Waxy skin is a dermatological condition most often caused by excess blood sugar levels in diabetics. Skin appears much thicker and feels tighter than the surrounding healthy tissue, frequently making it difficult to move the affected area. It will look waxy and slightly shiny as the tissue thickens. The tightening is most noticeable around the finger joints. Treatment involves lowering blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
The location of the waxy skin is an important factor in obtaining a correct diagnosis. When it is found on the hands, fingers, feet, or toes, the condition is called digital sclerosis. Some diagnosed with digital sclerosis also report a buildup of thick skin on the forehead. If the waxiness is located on the back of the neck and the upper back, it is called scleroderma diabeticorum. Most people that are diagnosed with scleroderma diabeticorum are also overweight and have diabetes.
Diagnosis of a waxy skin condition is usually made after a visual examination by a physician. Confirmation of the skin disorder is occasionally obtained through further testing. Additional thickening of the skin can be measured by a non-invasive test called high-frequency ultrasonography. Before the test, a technician will apply a lubricating gel that aids in the transmission of sound waves to the area and sends results to the ultrasound machine. Images are projected onto a nearby computer screen, allowing the results to be immediately available to the physician.
Treatment for waxy skin caused by diabetes begins with lowering blood sugar levels. Most physicians recommend a diet and exercise program as the first step in controlling blood sugar. Medication and insulin may be needed for some diabetics in order to achieve normal blood sugar readings and relief from waxy skin.
There are other steps a diabetic can take to promote skin elasticity and moisture, including avoiding bathing or showering in hot water. Smoking may cause an increase in the incidence of tight dry skin, and most physicians advise diabetics to quit smoking as soon as possible. Increasing the daily amount of water and other re-hydrating fluids may help the skin retain its moisture.
Coping with waxy skin can be made easier by following a few easy tips. Much of the discomfort caused by waxy skin may be relieved by using a moisturizing skin lotion on a daily basis. Allowing for additional time for tasks involving the hands may help some diabetics eliminate the frustration of being unable to complete activities at the rate they were once accustomed.
Does Waxy Skin Caused by Diabetes Go Away?
Unfortunately, waxy skin does not go away once you have it. Once you have developed this condition, it will be permanent. Your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate discomfort if your waxy skin becomes uncomfortable or painful.
Can Diabetes-Related Waxy Skin Be Prevented?
Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels can prevent diabetes complications. A high blood sugar level, particularly if not managed correctly, can result in waxy skin. In addition, excessive levels of fatty acids may damage the protective barrier function of your skin by destroying its natural oils.
If these oils are not quickly replaced by other means, such as moisturizers, this can result in dead skin cell buildup, which can cause itching and cracks in which bacteria can thrive. However, even if blood sugar is well-controlled, there is still a possibility that waxy skin will develop.
Things You Can Do to Manage Diabetes-Related Waxy Skin
Waxy skin caused by diabetes can be a frustrating and distressing condition to endure. It is essential to care for your skin if you have diabetes-related waxy skin. Try the following if you have diabetes and your skin has become waxy or dry.
Use Moisturizer
One of the first steps to take if you have waxy skin due to diabetes is to apply moisturizer daily. Moisturizers restore moisture to the skin's outermost layer, which helps prevent dryness and flaking.
Additionally, they regulate oil production so that your face does not become excessively oily or dry on a daily basis. Finally, choose a moisturizer that contains natural anti-inflammatories, such as aloe vera or cucumber extract, to reduce irritation caused by dryness or irritation when sleeping.
In addition, moisturize your skin daily with a lotion or cream that contains glycerin or urea. These ingredients help break down the waxy buildup on your skin and keep it hydrated by trapping moisture into your pores.
Stay Hydrated
It is necessary to maintain hydration to treat waxy skin. To prevent or treat waxy skin, you should consume copious amounts of water. Water is an excellent starting point for improving the appearance of your skin.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin properly hydrated and prevent dehydration from occurring. In addition, your body will be able to flush out any excess glucose from your system more easily than if you were dehydrated due to insufficient water intake during this time.
Avoid Products With Sugar-Based Ingredients
When you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are not as steady as they should be, which can cause your body to be more sensitive to insulin, which means that it will take longer for your system to get rid of excess glucose.
Sugar-based ingredients are a common cause of waxy skin, so avoiding products with these ingredients is essential. Sugar-based ingredients include dextrose, glycerin, glucose, lactose, maltose, and sucrose. These ingredients can exacerbate the problem by making your skin more permeable and allowing more moisture loss.
Avoid Harsh Soaps or Cleansers That Can Dry Out Your Skin
If you're struggling with waxy skin, one of the best ways to manage diabetes-related waxy skin is by avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers that can dry out your skin. Instead, use gentle cleansers that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth without stripping away its natural oils.
Using gentle cleansers and moisturizers daily to improve skin barrier dysfunction may help diabetic patients avoid complications by treating them early in the disease's progression. Moreover, those with waxy skin will benefit the most from cleansers containing ceramides, which strengthen the skin barrier.
Wear Shoes and Clothes That Fit Properly
Properly fitting shoes and clothing can aid in managing diabetes-related waxy skin. However, if your footwear is too tight, the skin on your feet may become itchy. The same is true of tight clothing as they can irritate the skin and cause flaking or peeling by rubbing against it and causing irritation.
When trying on shoes or clothing, ensure that they are comfortable. If they are too small, try on a different size or style of shoe or article of clothing in that store; you may find something that fits better.
Don't Neglect Diabetes Management
Working with your doctor to ensure that you're receiving the proper treatment for your diabetes is another great way to manage waxy skin caused by diabetes.
Your doctor can help you determine if there's a specific problem with your blood glucose that might be causing the skin issues or whether it's just an average side effect of living with diabetes.
In addition to getting the proper treatment, ensure you're taking good care of yourself with proper nutrition and exercise. Remember that while exercise is essential for everyone, it's vital for people with diabetes. And be sure that any exercise you do is supervised by a medical professional if necessary.