skin breakdown
Diabetes
Patient was instructed on skin complications. As many as one third of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time on their lives. In fact, such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.
SN instructed patient and caregiver that Diabetes can dry out your skin. That means you could get injured more easily, be more likely to get an infection, and take longer to heal. When you bathe or shower, use warm water, and a mild, moisturizing soap. After washing and drying off, use a mild lotion to prevent dry skin. Avoid scratching dry skin, apply moisturizer instead.
SN explained that the Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels of the body that supply the skin with blood. Changes to the blood vessels because of diabetes can cause a skin condition called diabetic dermopathy. This appears as scaly patches that are light brown or red, often on the front of the legs.
Instructed in complications of diabetes such as frequent infections. Instructed to manage frequent infections, to learn to spot the first signs of infections and what to do about them, bathe every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Lotion may be applied to keep skin moist. Wear gloves when working outside. Always wear shoes and treat injuies promptly by cleansing with soap and water.
Instructed in how to recognize signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as fatigue, headache, drowsiness, tremors, pale, moist skin, hunger anxiety, impared vision, etc.
Instructed in possible adverse reactions to insulin, which include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, skin rash and local reaction at injection site.
Instructed patient about the appropriate measures to prevent foot problems, such as: always wear properly fitted shoes and examine feet every day for sores and signs of infections. Check for blisters, cuts, sores and/or cracked skin. Check for pebbles, rough seams or anything else that might irritate your foot. Patient verbalized understanding.
Instructed patient about the management of infections: bathing everyday with a mild soap and lukewarm water, applying lotion to keep skin moist, wearing gloves when working outside, always wearing shoes and treating injuries promptly by cleaning with soap and water.
Instructed patient on possible adverse reactions to insulin, which include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and skin rash and local reaction at injection site.
Instructed patient on how to recognize S/S low blood sugar, such as, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, tremors, paleness, moist skin, hunger, anxiety, and impared vision.