Diabetic dermopathy is a common condition in people living with diabetes. Certain skin conditions can only be caused by diabetes and these include:. Why You Should Give Skin a Closer Look, How Diabetes Can Aggravate Common Skin Problems, Styes, which are infections of the eyelid glands. To make sure you are eating in a way that helps manage your diabetes, try meal planning and learning to read food labels. Doctors dont know precisely why NLD occurs, but it may result from a breakdown in collagen. See what it takes to become board certified. How To Manage Diabetes Skin Problems. The medical name for this skin condition is acanthosis nigricans. Most commonly, these bacteria are Staphylococcus, or staph. For patients suffering from diabetic skin conditions, keeping their diabetes under control is the most important factor in preventing the development and worsening of skin-related diabetes complications.Maintaining control over blood glucose levels, using proper diabetic skin care, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce the risk . If these ulcers persist, you may need to . As many as 1 out of 3 people with diabetes will have one. There are other steps you can take, including: Its important to protect your shins and legs since diabetic dermopathy tends to primarily affect those areas. If you notice any skin problems, it is time to talk to . It's a benign condition that does not require treatment. References There is no specific treatment for NLD. However, people with diabetes may be more susceptible, especially if they are unable to manage their blood sugar levels effectively. Bullosis diabeticorum, or diabetic blisters, may make it look like youve been burned, but theyre typically painless. This skin condition causes the skin on the hands, fingers, and toes to become thick, tight, waxy, and potentially stiff. See a dermatologist about your skin. It typically affects the armpits, groin and neck. Sometimes mistaken for age spots, theyre harmless and dont need to be treated. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312172/), (https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/skin-complications). Sides of feet. Available from: Barbieri JS, Rosenbach M, Rodriguez O, et al. Wherever it appears, the thickened skin often has the texture of an orange peel. Theres no known treatment for diabetes-related dermopathy, but the good news is that the skin patches themselves are harmless. (2014). South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022. A DDM solution. Try lotions and moisturizers to help soften the skin. Does the Size of My Insulin Syringe Matter? Unlike the blisters that develop after a burn, these blisters are not painful. 2022 Jan 1;45(Suppl 1):S97-S112. FACE, practices endocrinology on the upper east side of Manhattan and is affiliated with NYU, Lenox Hill, and Mount Sinai Hospitals. JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, its time to talk with your doctor. If your diabetic dermopathy produces dry, scaly patches, applying moisturizer may help. Diabetes-related dermopathy can look similar to other skin conditions, so your provider will want to be sure of the diagnosis. About 30% of people with vitiligo have a family history of the condition, and it is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes than Type 2 diabetes. The spots are often brown and cause no symptoms. Ulcerations can occur following trauma, which may be associated with some pain. It can also develop on the upper back, shoulders, and neck. Granuloma annulare (gran-u-LOW-muh an-u-LAR-e) is a skin condition that causes a raised rash or bumps in a ring pattern. Some skin conditions that develop due to kidney disease can be difficult to control. Causes of Diabetes-Related Skin Problems. We explain what insulin sizes mean, how to choose the correct size for, Singer Nick Jonas, who has type 1 diabetes, debuted a new blood glucose monitoring device during a Super Bowl television commercial, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Diabetic dermopathy: Also called shin spots, this skin condition develops as a result of changes to the blood vessels that supply the skin. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Skinsights terms of service and privacy policy. Medications: In some cases, youll need more than an OTC treatment. Diabetes-related dermopathy is usually asymptomatic, meaning it doesnt cause symptoms like pain or itching. You cant get it from someone else or spread it to someone else. It's rare, but it can affect people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetic dermopathy does not typically itch, burn, or sting. However, you may need a skin biopsy, if your doctor suspects another skin condition. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. These measures can protect your shins and legs, two areas where lesions most likely occur. This image displays slow-healing skin lesions and ulcers due to simple trauma typical of diabetic dermopathy. This article will give you all of this information as well as ways to prevent diabetes sores from occurring in the first . Brady MF, et al. It feels like small cuts and is called "angular cheilitis.". The affected joints may become harder to move. Treatment usually isn't necessary. Numbness. In this article, we will discuss diabetes and skin conditions, including what you need to know about diabetes and red spots . Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Diabetes self-management includes: Healthy coping: The hormones produced when youre stressed may cause your blood glucose to go up. The patches arent usually painful. Patches of skin look discolored. Diabetic dermopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes brown lesions to appear on your skin. 1 Among others, the most commonly described drug-induced skin reactions include rash, urticaria, and lichenoid eruption. The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance Most bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotic pills. In fact, a chronic rash, fungal infection or blister is often the first clue to the disease. Ringworm: Named ringworm only because of its circular shape (it doesnt involve a worm), this fungal infection of the skin may be itchy and red, with a raised border. Its rare, but people with diabetes can see blisters suddenly appear on their skin. Problem solving: Managing your diabetes may require adjustments to your treatment over time. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Diabetic dermopathy doesnt usually cause symptoms like burning, stinging, or itching. Some symptoms of diabetes may cause discoloration or changes to the legs, such as: If you have a minor wound, treat it. (2022). This skin problem usually develops in people who have complications due to diabetes or diabetes that is difficult to treat. In: StatPearls [Internet]. While the exact cause of NLD is unknown, it shares a complicated relationship with diabetes. Sort by: Most popular. Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses glucose, or sugar. In some cases, diabetes-related dermopathy helps with early diagnosis and prevention of these diabetes complications. Tell your doctor about your extremely dry skin. Research has also been conducted investigating the effects of smoking in relation to NLD, with WF Kelly et al reporting that smoking was prevalent in diabetic patients with NLD. Brown, scar-like, slightly elevated lesions on the legs are typical in long-standing diabetics. Erin Davis, MS, RDN, CDCES, is a freelance medical writer and consultant who has over 15 years of clinical and community experience as a dietitian and diabetes educator. Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes white spots or large areas of depigmentation to occur on various areas of the body. This condition has been associated with diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage), and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis. Whats the Link Between Skin Tags and Diabetes? We know that most people who have granuloma annulare do not have diabetes. The underlying cause of NLD is unknown, but the leading etiological theory tends to focus on microangiopathy which occurs when blood vessels become damaged a complication which can be caused by diabetes. As displayed in this image, the skin lesions of diabetic dermopathy can appear as scaly, colored, slightly elevated lesions. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. In: Kelly AP and Taylor S. Dermatology for Skin of Color. However, its estimated that up to 50 percent of people living with the disease will develop some form of dermatosis, such as diabetic dermopathy. In rare cases, youll see it on the arms, thighs, trunk, or other areas of the body. Fungal infections result from the growth and spread of fungus or yeast. They often happen in people who have severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. The patches don't hurt, and they rarely cause itching or burning. Dr. Siegel adds that NLD usually doesnt cause problems unless there are significant ulcers, adding that wraps of topical treatment with steroids can sometimes be of value.. Unlike age spots, these spots and lines usually start to fade after 18 to 24 months. There are a few different skin conditions linked with diabetes. Scheduling regular visits with your doctor will enable them to complete a thorough evaluation to help determine the best management plan for your condition. Your provider might perform a skin biopsy on one or more of the spots to rule out other possible skin conditions. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The legs are the most commonly affected site for NLD, but other body parts such as the face, abdomen, and scalp have been reported as affected areas. Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. Theyll check things like your blood pressure, sensation in your feet, and your cholesterol levels. The overlaying skin becomes thin and red. Heres how long botox tends to last. Its important to remember that this is only a theory regarding what causes diabetic dermopathy. In people who do not have diabetes, the lesions often appear after injury. In time, ulcers can form for example, if the skin breaks. Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound. (2021). White blood cells become less able to defend you against infections. Nerve and blood vessel damage occurs from chronically elevated blood sugar that is characteristic of diabetes and results in widespread inflammation throughout the body. Disseminated granuloma annulare: While there is some controversy over whether this condition is connected to diabetes, disseminated granuloma annulare causes sharply defined ring- or arc-shaped areas on the skin. Those with diabetes are at an increased risk for bacterial or fungal skin infection. Its sometimes slightly raised and may look velvety. In people with darker skin, the skin lesions of diabetic dermopathy can appear as very dark-colored, slightly elevated lesions, as displayed in this image. Labib A, Rosen J, Yosipovitch G. Skin Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. It causes darkened and thickened skin, especially in skin folds. Its possible that you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Yosipovitch G, Loh KC, et al. The changes in the blood vessels cause brown scaly patches to appear on the shins, or front part of the legs. The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma. Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed. If your doctor determines you have diabetic dermopathy, they may forgo a biopsy. Check your feet every day for redness, scratches, blisters, sores, and cuts. Skin tags can occur in people with diabetes. Several studies, however, have found this skin condition in patients who have diabetes. Treatment options include applying lotions or moisturizers and managing blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes. The treatment is to bring your blood sugar levels under control. Could You Have Subclinical Hypothyroidism? If you already have diabetes and are experiencing signs of diabetes-related dermopathy, be sure to see your healthcare provider. Some lesions may take months to resolve, while others may take more than a year. We avoid using tertiary references. When legions appear on the face, scalp or upper arms, NLD is less likely to be correctly diagnosed. People also tend to get this infection on the corners of their mouth. Make a concerted effort to exercise at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. They can form anywhere though. Diabetic dermopathy: This 55-year-old man has had diabetes for many years.