In people with diabetes, it may affect the lower legs in particular. 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. If you continue to have dry skin after you gain better control of your diabetes, a dermatologist can help. How to prevent diabetic skin conditions "Controlling your blood glucose is the first step in preventing and treating diabetes skin problems," stated Dr. Grace. Nail infections: A fungal infection in the toenails, such as onychomycosis, may cause your toenails to be discolored, thickened, or cracked. If you notice any skin problems, it is time to talk to . Having high blood sugar (glucose) for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. Brown, scar-like, slightly elevated lesions on the legs are typical in long-standing diabetics. These bumps may appear red or red-brown on lighter skin tones or pink or purplish on darker skin tones, or they may be the same color as your skin. Pictures of Diabetic Neuropathy - Healthline The risk factors for developing diabetes-related dermopathy include: Although not all cases of diabetes-related dermopathy are preventable, the main way to try to prevent diabetes-related dermopathy is to manage your diabetes well. Studies suggest that up to 55 percent of people with diabetes have diabetic dermopathy. One common cause of fungal infections is Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus. Acanthosis nigricans - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Theyre harmless, and medications are available for treatment. For example, it is more likely to occur in people who also have retinopathy, neuropathy, or kidney disease. If your diabetic dermopathy produces dry, scaly patches, applying moisturizer may help. It can also make your finger joints stiff. It's more common with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes may also negatively affect circulation. Pain. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bilateral, meaning they appear on the skin of both of your legs or both of your arms at the same time. Itching may be due to an infection, dry skin, or inadequate circulation. Here are a few management tips: While theres no specific treatment for diabetic dermopathy, managing your diabetes is still important to prevent diabetes-related complications. Surgical and laser therapy may be recommended if lesions reoccur alongside underlying vascular damage. The lesions that occur with NLD can also be itchy. The condition is also more common in people assigned male at birth. When spots develop on the body, they often form bilaterally, meaning they occur on both legs or both arms. There is no treatment for AN. Diminished ability to sense hot or cold. Conversely, some skin conditions can signal that glucose levels need to be addressed. They often happen in people who have severe diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Decreased blood flow to the area surrounding an injury prevents a wound from healing properly, resulting in the development of bruise-like lesions or spots. These rashes most often happen on the fingers and ears, but they can appear on the chest and abdomen, too. Infantile eczema. With this type of infection, you may notice: Yeast fungus thrives in the following areas: Common skin irritations such as athletes foot, jock itch, and ringworm are fungal infections. This is especially true on the feet. See what it takes to become board certified. The medical name is diabetic dermopathy. If you have a skin infection or poor circulation, these could also contribute to dry, itchy skin. Campos de Macedo GM, et al. 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. Treatment options include applying lotions or moisturizers and managing blood sugar levels. The following OTC remedies can help manage certain skin conditions associated with type 2 diabetes: In some cases, a doctor will prescribe medications or other treatments such as: Some conditions may benefit from specific treatments. Acanthnosis nigricans: Symptoms are raised patches of tan or brown skin. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, Draznin B, Aroda VR, Bakris G, Benson G, Brown FM, Freeman R, Green J, Huang E, Isaacs D, Kahan S, Leon J, Lyons SK, Peters AL, Prahalad P, Reusch JEB, Young-Hyman D. 7. How To Manage Diabetes Skin Problems. Is there a link, and what can you do to get rid of them? There are other instances where lesions may be permanent. Diabetic dermopathy is the most common skin finding in people with diabetes. Diabetes can cause many other skin problems. In some cases, this can lead to severe complications. Medicines that kill fungus -- called antifungals -- are usually needed to treat these infections. This makes it harder for skin to heal. Talk with your doctor about the right ones to use. They are most common in people older than 50 with a long history of diabetes. But they can also show up on the face around the mouth, nose, and eyes. When the thickening skin develops on a finger, toe, or other area with joints, physical therapy can help you keep your ability to bend and straighten the joint. You can see blood vessels 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. PMID: 34964871. These infections can cause itchiness, redness, rashes, and small blisters. But most are easily treated with management of blood glucose levels. Diabetes can cause long-term damage, from foot to nerve complications. The brown skin spots may have thickened, velvety skin that can appear in skin folds on your neck, armpits, groin, or other body creases. Keep your toenails short. Ulcerations can occur following trauma, which may be associated with some pain. Whats the Link Between Skin Tags and Diabetes? Diabetic dermopathy does not typically itch, burn, or sting. They can be reddish or brownish in color and are usually round or oval in shape. This could mean that: You have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes, Your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted. Proper blood sugar management can often help prevent or reduce skin problems that arise with diabetes. Necrobiosis lipoidica: If youve had diabetes for a long time without good control of your blood sugar, you could develop this condition. Massage of female foot. There is no specific treatment for NLD. On the hands, youll notice tight, waxy skin on the backs of your hands. (first edition). Sometimes, the thickening skin spreads to the face, shoulders, and chest. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. People who have diabetes tend to get skin infections. Common symptoms of diabetes that may aid in the diagnosis of diabetic dermopathy include: Because diabetic dermopathy is an asymptomatic and benign condition, it requires no treatment. If you have a minor wound, treat it. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can reduce sensation, making it harder to notice wounds or injuries. In: StatPearls [Internet]. McGeorge S. et al. 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. Some skin conditions require medical attention for example, infections and ulcers require treatment to prevent them from becoming worse. Yellow, reddish, or brown patches on your skin. Bacterial infections: Staphylococcus skin infections are more common and more serious in people with poorly controlled diabetes. The skin condition is characterized by reddish-brown, round or oval, scar-like patches that are usually a centimeter or less in size. This could mean that: If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, it's time to talk with your doctor. Is there a link, and what can you do to get rid of them? Unlike the blisters that develop after a burn, these blisters are not painful. Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk More Than Previously Thought. If you notice any kind of significant change to your skin, especially color changes, its important to contact your healthcare provider. Treatment usually isn't necessary. In rare cases, youll see it on the arms, thighs, trunk, or other areas of the body. Even though diabetes-related dermatology may have an unpleasant appearance, the condition itself doesnt harm your health. Heres what to look for, and how to treat each. Diabetes is a condition wherein blood sugar levels become too high. Get immediate treatment for the infection. If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, its time to talk with your doctor. You cant control the rate that lesions fade, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition. Diabetes Skin Conditions: Diabetes Rash What rashes are caused by diabetes? These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Acanthosis nigricans is a fairly common skin pigmentation disorder, usually notable for dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. (2021). Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. In: Kelly AP and Taylor S. Dermatology for Skin of Color. Dermopathy that occurs due to the high insulin presence in the body causes minuscule depression on the skin mainly in the lower legs around the shins. This image displays a close-up of diabetic dermopathy showing scarring. Hearing impairment. Policy. Why Are My Calves Itchy Even Though I Dont Have a Rash? The affected area may be painful and itchy. Although bacteria and fungi are usually recognized and stopped by the immune system, when blood sugars are out of control (above 180 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL), the immune system doesn't work as well, Dr. Siegel explains. Other than the appearance of skin lesions, diabetic dermopathy doesnt have any other symptoms. Try lotions and moisturizers to help soften the skin. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Cohen Sabban, EN. Labib A, Rosen J, Yosipovitch G. Skin Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. Most commonly, these bacteria are Staphylococcus, or staph. When this develops on the fingers, toes, or both, the medical name for this condition is digital sclerosis. The Hypo Program is the world's first and only structured education program. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, Draznin B, Aroda VR, Bakris G, Benson G, Brown FM, Freeman R, Green J, Huang E, Isaacs D, Kahan S, Leon J, Lyons SK, Peters AL, Prahalad P, Reusch JEB, Young-Hyman D. 5.