13 crucial skin signs of diabetes
- Acanthosis nigricans: Dark, velvety patches of skin that typically appear on the back of the neck, armpits, groin, elbows, knees, and knuckles.
- Diabetic dermopathy: Shin spots that are round or oval, raised, and light brown to reddish brown in color.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica: Raised, waxy patches of skin that are often red or yellow in the center. They can break open and form sores.
- Diabetic blisters: Sterile blisters that form on the fingers, toes, hands, feet, and forearms.
- Digital sclerosis: Thickening and tightening of the skin on the back of the hands, fingers, and toes.
- Xanthelasma: Yellowish plaques of cholesterol that form around the eyes.
- Eruptive xanthomatosis: Small, reddish-yellow bumps that form on the elbows, knees, and buttocks.
- Diabetic cheiroarthropathy: Waxy skin thickening over the palm of the hand.
- Diabetic granuloma annulare: Ring-shaped bumps that appear on the hands, feet, and torso.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum: A rare complication of diabetes that causes sores to form on the skin, often on the legs.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Open sores on the feet that can be difficult to heal and can lead to infection and amputation.
- Fungal infections: People with diabetes are more likely to develop fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm and jock itch.
- Bacterial infections: People with diabetes are also more likely to develop bacterial infections of the skin, such as impetigo and cellulitis.
- Skin tags: Small, soft growths of skin that are common in people with diabetes.
If you have any of these skin signs, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Early treatment can help to prevent further complications.