Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Relieve Diabetic Itching?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Diabetic itching is a common symptom experienced by those with diabetes, a medical condition characterized by the body's inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes results in poor blood circulation, which often results in itching, especially in the lower legs. Stress tends to make the itching worse, so the first method of treatment is to try to avoid stressful situations or work on learning a few relaxation techniques.

Frequent bathing can often cause diabetic itching to worsen. It may be helpful to limit baths to every couple of days, perhaps adding a bit of oatmeal to the bath water. Oatmeal is known for its ability to ease itching caused by a variety of conditions. Make sure to avoid really hot baths as well, as warmer temperatures tend to increase itching. After bathing, leaving a little moisture on the skin can help to prevent the itching from recurring quickly.

Poor blood circulation due to diabetes often results in itching.
Poor blood circulation due to diabetes often results in itching.

Diabetic itching is often caused by the dry skin, which is characteristic of this disease. Using a mild lotion on the skin several times a day can keep the skin moisturized and alleviate some of the symptoms. If necessary, a hydrocortisone cream, which can be purchased at virtually any drug store, can be used on particularly itchy areas of the body. Using mild soaps that do not contain a lot of perfumes or detergents may help to alleviate some of the itching as well.

Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to treat diabetic itching.
Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to treat diabetic itching.

Fungal infections such as ringworm or athlete's foot can be a potential cause for diabetic itching. For most people, these infections can be treated at home with the use of over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays. However, these types of infections should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor in the patient with diabetes. This is due to the increased risk of infection and the slowed healing process, which is often a problem with this disease.

Oatmeal soap relieves itching and inflammation.
Oatmeal soap relieves itching and inflammation.

Allergic reactions to medications, including insulin, can sometimes lead to diabetic itching. If a rash or swelling develops anywhere on the body or there is sudden difficulty breathing, immediate medical attention should be sought. Allergic reactions can usually be treated relatively easily, but in some cases they can be life-threatening. It is always best to be checked out by the doctor so that a minor problem does not become a medical emergency.

Discussion Comments

anon993907

My boyfriend never heard of this and he goes to a doctor for his diabetes! He suffers every single day with this rash. It looks just like the picture. He cannot sleep and takes medicine for the rash and itching and his diabetes. Someone who had suffered with the "sugar" rash saw the rash and told him about it because he had suffered with it too. Maybe now he can get it under control. Thank you for the information!

Certlerant
As a diabetic it is important to keep your skin as hydrated as possible. One should look for a skin moisturizer that is good for you. They have some skin lotions that are better then others, but they may feel greasy to some people. If you don't like the smell of it or the feel of it you are less apt to use it, so go with what you like. The best lotion on the planet won't help you in the tube. So learn to just use a regular regimen with what you like. Persistence can be an effective tool in avoiding trouble

Many different special creams are made to keep your feet moisturized. This is of utmost important to a person with diabetes. Keep your feet clean, but make sure that they are not dry and cracking. A little split in the skin of the foot of a diabetic can let in an infection and that is especially bad for a person with high sugar.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Poor blood circulation due to diabetes often results in itching.
      By: nebari
      Poor blood circulation due to diabetes often results in itching.
    • Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to treat diabetic itching.
      By: carroteater
      Hydrocortisone cream can be applied to treat diabetic itching.
    • Oatmeal soap relieves itching and inflammation.
      By: Timmary
      Oatmeal soap relieves itching and inflammation.
    • Fungal infections such as ringworm can be a potential cause for diabetic itching.
      By: schankz
      Fungal infections such as ringworm can be a potential cause for diabetic itching.
    • Most fungal infections that cause diabetic itching can be treated with over-the-counter sprays.
      By: jedi-master
      Most fungal infections that cause diabetic itching can be treated with over-the-counter sprays.
    • Allergic reactions to insulin may cause itching in diabetics.
      By: Arman Zhenikeyev
      Allergic reactions to insulin may cause itching in diabetics.
    • Taking frequent baths may cause diabetes-related itching to intensify.
      By: Karramba Production
      Taking frequent baths may cause diabetes-related itching to intensify.