Most of the times Diabetic blisters will spread on your legs, toes and your feet, it is rare to get these blisters on other body parts like your arms, general hands and fingers. The appearance of these blisters may reach up to 6 inches, even though most of the time they are smaller in size. These vesicles are similar to the ones that appear when your skin burns, the only difference is they don’t come with the pain. It is unusual for diabetic blisters to form like a solitary lesion; they however develop like clusters or come in pairs. It is also rare to have a reddish or swollen skin around the blisters and if this happens, you should pay a visit to your local doctor as soon as you can. These blisters are normally itchy and are made of a clear, harmless fluid. Read more about diabetic blisters to understand more than their appearance.
What you Need to know About Diabetic blisters?
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Diabetic Blisters
Individuals that have diabetes are occasionally prone to developing blisters on their skin surface. These lesions are what we commonly refer to as, bullosis diabeticorum, or diabetic bullae, and the colloquial name diabetic blisters.
Even though close to 30 million individuals in America suffer from diabetes, these blisters are comparatively unusual, and are impactful on merely half of the people suffering from this condition. Diabetic blisters are common for individuals that have unmonitored diabetes conditions. In most instances you won’t have to visit a doctor to handle these blisters, they tend to heal without getting treated and are painless. The focus on this article is on diabetes blisters and its causes and symptoms; including an explanation of several ways to treat and prevent them.
Causes of Diabetes Blisters
What causes diabetic blisters is still unknown. Numerous sores show up with no known damage. If you put on shoes that don't fit properly you may end up with these blisters. The parasitic contamination Candida albicans is another regular reason individuals may suffer from diabetes. Your chances for getting diabetes blisters are high in case you don't control your glucose levels properly. Individuals suffering from diabetic neuropathy, a nerve harm that lessens pain sensitivity, are highly prone to blisters resulting from diabetes. Minor artery infection is additionally a contributing factor. Diabetes blisters are very uncommon, yet a few individuals are more susceptible to them. The precise reason for diabetic blisters isn't known, yet a few elements are likely the cause for their development. These blisters could occur due to:
- Putting on shoes that don't fit well
- a fungal disease known as Candida albicans
- other damage or feet and hands irritation
Moreover, other individuals suffering from diabetes are more in danger of forming diabetic blisters than the rest. These category of people susceptible to these type of blisters are:
- individuals whose don't properly manage their glucose levels
- individuals suffering from diabetic neuropathy, a sort of diabetes-caused nerve damage
- individuals suffering from minor artery infection
- individuals sensitive to bright UV light
- Findings also show that men are twofold more likely to suffer from diabetes blisters in comparison to their female counterparts.
Symptoms of Diabetes Blisters
Diabetes blisters often develop among individuals that haven't been able to control their glucose levels for quite a long while. Now and again, they might turn out as the initial sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
The easiest way to identify blisters is to look out for the clear bumps that commonly appear on your feet, legs, and toes, they might also develop on the hands, arms, and fingers. Some of the physical characteristics include:
- An irregular shape
- Their diameter may span up to 6 inches
- Rarely do they occur as a solitary scar; mostly appear as clusters
- The blisters contain clear liquid inside
- Blisters are itchy
- The skin surrounding your diabetic blisters should appear normal; and anyone who develops a reddish or swollen skin should go for a checkup at the hospital.
How Should I Treat Diabetic Blisters?
Homemade and Doctor Treatment For Diabetic Blisters
Bandage Your Arm - Once you bandage the part of your skin that is affected, you are a step ahead in preventing a popped blister or scratching the lesion. Certain findings indicate that diabetic blisters ought to heal without you attending to them; these usually take between two and five weeks. As a result the main focus on diabetes blisters treatment is usually preventing the lesions from developing in the first place. How will you prevent blisters from forming? The simple solution is to avoid popping them.
Treatments For Diabetic Blisters
In case diabetic blisters are conspicuous, perpetual or resulting in any form of irritation and pain; use these treatments to handle the lesions:
Wash your feet carefully in mild soap and water and dry them rigorously. Then put a small amount of antibiotic emollient on a dressing and cover the blister. Alternatively you can immerse them in slightly salty water to mitigate the irritation and scratching and then apply a clean compressor. The bandage you dress is to avoid popping or scratching the surrounding skin and the blister.
Next, even though a blister may seem like a small thing to be concerned about, place a call to someone on your medical team. You will probably get a foot exam and possibly an antibiotic to avert infection. A doctor will conduct a procedure known as aspiration of a blister in order to handle the blister without damaging the hood above the lesion. This procedure helps reduce spreading of any infection.
Topical steroids and antibiotics may also help with a severe case of diabetic blisters. There are two main basis you should seek medical attention; ; the first is to minimize the risk of spreading the infection, the other benefit of seeing a dermatologist is to manage any additional skin conditions that result from diabetes. There are instances where you may have to undergo a biopsy of the blister.
Lastly, stop putting on the shoes that resulted in the blister, even if you think you are on your way to breaking them in. A cosy pair of shoes is one of the best investments you can make to prevent diabetic blister. And remember, they must fit your feet properly at the store. This type of careful attention can avoid future problems.
How to fasten the healing process of diabetic blisters?
If you get a diabetic blister, it is also essential that you:
Eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition is crucial for blister care since it helps regulate your blood sugar and guarantees that you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to heal. It is specifically essential that you get enough protein. Protein assists restore the skin and other tissue that has been destroyed.
Get regular exercise; exercise can help keep your blood circulating and stimulates blood flow to your legs and feet. Nevertheless, in case you have a foot sore, do not exercise until you heal.
Note that even a small scrape can become severe in case you do not take proper care of it – and wounds that are left to fester could lead to amputation in the most severe cases. Taking proper care of yourself is an essential step toward preventing wounds, but if you should get injured, follow all the needed steps to help it heal quickly.
How to prevent diabetic blisters?
Small diabetic blister from a new pair of shoes may appear harmless at first; however, that tiny mark can cause some big problems if you are not careful. In case of a diabetic blister breaks, germs can get into your foot. These germs can result in a not only infection on the skin but also in the bone. Bone infections are very challenging to treat, and when they worsen, you could end up with an amputation. In case you are one of those individuals suffering from diabetes, then you should be vigilant about the care of your skin. Here are several steps to prevent a diabetic blister from turning into a severe problem:
If you have neuropathy then lesions or blisters may go unnoticed. Stay away from shoes that either rub on your skin or cause irritation to help manage feet blisters. As we’ve stated above people with diabetes and those surrounding them should help them in their skin care by watching out for blisters.Inspect your legs, feet, arms and hands often and thoroughly. In case you have lost feeling in your feet, look to see if something is wrong. It is challenging for many people to assess the bottoms of their feet even if they use a mirror. Ask a friend, family member of a spouse to help you inspect your feet. Wash your feet well. When you bathe, soap your feet with warm water and thoroughly dry them, even between the toes. Moisture that gets trapped in between the toes can be harmful. Use lotion or cream to moisturize the skin and keep it from drying or cracking, which can cause sores. Treat your skin as the most significant organ in the body.
Dress for comfort. Keep your feet shielded with soft socks and comfy footwear. Do not wear high heels and pointy, narrow styles, which can destroy your feet. Your podiatrist may prescribe special shoes if you need them- shoes are extremely important. Something such as [sneakers] can be the contrast between a significant ulcer and not. You require proper padding. Don’t forget to put on socks to go along with your shoes, to prevent foot injury. Trim your toenails. If you have diabetes, you should see a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in foot care. Ask him if he should cut your toenails to prevent injury. This is common for people who have neuropathy or who have had foot ulcers before. Only have an expert clip your nails if you have diabetes and never go to a salon. Wear gloves whenever you handle tools that may result in blisters, for example plies, scissors. Whenever you’re outdoors, wear sunscreen or sunproof creams to limit exposure to ultraviolet rays. Pay a visit to either a podiatrist or a doctor to treat your foot complications early enough.
What is the most important step towards preventing diabetic blisters? Simple, regulate your blood sugar levels. The best approach to do this is by using the correct medication and by adjusting your lifestyle and diet appropriately.
When Should I Visit a Doctor For Diabetes Blisters?
The giveaway is to observe your skin, watch out for formation of diabetic blisters; pay attention to the skin surrounding the lesion as well. In case you notice formation of blisters, then you should definitely visit a dermatologist. How will you know you are developing diabetic blisters on your skin? Read through these points below to get familiar with the symptoms. If you see these symptoms you need a prompt clinic visit:
- Your skin starts to swell
- Formation of reddish and irritated skin next to the blisters
- Warm sensation around your blister
- Pain accompanying the blister
- If you develop a fever
What You Should Know about Diabetic Blisters?
How To Handle Diabetic Blisters?
People suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic blisters as compared to individuals that don’t have the disease. Generally, the diabetic blisters are pain free and will heal after some weeks even without you having to attend to them.
There is however chances secondary infection could occur. It’s essential that you visit a skin specialist such as a dermatologist in case you develop diabetic blisters especially if they come with other symptoms.Some of the care procedures towards preventing blisters include paying attention to your skin’s condition and guarding it against any irritation and injury.Individuals who have diabetes need to maintain their blood sugar levels at healthy degrees to avoid formation of diabetic blisters and complications.
