Key Takeaways
- Common summer conditions such as Lyme disease, poison ivy, and sunburn can affect blood sugar and overall health in people with diabetes.
- Prevention, such as protective clothing, sunscreen, and avoiding exposure, is the most effective way to reduce risk.
- Treatment options may affect blood sugar levels, so it’s important to monitor closely and consult a doctor.
Summer Skin Conditions and Diabetes: What to Know
Summer is a time for fun in the sun and taking long walks, which can lead to summer maladies such as Lyme disease, sunburn, and poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Learn how to handle these common conditions when you have diabetes.
Lyme Disease and Diabetes
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that spreads from the bite of an infected deer tick. When the infected tick bites, it passes Lyme disease to humans. These bacteria can enter the blood and later settle into certain body tissues. People with immune deficiencies, including diabetes, are more susceptible to infections.
Deer ticks mostly reside in northern areas of the country. Gardening, walking, hiking, and camping can expose people to deer ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a red rash with an oval shape or bull’s-eye appearance, joint and muscle aches, fatigue, swollen glands, and fever. Lyme disease can result in serious health issues if untreated.
A diagnosis of Lyme disease can be made based on your symptoms and a blood test that detects certain antibodies. Antibiotics are often administered to combat Lyme disease by killing bacteria. Steroids might be injected into the joints, which can lead to blood sugar fluctuations. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen, may be administered by a doctor to reduce inflammation.
It is wise to try to prevent Lyme disease by avoiding woody, moist areas. When going into these areas, wear a long-sleeve shirt and pants, enclosed shoes, and a hat. Tuck your pants into your boots or socks, walk on cleared paths, and avoid sitting on the ground. After being outdoors, check your body, hair, and clothing for ticks. If you find one, use tweezers to grasp it by the head and pull it directly outward. Never twist the tick, crush it, or touch it with bare fingers. Wipe with an antiseptic swab to prevent infection. If you are unable to properly remove the tick, visit a doctor immediately.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Another summer condition people can be exposed to is poison ivy, oak, and sumac when in wooded areas. Touching or brushing against these plants can cause contact dermatitis, including a red, itchy rash. A rash can also occur from touching anything that has come into contact with these plants, including pet fur, gardening tools, clothing, and sporting gear.
Your immune system may react with an itchy rash, red streaks, small bumps, and fluid-filled blisters. More severe symptoms include swelling of the face, neck, mouth, and genitals, swollen eyelids, and large blisters. It can take about a week for the rash to appear, and it can last up to three weeks or longer.
To treat poison ivy, oak, and sumac, soak the area in cool water or apply a wet cloth soaked in cool water or milk. Relieve itching by applying calamine lotion. Topical antihistamines, anesthetics, and antibiotics may be used, as well as a corticosteroid cream. These topical remedies can affect blood sugar levels, so discuss them with your doctor and monitor your levels regularly.
To prevent exposure, learn what the plants look like and avoid contact. If you do come into contact, wash your skin within 15 minutes using mild soap and warm water, and wash your clothes right away with isopropyl alcohol and water. Wear long pants, closed shoes, and long sleeves in wooded areas. Use vinyl gloves while gardening or handling outdoor plants.
Sunburn and Blood Sugar
Too much sun can lead to sunburn, which injures your skin. As the skin heals, your body is under stress, which can cause increased blood sugar levels.
To avoid sunburn, wear light, breathable SPF clothing, closed shoes, and a hat with sunglasses. Apply a waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, as well as an SPF lip balm. Remember to apply sunscreen to the tops of your ears and feet.
If you do get sunburn, apply cool compresses to the affected areas. Aloe vera can help cool the skin and relieve the burn. Talk to your doctor about taking an oral anti-inflammatory and applying a low-dose hydrocortisone ointment for severe burns. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Contact your doctor if blisters or sores form, as this can lead to a skin infection.
Prevention Is Key
Summer is the season for an array of skin conditions, and prevention is the best approach. Keep wound care products on hand in case you experience any of these issues. Taking preventive steps helps ensure you can enjoy the rest of the summer safely and comfortably.
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