Skin Problems Resulting From Diabetes

People with diabetes are prone to a range of different skin complaints. Some of these including bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching are not specific to diabetes sufferers, although individuals with diabetes will normally experience these problems more frequently than the general population. There are however several skin complaints which are either seen most often, or only, in cases of diabetes. These include:

1. Diabetic dermopathy. Diabetes often causes changes to the minor blood vessels which, when these are close to the skin surface, can result in light brown, circular or oval, scaly patches. These patches, which often occur on the front of the legs and are easily mistaken for age spots, are quite harmless and do not require treatment.

2. NLD. NLD (necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum) which, like diabetic dermopathy is caused by changes to the minor blood vessels, produces similar spots although they tend to be both fewer in number and larger in size. The spots often appear as a dull red, raised area of skin which develops into a shiny scar with a violet colored border. On occasion spots can become itchy and even painful and can also break open, at which point treatment is required. This is a rare condition which is most likely to be seen in older women.

3. Diabetic blisters. In rare cases diabetes sufferers can suddenly encounter an eruption of blister, normally on the back of their fingers, hands, toes or feet. Very occasionally eruptions will also occur on the legs and forearms. Diabetic blisters are sometimes quite large and look like burn blisters but are painless and often disappear within a matter of two or three weeks. The only treatment for such blisters is to reduce blood sugar levels.

4. Eruptive xanthomatosis. Eruptive xanthomatosis appears as small, firm, yellow enlargements in the skin normally about the size of a pea. Each enlargement will normally have a reddish ring around it and may be quite itchy. Eruptions are most commonly seen on the back of the hands, arms, feet and legs, as well as on the buttocks, and occur most frequently in younger men suffering from type 1 diabetes. Once again the treatment is to reduce blood sugar levels.

5. Digital sclerosis. Digital sclerosis is the tightening and thickening of the skin on the back of the hands and can also occasionally be seen on the toes and forehead. The skin will also have a wax-like appearance and the joints of the finger become stiff. In rare cases stiffness may also be experiences in the ankles, knees and elbows. Again the only treatment is to lower blood sugar levels.

6. Acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by the presence of brown (often quite pale) raised areas of skin on the neck, armpits and groin and, occasionally, on the hands, elbows and knees. It is most often seen in people who are considerably overweight and the best treatment is to lose weight.

7. Disseminated granuloma annulare. This condition manifests itself as ring or arc-shaped raised areas of skin which are clearly defined, red, reddish-brown or skin colored and which appear on the extremities of the body such as the fingers or ears. This condition can often be treated with drugs and your doctor should be consulted.

Fortunately, this range of skin conditions is largely preventable and, when the conditions do appear, they can often be treated quite easily.