Tips On How To Prevent Diabetic Boils

Diabetics are prone to boils because they have weakened immune systems. Boils are abscesses of infected skin that form near hair follicles. They are usually caused by bacteria staphylococcus aureus which can enter the skin through cuts. Boils tend to resemble pimples and are often yellow inside. About one-third of diabetics will get a skin disorder caused by the disease, so it is important to prevent diabetic boils before they occur.

How to Prevent Boils with Diabetes

Keep your blood sugar in check. High blood sugar decreases the efficiency of the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to infection. This leads to slower healing and the body will be more prone to infection. Eating a nutritious and low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet will boost the immune system. Try foods high in antioxidants, like berries and green tea!

Keep your skin and clothes clean. Bacteria are more likely to come into contact with your skin if you practice bad hygienic habits. Make sure you shower regularly and wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap every time you leave the bathroom. Try not to share clothes, towels, or bedding with friends or family as this will leave you more prone to illness. If you do discover boils on your skin, wash your clothes, towels, and bedding thoroughly to ensure that the bacteria are killed. Shower with a loofah to stop bacterial buildup in hair follicles.

See your doctor if boils begin to form. He or she can prescribe a topical cream and drain out dangerous pus to prevent the boils from spreading to other parts of your body. For an at-home treatment, try covering boils with warm water or a warm towel for 10 minutes, which will help drain the pus.

Don’t let the pus spread to other parts of your skin. Boils are highly contagious, and the bacteria will form new problem areas on other patches of skin. Wear loose-fitting clothes until the outbreak is gone.

It may sound gross and childish, but keep your fingers out of your nose. The bacteria responsible for diabetic boils are often present in nasal passageways, and they can easily be spread to other parts of your body by your fingers.

If you get a cut or an open sore, treat it with antibiotic ointments or creams immediately and constantly until healed. This will help prevent future the bacteria from entering the bloodstream in the first place.

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