There are two basic types of diabetes. In Type I, the body doesn't produce insulin, a hormone needed to break down glucose to use as fuel for the body. In Type II, which is the more common form of the disease, the body isn't able to make use of the insulin produced. Both types can lead to a variety of skin problems for diabetics.
Significance
Skin problems are common among diabetics because the disease affects so many systems in the body. While most skin problems are treatable, many diabetics with nervous-system involvement will find that their sensation is affected, meaning they may not realize when they have suffered an injury to their legs or feet. If they also have vascular-system involvement, they heal poorly. This combination frequently ends with the amputation of a leg or foot. Diabetics are 10 times more likely than others to need an amputation.
Types
People with diabetes can have the same skin problems as others, such as bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching, but the symptoms and outcomes are generally more serious. Other skin conditions, such as diabetic dermopathy, diabetic blisters and neurogenic ulcers are found less often outside the diabetic community.
Identification of common skin problems
Bacterial infections can come in the form of sties, boils or carbuncles. These may be caused by a variety of bacteria, though staphylococcus is the most common. These types of infections are characterized by swelling, redness and pain. They are treatable with antibiotics.
Fungal infections are mostly due to Candida albicans and occur in the warm, moist areas of the body, such as under breasts, in the folds of the groin or in armpits. It is treated with a prescription antifungal medication.
Itching can occur for many reasons, including yeast infections and dry skin, but in diabetics it's often due to poor circulation. This can be treated with lotions, mild soaps and limiting bathing.
Identification of skin problems more common in diabetes
Diabetic dermopathy is a common skin condition affecting up to 50 percent of diabetics. It appears as patchy, round or oval light-brown spots, usually on the lower legs. The spots may be scaly and itchy, but they generally require no medical treatment.
Diabetic blisters are a possible outcome of diabetic neuropathy. These painless blisters occur on the backs of hands, and on fingers, toes and feet. Treatment is good control of blood glucose levels. The blisters usually heal in about three weeks.
Neurogenic ulcers or diabetic ulcers affect about 15 percent of diabetics, with the risk increasing for those whose blood sugars are most out of control. Neurogenic ulcers result from a wound left untreated because the lack of sensation that accompanies diabetes leaves diabetics unaware that they even have a wound.
Acanthosis nigricans is thought to be associated with insulin resistance. It appears as darkening and thickening of the skin, usually in skin folds, but also sometimes on the backs of the knuckles. This condition is more common in those who are significantly overweight.
Other skin conditions associated with diabetes
A number of less common skin conditions also afflict those with diabetes. Among them are scleroderma diabeticorum, vitiligo, ncrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, eruptive xanthomatosis, disseminated granuloma annulare and digital sclerosis. If you have unusual skin rashes, spots, scaling or bumps, consult your physician; these are generally treatable conditions.
Prevention/Solution
The American Diabetic Association lists a number of ways to care for your skin, including keeping the skin clean and dry, avoiding very hot water in your shower or bath, using a good skin moisturizer, checking your feet daily for sores or cuts and treating those right away, as well as wearing well-fitting flat shoes.
