It is not uncommon for people living with diabetes to have skin disorders caused by or affected by their diabetes. Luckily, most skin conditions can be prevented or treated if caught early.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to small blood vessels and the nervous system which may result in skin conditions such as diabetic dermopathy, diabetic blisters, thinning and shiny skin, thickened and discolored toenails, and cold skin.

The main skin conditions

Common skin infections – these include bacterial or fungal infections and local itching which anyone can have, but having diabetes may mean you get them more easily and they can be harder to treat.

  • Bacterial infections – these can include styes (infections in the eye lid), boils, folliculitis (infections in the hair follicles), infections around the nails, and carbuncles (infections of the skin and tissues below). Infected areas are usually painful, hot to the touch, swollen and red. Most bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics in the form of pills or creams.
  • Fungal infections – fungal and yeast infections often occur in areas that get warm and sweaty, including under the breasts, between the fingers and toes, in the corners of the mouth, and in groin area. They can cause itchy rashes and blistering and usually require treatment with creams, and sometimes pills.
  • Local itching – itching is often a result of dry skin, a yeast infection, or poor circulation caused by diabetes. You can usually treat itching by using a mild soap with a moisturizer and applying a skin cream after bathing.

Other skin conditions related to diabetes include:

Diabetic dermatopathy – damage to the small blood vessels can result in a condition in which light brown scaly patches occur, most often on the front of the legs. These patches do not hurt, open, or itch, and are harmless and don’t require treatment.

Acanthosis nigricans – this condition is frequently found in people with diabetes who are very overweight. It is characterized by raised tan or brown colored areas of the skin located in the neck, armpit, and groin area. The best treatment is to lose weight.

Digital sclerosis – this is a condition in which the skin on the back of the hands and sometimes the toes and forehead becomes thick, waxy, and tight. Stiffness of the finger joints might also occur. Lotions and moisturizers may help soften the skin, but the only real treatment is to bring your blood sugar levels under control.

Skin problems that occur from insulin shots – this is known as hypertrophy (accumulation of fat under the skin) and atrophy (loss of the fatty tissue underneath an area of injection). The two conditions are a result of shots in the same exact spot and cause a disruption in insulin absorption.

Allergic reactions – skin reactions such as rashes, bumps, and depressions can occur as a response to medicines, such as insulin or diabetes pills. If you think you have this kind of reaction you need to see your doctor.

Tips you can take to help prevent skin problems

  • Keep your blood glucose levels within the range recommended by your health care provider.
  • Keep your skin clean, healthy, and dry. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap that contains a moisturizer. Thoroughly dry the places where water can gather, such as under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes.
  • Take good care of your feet. Check them every day for sores and cuts. Make sure you have shoes that fit well and don’t pinch or rub.
  • Get into the habit of examining your body for any dry, red, or painful spots that can become infected.
  • Keep your skin moisturized with a lotion
  • Drink lots of fluids, especially water, to keep your skin moist and healthy.
  • Treat cuts right away. Consult your diabetes care team about any treatments or ointments you use on your skin.
  • Use sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher when outside, and in colder months, moisturize your skin to prevent dry skin.

Note that keeping your diabetes under control is the most important factor in preventing skin-related complications of diabetes. With the Dario App, you can track all the parameters related to your health, reach your personal goals, and prevent problems related to uncontrolled diabetes.

 

https://www.diabetes.org/ diabetes/complications/ skin-complications

https://www.webmd.com/ diabetes/features/ diabetes-skin-conditions

https://my.clevelandclinic. org/health/articles/ 12176-diabetes-skin-conditions

 

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