A diabetes rash can be a warning sign that you are experiencing complications related to diabetes. Most of the time, diabetic related complications begin to occur when the diabetes is not being treated and controlled properly. Almost all diabetic complications are caused from either chronic hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). It is important to note that chronic high blood sugar is much more common than low blood sugar.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can have seriously damaging affects on the organs throughout the body. Since the skin is the biggest organ of the body, it should not come as a surprise that uncontrolled diabetes can have extremely adverse affects on the skin.
The warning signs of skin related diabetic complications can include:
- Patchy, dry skin
- Red, raised rash
- Skin ulcers or sores
- Itching caused by yeast
- Fungal infections
- Brownish scaly patches, usually on the fronts of the legs
- Thick, waxy, tight skin most often on the back of the hands
The list goes on and on. There are several other skin conditions that can be caused by diabetes that have not been listed here. Some of these conditions are fairly harmless. Others can have horrible ramifications, which can eventually lead to amputation of a limb.
Is That Leg Rash Diabetes Related?
The bottom line is that if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or even pre-diabetes, and you are noticing a rash that you have not seen before, monitor it closely. It is worth putting a call into your physician to notify him about it and ask for medical advice. If it begins getting worse or is not making improvement it is always much better to go in and get it checked than to let it go untreated.
What is a Diabetes Neck Rash?
A diabetes neck rash usually occurs around the hair line on the back of the neck and tends to be red and blotchy. However, as previously stated, there are several types of rashes that can occur with diabetes. It is also possible to get a fungal rash or one of many other types of rashes on the neck.
If you notice a new rash that is not going away or seems to be getting worse, make an appointment to see your physician to have the rash evaluated. Your physician will probably want to take a look at the skin all over the body to see if there is a rash that has started anyplace else that maybe you haven’t seen yet.
Is this a Diabetes Foot Rash?
Foot rashes and foot sores are extremely common in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. It is especially common in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This generally occurs because people do not examine their feet as often and the skin on the foot is tougher and less sensitive. Diabetic related foot problems are some of the biggest reasons for diabetic related amputations. Follow your physician’s advice regarding foot care extremely carefully. Examine your feet for any abnormalities such as sores, blisters, rashes, cracks or anything else, and notify your physician immediately if you notice anything.
As with anything diabetes related, maintaining good control of the condition is the best way to avoid complications. If you suspect you might have a skin related complication, make an appointment to get it check immediately. It is much easier to treat a small problem than it is to treat one that could’ve been avoided if caught earlier.
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