People with diabetes can develop various other conditions, including skin diseases. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 33 percent of patients with diabetes will have a skin disease caused by or impacted by diabetes during their lifetime. Some of these skin diseases are more common to patients with diabetes, but others are common skin conditions that people with diabetes may be more prone to get.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Diabetic dermopathy is brown, oval, scaly patches that typically occur on the shins, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. This condition may be caused by changes in the blood vessels and nerves, which are often a part of diabetic disease. Patients who have had diabetes for over 10 years or who have poor control over glucose levels are also more likely to develop this condition. Diabetic dermopathy causes no problems and does not require treatment.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum also affects the shins of patients with diabetes. This condition occurs commonly in women. It starts as a red, raised lesion and eventually the center of the lesion begins to thin and develop visible blood vessels, explains the ADA. Often, the condition does not need treatment, but if the lesions break open, a patient may require treatment that includes corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Bullosis Diabeticorum (Diabetic Blisters)
Bullosis diabeticorum, or diabetic blisters, typically occur in men, according to Chilukuri Sreedevi and colleagues in a 2002 article in the journal "Diabetologica Croatica." These blisters appear on the lower legs and feet and contain sterile, clear fluid. Patients who develop these blisters often already have diabetic disease involving the eyes and the nerves. Bullosis diabeticorum generally resolves on its own, with patients only needing therapy if the blisters become secondarily infected.
Digital Sclerosis
According to the ADA, patients with diabetes mellitus may develop thickened skin over the back of the hands, which is called digital sclerosis, or waxy skin syndrome. The skin may become so thick that the fingers are unable to function normally. One-third of people who have Type 1 diabetes develop this condition. Better control of a patient's blood glucose levels is the only treatment for this condition.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Disseminated granuloma annulare is a skin condition with red or red-brown raised ring lesions that may occur on the trunk, arms and legs, reports the ADA. For some people, the development of this condition may be an indication that an individual may actually have diabetes, according to Sreedevi and colleagues. The condition itself may not need treatment, but doctors may have medications for this rash if patients are interested.
Infections
Patients with diabetes are prone to developing skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi, according to the ADA. The bacterial infections can occur in many places on the body and typically require antibiotic treatment, and the fungal infections typically are caused by Candida albicans and occur in moist, warm places on the body. Prescription anti-fungal medications are needed to treat these infections. Maintaining good skin care may prevent some of these infections.
Diabetic Ulcers
Changes in the blood vessels and the nerves that supply the foot can lead to the development of diabetic foot ulcers, according to Sreedevi and colleagues. The poor circulation to the foot can cause the skin to break down and it may be difficult for the sore to heal, reports the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center website. The changes in the nerves may alter a patient's perceptions, causing the individual to be prone to injuries that may not be able to heal as well, states the ADA. These lesions can become infected and require constant care by the patient, the physician and sometimes a podiatrist. If the foot ulcer infection does not improve, the patient may need an amputation of the affected limb.
References
- "Diabetologica Croatica"; Dermatologic Lesions in Diabetes Mellitus; Chilukuri Sreedevi et al.; 2002
- New Zealand Dermatological Society: Skin Problems Associated With Diabetes Mellitus
- "Joslin's Diabetes Mellitus"; Elliott Proctor Joslin, C. Ronald Kahn; 2005
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- American Diabetes Association: Foot Complications
