10 skin disorders triggered by diabetes

About a third of people with diabetes will develop skin problems such as skin sores or a leg rash. The good news is that most skin problems with diabetes can be prevented or treated easily if they’re caught early.

Keeping proper control of your blood sugar (glucose) can prevent diabetes skin problems and many other diabetes symptoms from happening in the first place.

If you notice any skin problems, it is time to talk to your doctor. Work with your doctor and diabetes nurse educator to learn how to control your diabetes with diet, exercise, and medications, if needed. Additionally, see a dermatologist about any diabetes skin problems. Some diabetes skin problems don’t look too serious but could lead to future complications if left untreated.

1.  Bacterial Skin Infections

Although anyone can get bacterial skin infections, people with diabetes are more prone to them. Typical bacterial skin problems that tend to trouble patients include eyelid sties, boils, nail infections, and carbuncles — deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath. Usually, the area around the infection will be hot, red, painful, and swollen. Treatment with antibiotic creams or pills will usually clear up these skin problems.

2. Fungal Infections

People with diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections, especially one called Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus creates a red, itchy rash, frequently surrounded by small blisters and scales, that is usually found in warm, moist areas like armpits or between the toes. Other fungal infections common to diabetics include ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and vaginal yeast infections. Talk to your doctor about the best medication to kill fungal skin problems.

3. Itchy skin

Itchy skin can have many causes. In people with diabetes, a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation can be the root cause. When poor blood flow is the culprit, the lower legs may be the itchiest part of the body. What can you do to stop your skin from crawling? Consider bathing less often, and use mild soap when you do. Slather on some lotion to moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying it between your toes.

4. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin problem in which the skin cells that make melanin (brown pigmentation) are destroyed, leading to irregular, blotchy patches that often occur on the hands, face, or chest. Although the cause of vitiligo is unknown, experts believe it is an autoimmune condition like type 1 diabetes, and research published in July 2016 in BioMed Research International described the link between the two conditions. There's no cure, but light therapy and steroids are used to manage vitiligo. If you have the condition, it's important to wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, since depigmented skin has no natural sun protection.

5. Neuropathy-Related Skin Problems

Diabetes can cause nerve damage called neuropathy, a common diabetes complication. Sometimes the damage causes a loss of sensation in the feet. If you step on something and injure your foot or develop a blister, you may not be able to feel it. An open skin sore called a foot ulcer can develop and could get infected. Take a look at your feet every day to make sure they are not injured in any way.

6. Diabetic Blisters

It’s rare, but sometimes people with diabetes erupt in blisters (bullosis diabeticorum). The blisters occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, and sometimes on the legs or forearms. These skin sores resemble burn blisters. Having diabetic neuropathy puts you at higher risk of developing these blisters. Here’s the good news: They are usually painless and heal on their own in a few weeks. Keeping blood glucose under control is the only treatment for this diabetes skin problem.

7. Eruptive Xanthomatosis

Out-of-control diabetes can cause eruptive xanthomatosis — firm, yellow, pea-like skin growths. The bumps have a red halo around them and may itch. They’re usually found on the backs of hands, feet, arms, and buttocks. This skin problem usually strikes young men with high cholesterol and very high triglycerides (fat in the blood). Getting blood glucose levels down is the main treatment for these skin sores. Your doctor may prescribe drugs to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

8. Digital Sclerosis

About a third of people with type 1 diabetes have digital sclerosis — thick, tight, waxy skin that develops on the backs of the hands. The finger joints stiffen and become difficult to move. Sometimes this skin problem occurs on the toes and forehead as well. Rarely, knees, ankles, or elbows may stiffen. Again, good blood glucose control is the only treatment. Moisturizer may help soften the skin.

9. Disseminated Granuloma Annulare

This skin problem causes raised, bumpy, or ring-shaped spots that are skin colored, red, or red-brown. Disseminated granuloma annulare most often occurs on the fingers and ears. Some people report mild itching. Typically, medical treatment is not needed because the rash usually disappears on its own without leaving scars. But ask your doctor if a topical steroid, like hydrocortisone, could improve your skin problems.

10. Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans causes skin problems in body folds and turns the skin creases dark, thick, and velvety. This diabetes skin problem usually develops in people who are very overweight. There’s no cure, but losing weight may improve the skin’s appearance. If you have the skin problem and haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor. Acanthosis nigricans usually appears before diabetes strikes.

Source: everydayhealth.com

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Have you already had any of these skin disorders? If yes, which one(s)? How did you treat it?