Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Researchers believe that the diabetes epidemic will continue to grow, with one in three people having diabetes by 2050. Often, one of the first signs that a person has diabetes is a change in the skin. Early signs of diabetes on the skin often include :
- Bacterial infections such as scleroderma, abscesses and bursitis
- Fungal infections such as yeast infections, ringworm and athlete's foot
- Itching on the skin
- Yellow, red or brown patches
- Dark leather with a velvet feel to the touch
Skin problems, however, don't just stop as an early sign of diabetes. Various diabetic skin conditions can occur in patients, such as:
→ Bacterial infections: Although anyone can develop bacterial skin infections, people with diabetes are more prone to them. Typical bacterial skin problems that tend to trouble patients include blepharitis, abscesses, nail infections - deep infections of the skin and tissue underneath. Usually, the area around the infection appears hot, red, painful and swollen.
→ Diabetic blisters/calls : Although rare, people with diabetes may develop blisters (bullosis diabeticorum). Blisters appear on the back of the fingers, hands, feet and sometimes on the forearms.
→ Diabetic dermopathy (diabetic dermopathy) : Also known as shin spots, this skin condition causes spots and pigmented papules on the tibia.
→ Explosive xanthomatosis: Diabetes out of control can lead to explosive xanthomatosis - firm, yellow, pea-like skin growth. These skin growths typically have a red halo around them and may include itching. They are usually found on the back of the hands, feet and buttocks. This skin problem usually strikes young men with high cholesterol and very high triglycerides.
→ Fungal infections: People with diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections, especially Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus creates a red, itchy rash, often surrounded by small blisters and scales. Fungal infections are often found in hot, moist areas such as the armpits or between the toes. Other fungal infections that are common in diabetes include ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections.
→ Necrobiosis lipoidica: This skin condition often starts as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. These bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin as it progresses. The patches may be yellow, reddish or brown.
→ Skin itching: Itchy skin can have many causes. In people with diabetes, a yeast infection, dry skin or poor circulation may be the main cause.
How to prevent diabetic skin diseases
Checking blood glucose is the first step in preventing and treating skin problems of diabetes. When diabetes affects your skin, causing skin sores or a rash, it is a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. If you notice skin problems, it's time to talk to your doctor or consult a board-certified dermatologist about diabetes-related skin problems. Some may not seem particularly serious, but could lead to future complications if left untreated.
