Diabetes and Skin Problems

Diabetes can various systems of the body, including the skin. It is reported that up to 33 percent of Diabetics have skin problems caused by Diabetes at some time in their life. Some of the skin symptoms can be the first signs of Diabetes. Skin problems can be prevented and treated if timely controlled. However, there are also severe conditions wherein skin problems increase people’s chances of diabetic foot diseases and ulcers. The skin problems should be carefully prevented for people with Diabetes.

The common forms of skin problems caused by Diabetes mainly include the follows:

﹡Bacterial infections

Several different organisms can cause infections in people with Diabetes, the most common being Staphylococcus bacteria, also called staph. The inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red and painful. Keeping the skin well hydrated is important because any cracks or fissures could easily become infected. In addition to being uncomfortable, the itchiness of dry skin may cause a scratch or abrasion that also poses an infection risk.

﹡Fungal infections

Fungal infections in Diabetics usually occur in warm, moist areas such as skin folds. Candidiasis (yeast infection), tinea pedis (athlete's foot or ringworm), and tinea cruris (jock itch or ringworm) are all common fungal infections. Problem areas are under the breasts, around the nails, between fingers and toes, in the corners of the mouth, under the foreskin (in uncircumcised men), and in the armpits and groin.

If you think you have a yeast or fungal infection, call on a doctor immediately for proper management.

﹡Diabetic dermopathy

Brown, scaly rounded patches on the skin that frequently appear on the shins and usually heal on their own.

﹡Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

Thickened, shiny areas of skin can be caused by changes to the collagen fibers in Diabetics. A tendency toward yellow-tinted skin and nails, too, may be triggered by collagen changes.

﹡Diabetic blisters

The blisters most frequently are seen on the fingers, hands, toes, feet and occasionally on the legs or forearms in Diabetics. The sores have the appearance of burn blisters and occur most often in people with diabetes who also have neuropathy, or nerve damage, due to consistently high blood glucose levels.

﹡Eruptive Xanthomatosis

Eruptive xanthomatosis is another condition caused by diabetes that's out of control. It consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each bump has a red halo and may itch. This condition occurs most often on the backs of hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks.

If you have any of the mentioned skin problems caused by Diabetes, seek for further evaluation and treatment immediately. For any help, you can also contact us directly.