Skin Complications

The following are the major Skin Complication for people with diabetes

• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Itching
• Diabetic Dermopathy
• Atherosclerosis
• Allergic Reactions
• Diabetic Blisters
• Eruptive Xanthomatosis
• Digital Sclerosis
• Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
• Acanthosis Nigricans

Bacterial infections

There are several kinds of bacterial infections that can occur in individuals with diabetes. Styes are infections of the glands of the eyelid. Boils are infections of the hair follicles. Carbuncles are deep infections in the skin and the tissue underneath. Inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red and painful. Today, there are antibiotics that can be used to treat such infections.


Fungal infections

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus which is often responsible for fungal infections in individuals with diabetes. Common fungal infections include: jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and vaginal infections. If you suspect a yeast or fungal infection, contact your health care provider. He/she can prescribe medication to treat it.


Itching

Localized itching is often caused by diabetes. Itching can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause, the itchiest regions are often the lower parts of the legs. Limiting the frequency of bathing, particularly when humidity is low, using mild soap with moisturizer, and applying skin cream after bathing may help resolve the issue.


Diabetic Dermopathy

Diabetic Dermopathy refers to changes in the small blood vessels caused by diabetes. Dermopathy looks like light brown, scaly patches, often mistaken for age spots. The disorder most often occurs on the front of both legs. The patches do not hurt, open up or itch. Dermopathy is harmless and does not require treatment.


Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis refers to the thickening of arteries. People with diabetes tend to get atherosclerosis at a younger age. As atherosclerosis narrows blood vessels, skin changes occur. Skin becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny. Because blood carries the infection-fighting white cells, affected legs tend to heal slowly when the skin is injured.


Allergic Reactions

Skin reactions can occur in response to medications, such as insulin or diabetes pills. If you think you are having a reaction to a medication, contact your doctor immediately. Be on the lookout for rashes, depressions, or bumps around the sites where insulin is injected.


Diabetic Blisters

Diabetic blisters occur rarely in individuals with diabetes. When they do occur, they are typically found on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, or on the legs or forearms. They are sometimes large and resemble burn blisters. They are painless and often heal themselves within 3 weeks. The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.


Eruptive Xanthomatosis

Eruptive Xanthomatosis is a condition caused when diabetes is out of control. It consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. The disorder usually occurs in young men with type 1 diabetes. Like diabetic blisters, these bumps disappear when diabetes control is restored.


Disseminated Granuloma Annulare

This condition consists of sharply defined ring-shaped or arc-shaped raised areas on the skin. Rashes most often occur on parts of the body far from the trunk (i.e., ears or fingers), but sometimes the raised areas occur on the trunk. Contact your doctor if you see rashes like these. Certain drugs can help clear up the condition


Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin. It usually strikes people who are overweight. The best treatment is to lose weight. Some creams can also help the spots look better.