The American Diabetes Association, or ADA, reports that 33 percent of people with diabetes will develop a skin disorder at some point in their lives (see Reference 1). Skin conditions in diabetics are the result of blood vessel and nerve damage caused by persistently high glucose levels. Some of the skin conditions disappear when better blood glucose control is achieved. The ADA also notes that most skin conditions associated with diabetes can be easily treated.
Skin Infections
People with diabetes are predisposed to fungal and bacterial skin infections. The fungi, Candida albicans and species of trichophyton cause an itchy, scaly rash. The fungal infections commonly occur in folds of the skin. Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common bacteria that cause infections resulting in the development of carbuncles, boils and sties. "The Internet Journal of Dermatology" reports an incidence of 31.7 percent of skin infections in type 2 diabetics (see Reference 3).
Dermopathy and Necrobiosis
Dermopathy and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, or NLD, are caused by changes in blood vessels. Dermopathy is the most common skin condition in diabetics and is more prevalent in those that have had diabetes for 10 to 20 years. The study in "The Internet Journal of Dermatology" reports a prevalence of just over 11 percent of dermopathy in type 2 diabetics (See Reference 3). Dermopathy is characterized by brown scaly patches that most often form on the legs. NLD causes similar patches, but they are larger, deeper and red; blood vessels may be visible through translucent skin. NLD lesions may crack open and become painful. NLD is rare and is more often present in women than men.
Blisters and Ulcers
Neuropathy is progressive nerve damage that occurs in some diabetics. Diabetics with neuropathy may not respond to painful skin infections and skin irritations that most frequently develop on the feet leading to potentially severe ulceration. Neuropathy may also cause relatively painless blisters on the hands and feet.
Acanthosis Nigricans
People who are overweight may develop acanthosis nigricans, which is a darkening of the skin in the areas of the groin, neck and armpits. It is more frequently observed in type 2 diabetics under the age of 40 and is caused by high levels of insulin, which increases skin cell growth.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which scaly red patches on the skin develop. This skin disease has recently been associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study in "The Internet Journal of Dermatology" reports a prevalence of just over 11 percent of psoriasis in type 2 diabetics (see Reference 3).
Digital Sclerosis
Digital sclerosis refers to thickening of the skin and is more prevalent in type 1 diabetics. The thickening of the skin may make movement of fingers difficult and the hands stiff.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Eruptive xanthomatosis is characterized by yellow pea-like bumps in the skin that may itch. This skin disorder is more often observed in people with type 1 diabetes.
