Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Stop itching from lifestyle changes
• Method 2 of 3: Stop itching with home remedies
• Method 3 of 3: Stop itching with drugs
• Tips
• Warnings

People with diabetes often experience unbearable itching. This is a common side effect of elevated blood glucose levels, which is a determining factor in diabetes. If you are suffering from this, read our article to learn how to calm your irritation.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Stop itching from lifestyle changes

1. 1 Don't let your skin dry out too much. To keep your skin moist, you can use special moisturizing lotions and skin creams that will make your skin healthier. Avoid using scented creams or lotions as you may react to them and make you itch. Moisturize your skin twice a day. After each shower, apply two tablespoons of moisturizing lotion all over your body.
   • You are also not advised to use scented soaps, as the chemicals they contain can dry your skin and cause itching. Opt for mild, unscented soaps instead.
2. 2 Change your bathing routine. Frequent bathing can make scabies worse. Do not swim more than once every few days. Bathing frequency may vary depending on your climate, weather, and activity. Still, one bath every two days will be enough for you. Don't bathe in too hot water, or your skin will become even more irritated. The water should be at room temperature or lower. Hot water dilates our vessels, which promotes rapid metabolism of insulin, which can cause hypoglycemia.
   • Another reason why diabetics are not advised to use hot water is because they suffer from nerve damage,as a result, they lose the sensation of pain and feeling of temperature and can unknowingly burn themselves with hot water.
3. 3 Pay special attention to your skin in the summer. While summer is a time of sun and fun, it can also be a time of severe skin irritation. To reduce the itching sensation you experience in summer, wear clothing made from lightweight materials like cotton. Some fabrics, such as wool or silk, can cause irritation and itching. You should also:
   • Keeping the skin dry from sweat, as too much moisture can sometimes lead to itching.
   • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You should drink about 8 glasses (227 ml glass) of water per day. However, if you are involved in strenuous physical labor or live in humid climates, you may need to drink more water.
4. 4 Watch your skin in winter. In winter, your skin can become dry very easily, which is why it is very important for diabetics to keep their skin hydrated. Again, moisturize your skin twice a day with unscented lotions. Using a moisturizer will also help relieve itching and prevent itching from getting worse.
5. 5 Reduce your stress levels. In fact, itching can be exacerbated by feelings of stress. This means that when you are in a stressful situation, you may find that the itching sensation increases. Use relaxation techniques to counteract stress. These include:
   • Meditation. Meditation is an exercise in emptying your mind and releasing accumulated stress. Meditate for a few minutes each morning to stay relaxed throughout the day.
   • Using the trigger word method. Choose a phrase that will calm you down, such as “Everything will be fine” or “Everything will be fine”. When you start to feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and repeat the trigger phrase to yourself to calm yourself down.

Method 2 of 3: Stop itching with home remedies

1. 1 Apply a cold compress to soothe your skin. If you want to relieve itching, a cold compress can do wonders. Temperature sensations go the same way to the brain as itching sensations. Apply a cold compress to the itchy area and hold until you feel relief.
   • You can also take a cold shower to relieve itching. However, keep in mind that frequent showers are not recommended for diabetics, especially if you have poor blood glucose regulation. Therefore, it is most often recommended to use a cold compress.
2. 2 Try using an oatmeal mixture to relieve itching. Mix ¼ cup of water (58 ml) with 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal (227 grams) for a thick paste. Use your hands to apply the paste to the itchy area of ​​your skin. Leave the paste on the skin for 15 minutes. Oatmeal will relieve itching and provide temporary relief.
3. 3 Use a baking soda mixture to relieve itching. You can also apply the paste by mixing half a glass of water (110 ml) with one glass (160 grams) of baking soda. Stir with a spoon until a smooth paste forms. Apply the mixture to itchy skin, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash off.

Method 3 of 3: Stop itching with drugs

1. 1 Use creams. Creams and ointments can help relieve itching. Be aware that a drop, the size of a pea, will be enough to apply the cream to an area twice the size of your palm. When looking for a drug to relieve itching, look for a drug that contains one of the following ingredients:
   • Camphor, menthol, phenol, diphenhydramine and benhocaine.
2. 2 Apply a steroid ointment to the area of ​​your skin. Some anti-itch creams that contain steroids can help relieve itching. A hydrocortisone cream works best. You can buy it at most pharmacies. You can also opt for beclomethasone cream, which works in the same way as hydrocortisone cream.
   • Remember that you should not use steroid creams or ointments for a long time without first consulting your doctor.
3. 3 Use anti-fungal creams to prevent fungal infections. If you are diabetic, then you need to know that your immune system is weakened, which makes it more likely to get an infection. One such infection is a fungal infection that can appear on your skin and cause itching. Look for anti-fungal creams on sale that include the following:
   • Miconazole, ketoconazole, or benzoic acid.
4. 4 Take antihistamine tablets. Histamine is a hormone that makes you feel itchy. When you take antihistamines, this hormone is suppressed, which can relieve itching. Antihistamines often contain the following:
   • Chlorpheniramine and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Be aware that these drugs may make you drowsy.
5. 5 Talk to your doctor about other options. If the above measures do not work or you suspect a serious etiology associated with your itching, you should consult your doctor. Then he or she will determine the cause of your itching.

Tips

• Resist the urge to itch, which will only increase the itching sensation.

Warnings

• If you've used home remedies and the itching persists or gets worse, you should see your doctor right away.