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Diabetes - Adult Type II (Expert Forum)
Itching in diabetics and how to treat
Answered by
Anita Ramsetty, MD - GeneralEndocrinology, Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Thyroid Disorders, AdrenalInsufficiency, CF-Related Diabetes
Endocrine Care Group
Questions in the Adult Type II Diabetes forum are answered by Dr. Anita Ramsetty. Topics covered include Type 2 Diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, diabetes and heart disease, diabetes and pneumonia, diabetes and pregnancy,
diabetes and vision problems, diabetes and wound healing, diabetic complications, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin.
Itching in diabetics and how to treat
by bkmegansmom, Dec 02, 2008 01:31PM
We have a pt. who is an elderly diabetic that is inflicting major damage to his body,mainly his buttocks and groin area,due to scratching due to complaining of itching. His nails are short and kept trimmed. He is on Coreg,Lantus,vit c,multivits and zinc. As well as synthroid and sinemet. We would love to help alleviate this itching sensation and protect his skin. any suggestions.
Doctor's Answer
by Anita Ramsetty, MD, Dec 04, 2008 02:53PM
, Dec 04, 2008 02:53PM
HI,
I think the first question is, why doe she have this severe a case of itching? Is this a medication or other allergic reaction? A liver problem? A skin infection? Does he have a rash?
I hate to offer a suggestion about medication without having seen the skin of this patient because it may make quite a difference in the recommendation. There are topical agents you can buy over the counter that may help alleviate this, such as calamine lotion or topical benadryl. But he may need topical steroids or prescription strength medications instead if these fail. While trying some of the soothing agents, I suggest having this patient evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible as well.
I think the first question is, why doe she have this severe a case of itching? Is this a medication or other allergic reaction? A liver problem? A skin infection? Does he have a rash?
I hate to offer a suggestion about medication without having seen the skin of this patient because it may make quite a difference in the recommendation. There are topical agents you can buy over the counter that may help alleviate this, such as calamine lotion or topical benadryl. But he may need topical steroids or prescription strength medications instead if these fail. While trying some of the soothing agents, I suggest having this patient evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible as well.
however, the BG levels of the patient will need to be in check to control the skin ailment.