar levels. Keeping blood sugar levels in check will also help decrease the severity of the itching.
• Take antihistamines or other medications as seen fit by a physician. Follow the physician’s prescription orders regarding the taking of these medications.