Skin manifestations occur frequently in diabetics, affecting around one-third of all diabetics at some point in their lives, the American Diabetic Association reports. While most diabetic skin problems can be easily treated, some can cause long-term complications and result in gangrene and limb amputation if not promptly treated. High glucose, or sugar, levels circulating in the blood lead to many diabetic skin complications.
Infections
Because glucose is an excellent medium for bacterial and fungal growth, diabetics are prone to skin infection. Because many diabetics also have dry, itchy skin that encourages scratching, small breaks in the skin serve as portals for bacteria and fungi. Nerve damage that decreases sensation, which often accompanies diabetes, allows skin infection to go unnoticed until it becomes severe.
Antibiotics and anti-fungal medications adequately treat infection, but diabetics should inspect skin frequently to check for signs of infections, especially on the feet.
Blood Vessel-Related Symptoms
Diabetes damages blood vessels, which can lead to a number of skin complications. Diabetic dermopathy, caused by small blood vessel damage, results in scaly reddish or brown patches often found on the front of the legs. These normally need no treatment. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, also known as NLD, causes similar patches, but the patches are larger and deeper. Skin may become shiny, painful and itchy and may crack. Young women most often develop NLD, which needs treatment only if cracking occurs. Around 1 to 3 percent of diabetics develop NLD, reports Holly Edmonds, M.D., of the University of Missouri.
Atherosclerosis, a thickening of the arteries, affects diabetics at younger ages than the general population and may cause decreased blood flow to the legs. Skin may become less hairy, shiny and cool, and toenails may turn thick and discolored. Diabetics with atherosclerosis may develop infections more easily due to decreased blood flow and oxygenation, the American Diabetes Association warns.
Blisters
Blisters called bullosis diabeticorum occur in some diabetics. The blisters look like burn blisters and occur mostly on the hands, feet, fingers, toes and forearms, the Cleveland Clinic states. These are usually painless and heal spontaneously after two to five weeks.
Digital Sclerosis
Diabetics may develop thick, waxy skin over the backs of the hands, toes and forehead. Around 33 percent of type I diabetics develop digital sclerosis, which can make the digits stiff, the American Diabetes Association explains. Stiffness may also affect the knees, ankles and elbows.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
This condition occurs in diabetics, mostly young men, whose blood glucose is not well controlled and who have high lipid levels, according to Edmonds. Firm, non-tender yellow lumps in the skin surrounded by a red halo characterize eruptive xanthomatosis.
