Diabetes is a disease characterized by too much glucose or sugar in the blood. All parts of the body, including the skin, are affected by diabetes. People with diabetes are more susceptible to common skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections. Some skin conditions like diabetic dermopathy occur mostly or only in diabetic individuals.
Bacterial Infections
People with diabetes have a higher incidence of developing bacterial infections in comparison to healthy people. The staphylococcus bacteria is the most common cause of a bacterial infection. Common bacteria infections for diabetics are styes, which are infections of the glands of the eyelids, folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles and carbuncles, which are infections deep within the skin. Diabetics are at increased risk for developing infections around the nails. Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections.
Fungal Infections
Candida albicans is a fungus that most often causes fungal infections in people with diabetes. The symptom of a fungal infection is an itchy rash. The rash is characterized by a red, moist area surrounded by tiny blisters. Fungal infections form in moist folds of the body like the armpits and groin. Antifungal medication is prescribed to treat fungal infections.
Harmless Conditions
Diabetic dermopathy is a skin condition that develops on the shins of people with diabetes. It is caused by changes in the small blood vessels that supply the skin. Diabetic dermopathy appears as oval or circular patches that are light brown and scaly. The patches are harmless and do not require treatment.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, or NLD, is another skin disorder caused by changes in the blood vessels of a diabetic person. It is rare and occurs most often in adult women. The initial symptom of NLD is a dull, red, raised area. As it progresses, the raised area resembles a shiny scar with a violet border. The blood vessels beneath the skin are more visible. Sometimes the sores are itchy and painful. No treatment is required if the sores do not open. Open sores require medical attention.
Xanthomatosis and Sclerosis
Eruptive xanthomatosis is a skin disorder associated with uncontrolled diabetes. It is common in young men with type 1 diabetes. It occurs in diabetic individuals who have elevated cholesterol and fat in the blood. This skin condition appears as firm, yellow, pea-like bumps on the skin. Each bump is surrounded by a halo. The bumps can be itchy. Eruptive xanthomatosis occurs on the buttocks, the backs of the hands and the feet, arms and legs. Controlling blood sugar levels is the treatment for this skin disorder.
Digital sclerosis occurs in about one-third of people with type 1 diabetes. It is characterized by the development of tight, thick and waxy skin on the back of the hand. Sometime it spreads to the skin of the forehead and toes. Little or no insulin production occurs with type 1 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar levels is the treatment for this skin disorder.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Disseminated granuloma annulare is a skin rash that can occur on the trunk of the body but most often develops on parts of the body farther away from the trunk, such as the ears. This skin condition has a distinct ring- or arc-shaped pattern. The rash can be red, red-brown or flesh tone. A physician should be consulted for treatment of this skin rash.
