Doctor explains 12 SKIN CONDITIONS associated with DIABETES
Some diabetes rashes only affect people with diabetes. They usually go away when blood sugar is under control. These rashes include:
Blisters (bullosis diabeticorum): Painless blisters may form on the backs of hands and feet and on the legs and forearms. This rare condition most often affects people who have diabetes-related neuropathy.
Diabetes-related dermopathy: Light-brown, round-shaped scaly patches, like age spots, appear on the shins. These harmless spots don’t need treatment.
Digital sclerosis: Some people with Type 1 diabetes develop hardened, thick, waxy skin on the backs of their hands. The finger joints stiffen, making movement difficult. A related rash is scleredema adultorum of Bushke which is tightness, thickening, and hardening of the back, neck, shoulders and face. There are various treatments that dermatologists can provide for this.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD): This lower leg rash is more common in women. NLD causes raised, red, shiny patches with a yellow center. Blood vessels may be more noticeable. The rash may be itchy and painful. You should see a dermatologist for treatment options.
Diabetes Foot Syndrome: These are ulcers that develop from trauma to the skin. The ulcers can take a long time to heal and there is an increased risk for infection.Acanthosis nigricans (AN): This condition causes dark, velvet-looking bands of discolored skin. It commonly affects people who have overweight/obesity. Acanthosis nigricans can be a warning sign of high blood sugar or prediabetes.
Disseminated granuloma annulare: Granuloma annulare often affects healthy children and young adults. In people with diabetes, disseminated granuloma annulare forms rings or arcs on the fingers, hands, feet and ears. The rash may be red, reddish-brown or skin tone. It doesn’t cause pain, but it may itch. Many times this will heal without therapy. For small areas of involvement, topical steroids can be useful in treatment.
Eruptive xanthomatosis: Firm, yellow, pea-sized skin bumps may itch and be encircled in red. This rash most often affects the backs of the hands, feet, arms, legs and buttocks. Among people with Type 1 diabetes, it’s most common in men who have high cholesterol.