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Diabetes Skin Problems

Diabetes is a disorder wherein our bodies do not process the glucose from our food effectively. About 1.6 million people are diagnosed with one of three types of diabetes every year--type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. As with any other disorder, diabetes can affect your life and body in ways never imagined, such as causing skin problems that range from the mildly irritating to the potentially serious.

  1. Bacterial Infections

    • Although anyone can get a skin condition, diabetics develop them much more easily. Diabetics can develop several kinds of bacterial infections, the most common of which are styes, which develop when the eyelid becomes infected. Infections can also occur on hair follicles--called boils--or around the nails. Once life threatening, bacterial infections can now be easily taken care of through the use of antibiotics and proper skin care.

    Fungal Infections

    • While we would like to think of fungus only as those tasty mushrooms on our pizzas, a yeast-like fungus is the culprit behind certain itchy rashes found in warm, moist folds in the skin. These rashes are red areas with tiny blisters and usually occur in areas where moisture can develop, such as under the breasts, and in the armpits and groin. Jock itch and athlete's foot are two well known fungal infections, and can be cleared up with prescription medication.

    Diabetic Dermopathy

    • Diabetic dermopathy are roundish, slightly indented patches of skin most frequently occurring on the shins. Since they usually occur in skin that has been injured and are brown or purplish in color, they could be mistaken for simple age spots at first. They usually are not painful and don't itch. Dermopathy is generally harmless and can clear up on its own over the course of a few months.

    Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD)

    • This skin condition is very similar to diabetic dermopathy, with the main difference between them being that with NLD, there are fewer spots, but they are larger. NLD often starts as a dull red raised area which, over time, will resemble a scar with a purplish border. NLD is very rare and affects adult women primarily. It generally does not need treatment unless the sores break open; then, see your doctor.

    Atherosclerosis

    • Atherosclerosis is a thickening of the arteries, usually affecting the skin on the legs. Although this is a common ailment as people age, diabetics tend to get it younger than others. Atherolsclerosis will narrow the blood vessels, causing the skin to become hairless and cool. Because blood flow has been slowed, wounds will heal more slowly, and can easily become infected. There is no cure for this condition.

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