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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diabetes, Intense Itching With Open Wounds Most Of The Times, On Insulin. No Relief With Moisturizing Creams, Allegra. What Is The Cause?

I am a male. Wt. 250 lbs. 74 inches tall. I am diabetic. On insulin ( Lantus ) daily. Sliding scale Insulin and accu checks QID. Blood sugars run upper 300 s. I can not stop scratching and have open areas most of times. I have tried moisturizing creams, Allegra daily, Dreft detergent, and special soaps. I have been seen by a wound specialist. I have hepatic levels drawn regularly. Is it my kidneys? What labs do I need? What is causing my problem? I need help.
Thu, 28 Jun 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello ebarylski. I would advise that your blood sugar needs to be lower for sure. Most physicians want blood sugars less than 200 after meals and around 120 fasting in the mornings.

The skin issue is due to high blood sugars dehydrating your skin and I would advise aquaphor or the generic equivalent, which is a moisturizer and will help with the skin breakdown. When you scratch, it allows bacteria to enter into the skin causing open wounds. The aquaphor will need to be used at least once a day for at least a month to continue healing.

As well anytime in the future that you are choosing a moisturizer choose a moisturizer that is non scented and does not have alcohol in the product. Alcohol dries the skin out further.

Be well, Dr. Kimberly
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Diabetes, Intense Itching With Open Wounds Most Of The Times, On Insulin. No Relief With Moisturizing Creams, Allegra. What Is The Cause?

Hello ebarylski. I would advise that your blood sugar needs to be lower for sure. Most physicians want blood sugars less than 200 after meals and around 120 fasting in the mornings. The skin issue is due to high blood sugars dehydrating your skin and I would advise aquaphor or the generic equivalent, which is a moisturizer and will help with the skin breakdown. When you scratch, it allows bacteria to enter into the skin causing open wounds. The aquaphor will need to be used at least once a day for at least a month to continue healing. As well anytime in the future that you are choosing a moisturizer choose a moisturizer that is non scented and does not have alcohol in the product. Alcohol dries the skin out further. Be well, Dr. Kimberly