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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My legs are so dry. Any suggestions?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Louisville, KY
July 4, 2023
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members offered extensive recommendations for managing dry legs, with the most popular suggestions being shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut... Read more

Members offered extensive recommendations for managing dry legs, with the most popular suggestions being shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, Aqueous Cream, and tallow, as well as practical tips like applying Vaseline with gloves overnight or using lotion immediately after showering. Several members shared that products like Dermasil from Dollar Tree and Aveeno work well, with one member emphasizing the importance of staying well-hydrated and tightly controlling blood sugar levels to prevent dry skin in the first place. A recurring theme was that dry skin in diabetes can signal the body's response to environmental changes or elevated blood sugar, and addressing the root cause through hydration, glucose management, and gentle exfoliation is just as important as treating the symptom itself.

A DiabetesTeam Member

Vaseline is too greasy but AQUEOUS CREAM or a BARRIER CREAM works for me!

July 5, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Hi @A DiabetesTeam Member,
My youngest baby girl and my middle baby boy's Bride both swear by tallow for many skin issues, including dry skin.

Myself, I have oily skin.
I tightly control my diabetes journey by practicing TITR, time in tight range. 4.0(72) to 7.8(140).

I also drink 150-250 ounces of water daily.
I have never had dry skin to this point.

So I can only share what works for my immediate family.

My Mom swore by petroleum jelly for dry skin and even cracked skin on her heels.

She never had dry skin until years of poorly controlled blood glucose levels, started wreaking havoc on her body.

Good luck to you.
I wish for you more good days than bad and have many exceptional days too.
I hope this answers your questions.

I pray that you get this issue resolved in short order.
Baby steps. I can do baby steps and you can too.

And never give up, never surrender, never ever.
You got this.
Have a wonderful day.

July 4, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Thank you

July 4, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Where do you get the Barrier cream,am in south africa

July 5, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

Mine too, I use dermasil, from the dollar tree, vaseline with gloves to sleep in , on my hands and feet.

July 5, 2023

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