Diabetic Dermopathy: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment. Rarely, the skin condition can be a sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver. Diabetes can make existing skin problems worse. These infections can cause itchiness, redness, rashes, and small blisters. If diabetes has been poorly controlled for years, it can feel like you have pebbles in your fingertips. See additional information. Skin conditions are seen in almost 30% of people with diabetes. Diabetic Skin Conditions: Rash, Blisters & More - Diabetes Self-Management Red Wine and Type 2 Diabetes: Is There a Link? What Are the Factors Contributing to Obesity? This happens when the bodys water is used to flush out the extra glucose, instead of being used to keep the skin hydrated. (2020). When legions are multiple and bilateral, they may either be painless due to cutaneous nerve damage, which is often the case, or they can be extremely painful. When you have issues with your heart or blood vessels: Diabetes-related blisters (bullous diabeticorum): In rare cases, people with diabetes get blisters that resemble burn blisters. Sides of feet. Itching skin, also called pruritus, can have many causes, such as dry skin, poor blood flow, or a yeast infection. Diabetic dermopathy is harmless and does not require any treatment. We know that most people who have granuloma annulare do not have diabetes. It also seems to be more common in males, older adults, and those who have been living with diabetes for a longer period of time. After specific spots fade, new spots can appear. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. China, 2009:481-4. It's important to keep diabetes well-managed to avoid other serious complications (beyond dermopathy), such as: A diagnosis of diabetic dermopathy is made through a physical exam by a physician. It is especially common in overweight people with type 2 diabetes. Treatment involves management of glucose levels, and physical therapy to gain mobility of the joints. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You cant get it from someone else or spread it to someone else. NLD (Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum) Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a rare skin condition in which lesions normally develop on the lower part of the legs Other body parts can be affected, though. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Why Are My Calves Itchy Even Though I Dont Have a Rash? To make sure you are eating in a way that helps manage your diabetes, try meal planning and learning to read food labels. Styes: These often-painful infections in the eyelash follicles happen because of blockages in the oil glands of the eyelid. Diabetic dermopathy: Also called shin spots, this skin condition develops as a result of changes to the blood vessels that supply the skin. In some cases, creams may help lighten the affected areas. If the skin is broken, it can be easier for bacteria to enter, making infections more likely. In some cases, diabetes-related dermopathy helps with early diagnosis and prevention of these diabetes complications. This is often a sign of prediabetes. It can also make your finger joints stiff. Diabetes can impact the health of your entire body, including the skin. Some skin conditions require medical attention for example, infections and ulcers require treatment to prevent them from becoming worse. Over time, high blood sugar can cause damage throughout your body. You may also notice: They can be reddish or brownish in color and are usually round or oval in shape. For NLD, a doctor may recommend light therapy, corticosteroids, or other drugs. Diabetes-related dermopathy (often called "shin spots") is a fairly common skin condition that affects people who are living with diabetes, including Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The best management of diabetes includes addressing lifestyle factors and making behavior changes. The patches are slightly scaly and are usually round or oval. Unlike the blisters that develop after a burn, these blisters are not painful. In people with diabetes, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens develop more easily and become harder to remove. Does the Size of My Insulin Syringe Matter? There is no treatment for AN. Initially, red-brown patches between 1-3mm develop over months or years, but these can increase in size and become progressively yellow and shiny. Digital sclerosis: Due to poor blood flow, the skin on your toes, fingers, and hands becomes thick, waxy, and tight. While its cause is unknown, research shows it may be due to poor circulation that . Macrovascular complications refer to damage in the larger blood vessels, like the arteries that move blood away from the heart. Heres what to look for, and how to treat each. Using a moisturizer to help improve the appearance and texture of the patches. Diabetic dermopathy occurs in up to 55% of patients . The overlaying skin becomes thin and red. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. A board-certified dermatologist can recognize skin problems due to diabetes and help you manage them. If the sores do break open, see your doctor. Acanthosis nigricans - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic All rights reserved. Do Diabetics Experience Dizziness More Than Non-Diabetics? Managing blood glucose levels can help treat and reduce the risk of diabetes-related skin conditions. Treatment of NLD is challenging, as certain techniques can diminish the lesions, but they do not heal completely and have been known to spontaneously reoccur. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis. What to Know About the Dexcom Glucose Monitor from Nick Jonas Super Bowl Ad. We avoid using tertiary references. Other skin changes, such as AN, can be a signal that blood sugar levels are too high. Several studies, however, have found this skin condition in patients who have diabetes. Diabetes-related skin conditions can be frustrating or uncomfortable. Problem solving: Managing your diabetes may require adjustments to your treatment over time. Alzheimer's disease. Diabetes Brown Spots on Feet and Other Skin Conditions See how one patient learned to manage her weight and diet. Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose levels, can happen with uncontrolled diabetes. 10 Diabetic Skin Conditions And Their Symptom That You Need To Know Lowering stress can help improve your diabetes. 2,3 CASE REPORT NLD occurs due to collagen degeneration and inflammation associated with the thickening of blood vessel walls and fat disposition. Diabetes foot syndrome. Treatment options include applying lotions or moisturizers and managing blood sugar levels. Labib A, Rosen J, Yosipovitch G. Skin Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetic dermopathy is a condition where light brownish and scaly patches develop on the skin that is often mistaken to be sun spots but is barely noticeable. Get immediate treatment for the infection. Small, raised, red spots -- usually on your shins -- slowly grow into larger, flatter patches. Skin and mouth conditions. Skin becomes tan or brown. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need better control of it. The condition causes small lesions on your skin. While there is no way to cure diabetic dermopathy, having good control over blood sugar levels can prevent the lesions of diabetic dermopathy from occurring and decrease the likelihood of other diabetes-related complications. Skin tags can occur in people with diabetes. Keeping your skin moisturized with lotion or natural oils can help improve the elasticity and appearance of your skin and the decreased dryness of patches. While it has been reported that diabetic dermopathy is more common in type 2 diabetes, it can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Want another reason to get your blood sugar levels under control and keep them that way? It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. 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). Dietary patterns that focus on high vegetable and fruit intake, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins may improve blood glucose levels. The patches arent usually painful. Diabetes-Related Dermopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (2022). Tell your doctor about the yellowish scaly patches around your eyes. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2016). Here's what to know. For example, if you take your medication as prescribed, but your blood sugar remains high, talk to your doctor. Its typically asymptomatic, meaning it usually doesnt present any symptoms. Diabetic dermopathy appears as pink to red or tan to dark brown patches, and it is most frequently found on the lower legs. The chronic metabolic disorder can also leave its mark on your largest organ: your skin. When these bumps appear, they often look like pimples. Could You Have Subclinical Hypothyroidism? Diabetic dermopathy is a condition that causes small lesions to appear on the skin, typically on the shins. Lesions can occur anywhere on your body, but they tend to develop on bony parts. It causes darkened and thickened skin, especially in skin folds. Diabetic Dermopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Pictures Some non-drug remedies for diabetes-related skin problems are: Before using any natural or alternative remedies, consult your doctor. 2015;33:40-8. White blood cells become less able to defend you against infections. Various skin changes can occur with diabetes, such as granuloma annulare, a ring-shaped rash of raised bumps that may appear red, red-brown, pink, purplish, or the same color as your skin. The rash often appears on the face near the hairline, then spreads down to the feet. They can itch, spread, and worsen if not treated with prescription medication. When diabetes affects the skin, its often a sign that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. This may include walking, gardening, yoga, swimming, and weightlifting. Controlling diabetes can clear the scaly patches. Necrobiocis lioidica. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. It may show up on the ears, hands, and torso. Shira Eytan, M.D. In addition, participating in diabetes education, getting enough sleep, and stopping smoking can all reduce your risk for diabetes-related complications. High blood sugar can increase the risk of developing digital sclerosis. Applying makeup may help cover the spots. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. Some images used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Diabetic dermopathy can be an early symptom of diabetes. Acanthosis nigricans: This condition is most common in people with type 2 diabetes. Hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can spread, appearing on the forearms and upper arms. Lotions and moisturizers might help soften your skin. Because it is a benign condition, not threatening to life or health, skin biopsies are rarely performed, especially because patients with diabetes commonly have delayed wound healing. Good management of diabetes in regulating blood sugar levels may help decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic dermopathy. Its the most common skin condition that affects people who have diabetes. Unlike age spots, these spots and lines usually start to fade after 18 to 24 months. Hot, swollen skin that is painful Ana Maria Kausel, MD, is a double board-certified endocrinologist affiliated with Mount Sinai St. Luke's/Mount Sinai West in New York City. Treatment usually isn't needed, but sometimes a steroid medication you put on your skin, such as hydrocortisone, can help. Images They may include: Dry, cracked skin. Researchers arent sure if better diabetes management and having better blood sugars help improve the patches after someone already has them. Occurring more frequently in people over 50, diabetic dermopathy (DD) is a common skin condition in diabetes. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. However, MH Lowitt and JS Dover illustrated the differences between NLD and patients with diabetes in their 1991 study, which showed that: The 40% of participants who did not have diabetes prior to developing NLD were observed to have abnormal glucose tolerance by the researchers. This may involve using the right balance of moisturizers . They often appear in the following areas: AN is a symptom of insulin resistance and can be an early symptom of diabetes. Loss of hair in the area. Theres no treatment for diabetes-related dermopathy, but makeup and moisturizer can help with its appearance. Dermopathy appears as a shiny round or oval lesion on the thin skin of your shins. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Unlike pimples, they soon develop a yellowish color. Many people have skin tagsskin growths that hang from a stalk. Pictures of 15 Uncommon Skin Conditions - WebMD A clinical study of dermatoses in diabetes to establish its markers.