Diabetic skin changes are common amongst both type 1 and type 2 sufferers with more than a third of all patients suffering from one form. From subtle changes to serious infection, diabetes patients are more prone to a variety of conditions, particularly if blood sugar is not managed properly. Dry skin is often the first manifestation of a change in the skin and can be an indicator of an undiagnosed diabetic condition as the kidneys use water to flush excess glucose from your system, taking moisture away from other organs. Particularly affecting elderly patients, and the lower body, hands, and face, extremely dry skin can become a point of entry for bacterial and fungal infections as cuts, cracks, and scratches become inflamed and heal slowly.
Exclusive to the Diabetic: Skin Conditions
Changes in the appearance of the skin are common condition exclusive to diabetics. Acanthosis nigricans is a progressive condition turning the skin with a thick, velvety texture effecting mostly obese patients with high glucose levels. Diabetic dermopathy usually occurs on the shins and resembles age spots. Brown or purple and scaly, diabetic dermopathy is harmless and doesn’t require any treatment though it can take time for the spots to clear. Also harmless is disseminated granuloma annulare, a bull’s eye shaped rash that appears on the fingers, toes, and ears. Painful and itchy conditions are eruptive xanthomatosis and necrobiosisi lipoidica diabeticorum. The first can be a symptom of high triglycerides, appearing on the extremities. The latter, more common among women, is related to collagen and fat under the skin and cycles through periods of activity. Digital sclerosis is a thickening of the skin on the fingers and toes, causing stiffness. More serious afflictions are blisters and the hands, toes, feet, or forearms, thought to be caused by diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), which can develop into larger ulcers. Vitiligo refers to the formation of white patches on the skin usually where it is exposed to sun or there has been a previous trauma. There is no cure or prevention for vitiligo.
Diabetic Skin Changes: Prevention
For diabetics, maintaining healthy glucose levels are the foundation for good skin care. To ward off bacterial and fungal infection skin must be kept clean, moisturized, and dry in areas such as the groin, feet, and armpits. After bathing moisturizer should be used within ten minutes and can be used with talcum powder. Use mild soaps and shampoo and fragrance free products. Cuts and sores should be treated immediately keeping them clean and covered. Frequently checking the feet and legs for sores is important in the prevention of blisters, fungi, and ulcers.
