An ad came across my desk last week for a "diabetic lotion." While I do hand out some skin care samples to my clients, I usually tell them, "Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you need to purchase lotions made especially for people with diabetes."

In my opinion, some lotion companies are making lots of money from people with diabetes. While their lotions may not be bad, they are not necessarily superior to regular skin creams and are often more expensive.

Diabetes definitely can affect your skin, often making it dry or itchy. When blood glucose levels are high, the body gets rid of the extra glucose through more frequent urination. And when fluids are eliminated from the body, your skin loses hydration and will likely become drier.

Neuropathies (nerve damage) due to diabetes can also cause dry skin because the nerves that control the sweat glands can be damaged, and your body may not sweat enough, causing your skin to become dry. Dry skin may become itchy, and scratching it can lead to an infection or injury.

Thus, it is important for people with diabetes to keep their skin hydrated with a lotion, but that lotion doesn't have to be specially formulated for diabetes. Here are some tips to keep your skin hydrated:

• Apply lotion when you get out of the shower (before drying off). This helps to seal in the water that is on your skin.
• After applying the lotion, pat dry. Rubbing can dry your skin.
• Avoid very hot showers and baths, as hot water can further dry out your skin.
• If your skin does become excessively dry, or if it cracks, ask your diabetes doctor or a dermatologist for some recommendations.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Control your glucose levels to help keep your skin healthy.