Attention, Diabetes Caregivers: Not All Burns are Caused by Heat!
BrightStar Care - Larimer County
Nov 12, 2021
Colorado - Northern Colorado
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People who have diabetes are at greater risk for burns than the general population, and they can experience infections in burn wounds and heal more slowly compared to people without the disease. Diabetes can cause decreased sensation on the skin, which is called diabetic neuropathy. When the skin on the arms, hands, legs, or feet touches heat, people with diabetes can get burned without even feeling it.
But burns arent just caused by heat cold burns and chemical burns can be just as dangerous. The risk is higher for persons with diabetes, and without treatment, any type of burn can possibly:
Blister
Develop into an open wound
Become infected
Lead to amputation
Lets review the burn risks people with diabetes face, how to help your loved one avoid them, and how a BrightStar Care nurse can help.
Thermal Burns
A thermal burn is the type most people think of and is caused when the skin makes contact with heat. Common culprits include:
Fire
Heating pads
Hot pots or pans
Hot water or oil
Steam
Fireplaces and kitchen appliances are obvious heat sources that can cause burns. However, electric heating pads are one of the major culprits of burns among people with diabetes. In fact, injuries are so common that we recommend that none of our clients with diabetes use heating pads. Older adults skin tends tothin with ageand ismore prone to injury with diabetes.Coupled with reduced sensitivity from diabetic neuropathy, a heating pad turned up too hot easily can burn a seniors sensitive skin.
If your loved one insists on using heat to relieve pain, try to discourage this. If they still insist, help them prepare it to a temperature of moderate heat. Never microwave or use a hot water bottle as those can increase the risk of scalding the skin.
Cold Burns
People often focus on heat sources when they think about burns, but cold can be just as dangerous. The most commonly known cold burn injury is frostbite, which is a particular concern for people with diabetes because of neuropathy and decreased blood circulation.
Skin thats in contact with snow, ice, or even cold air for long periods is at great risk for frostbite. Snow or ice on the ground increases the risk your loved one may fall and expose themselves to prolonged contact with those elements. One study found that elderly people who have diabetes weretwice as likely to fallas those without diabetes regardless of the time of year.
To avoid frostbite, always make sure your loved one is dressed appropriately for cold temperatures, even if its just for a few minutes. Their winter weather wear should include:
Boots or shoes with socks, not slippers
Coat or heavy jacket
Gloves
Hat
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are particularly hazardous for older adults, especially those with diabetes. Many types of common home cleaning products can cause chemical burns, such as:
Ammonia
Bleach
Toilet bowl cleaners
If your loved one has memory or cognitive issues, consider locking up or removing these potentially dangerous products from the home. A BrightStar Care nurse can conduct a home safety assessment, and a professional caregiver can help with cleaning to reduce this risk.
However, its not just cleaning agents that can put your loved one at risk for a painful chemical burn. People with diabetes are in jeopardy if they use products that contain capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers spicy. Products containing capsaicin often are used to relieve pain from a number of conditions, such as:
Arthritis
Muscle aches, strains, and sprains
Neuralgia, a type of nerve pain caused by shingles and other diseases
If your loved one has diabetes, be particularly mindful of products that contain capsaicin. The skin may have cracks that arent visible to the naked eye, and topical creams or ointments with capsaicin can cause a painful burning sensation if theyre applied to an open wound.
Call 911 right away if your loved one has a serious burn, or take them to the emergency room. In the home, our nurses follow theNational Patient Safety Goalsfor home care, which include specific safety protocols. Were accredited by theJoint Commission, and our nurses conduct home safety evaluations as part of our personalized approach to caring for your loved one. Burns might not be top of mind for diabetes care, but theyre a risk our caregivers are trained to assess and reduce.
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