For diabetics, skin issues are usually because high blood-sugar levels can result in dehydrated skin, poor circulation, and a compromised immune system. The combination of dry skin and vulnerability to both bacterial and fungal infections means that diabetics can get really quite itchy scalps!
Itching. Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause of itching, the itchiest areas may be the lower parts of the legs.
What does diabetes itching feel like? If you have diabetes, itching can be intense. It's an irritating feeling that makes it hard not to scratch, but scratching can make the itch worse. You can itch anywhere, but if you have nerve damage (neuropathy) associated with diabetes, your lower legs may itch.
Moisturising cream can be used to moisturise dry skin or as a preventative measure against skin becoming dry and itchy. Calamine lotion can help to alleviate skin that is itching. Medications which may be prescribed to relieve itching include mild steroid creams and antihistamine tablets.
Corticosteroid topical creams can be used to relieve scalp irritation and itching. Home treatments including tea tree oil, aloe vera, and apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe and moisturise the scalp.
For diabetics, skin issues are usually because high blood-sugar levels can result in dehydrated skin, poor circulation, and a compromised immune system. The combination of dry skin and vulnerability to both bacterial and fungal infections means that diabetics can get really quite itchy scalps!
Elevated blood sugar can also impact the sweat glands which can lead to itching in the feet and scalp. Itchy scalp is also a sign of increased blood sugar levels.
These are complications of diabetes that develop when high blood glucose levels cause damage to nerve fibers, particularly those in the feet and hands. Before nerve damage starts to occur for people with diabetes, high levels of cytokines circulate the body. These are inflammatory substances that can lead to itching.
The most common causes of a chronically itchy scalp at night are psoriasis and atopic dermatitis . Psoriasis can flare up due to changes in diet, environment, or stress. When scalp itchiness disrupts sleep, it can increase stress, which in turn can exacerbate a psoriasis flare.
Diabetic dermopathy
The spots look like red or brown round patches or lines in the skin and are common in people with diabetes. They appear on the front of your legs (your shins) and are often confused with age spots. The spots don't hurt, itch, or open up.
At night, the body releases more cytokines, which are immune system proteins that create inflammation. This can cause itching or make itching worse. At the same time, the body's production of corticosteroids, which tame inflammation, declines.
See your health care provider or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist) if the itching: Lasts more than two weeks and doesn't improve with self-care measures. Is severe and distracts you from your daily routines or prevents you from sleeping. Comes on suddenly and can't be easily explained.
Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes include extreme fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, unintended weight loss, and blurred vision.
A neuropathic itch may produce an itching sensation or a feeling of pins and needles. The itching may be very severe. Neuropathic itch may also produce the following sensations: burning.
If you have diabetes and are regularly getting genital itching, it could be a sign that your blood glucose levels are too high. Your health team may be able to advise whether this is the case and, if so, how to bring your blood glucose levels under better control.
If you've got diabetes, itchy skin due to dryness can be a concern. A good moisturizer like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion may help to soothe and relieve itchiness.
Diabetes can make the body lose too much fluid through urination and evaporation through the skin. The result: dry, itchy skin that can be bothersome and sometimes uncomfortable. Itching, especially in the lower legs and feet, can also be caused by poor circulation, which is common with diabetes.
Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes that is not limited to uncontrolled diabetes. Persons may complain of fatigue along with a variety of symptoms, which may together herald comorbid psychological, medical, metabolic or endocrine, and acute or chronic complications.
An intensely itchy scalp without signs of a rash or another skin reaction can be a sign of a nerve problem. Your doctor may say you have neuropathy (neu-rop-ah-thie). It's the medical word for a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease, or an abnormality in the way the nerve works.
When blood sugar levels rapidly rise, they can create headache pain via: Hormonal shifts – Excess glucose in the bloodstream can trigger shifts in hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones directly impact the constriction of the blood vessels in the brain, which can cause headaches.