{"id":61471,"date":"2023-11-13T10:30:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T15:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61471"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:26:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:26:42","slug":"diabetes-rash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diabetes-rash\/","title":{"rendered":"12 types of diabetes rash and skin problems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diabetes has become a common condition in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate about 1 in 10 <\/span>Americans have the chronic condition.<\/span><\/a> The good news is that diabetes, characterized by having too much sugar in your blood, can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication in conjunction with guidance from a healthcare provider. But if left unmanaged, diabetes can cause far-reaching complications throughout your body in the heart, nerves, blood vessels, kidneys, and even skin. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Diabetes can affect the skin through elevated blood sugar levels, which, over time, can lead to poor circulation and reduced immune function, paving the way for various skin problems,” says <\/span>Yoram Harth<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of <\/span>MDacne<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn the different types of skin symptoms you can experience from diabetes and how to treat them.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does diabetes affect the skin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your skin has a lot of functions—sensing pain, temperature, and pressure. That requires many nerves and blood vessels. When diabetes damages these pathways, it can lead to skin problems, especially when blood glucose levels are very high over a long period of time. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Diabetes may affect the skin in a number of ways, including dry skin, increased susceptibility to infections, and slow healing,” says  <\/span>Shawhin Karimi<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “It may also lead to skin conditions such as diabetic dermopathy, acanthosis nigricans, or necrobiosis lipoidica.” <\/span><\/p>\n

Skin problems can be the first sign of diabetes before someone is diagnosed, or if they are diagnosed, <\/span>these symptoms may signal<\/span><\/a> a need to adjust treatment for people who know they have the condition. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Patients with poorly controlled diabetes as well as those who have other risk factors such as obesity or other underlying health issues are at most risk for diabetes-related skin problems,” Dr. Karimi says. <\/span><\/p>\n

12 diabetes skin problems<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although a small cut may not seem important, even minor skin issues can turn into big problems for someone with diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed, it’s important to watch for <\/span>diabetic rashes and skin problems<\/span><\/a> in order to treat it quickly and potentially notify your endocrinologist, dermatologist, or other healthcare provider. If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out as well because you may want to speak with your primary care provider about what these issues could mean. Here are the 12 types of skin symptoms from diabetes. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Fungal infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

The fungus most commonly affecting people with diabetes is <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i>, which is a harmless bacteria that is found on the skin and in the body. When a person’s immune system is weakened, like in the case of diabetes, <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i> can become a skin yeast infection that presents as an itchy rash with tiny red blisters and scaly patches. This type of skin infection affects 11.4% of people with Type 2 diabetes, according to <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Other fungal infections that can occur with diabetes are athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and vaginal infections. Most can be treated with antifungal medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Discolored toenails<\/span><\/h3>\n

People with diabetes often experience <\/span>changes in their toenails<\/span><\/a> due to poor circulation, nerve damage, and an increased risk of fungal infections. The most common symptom of diabetic toenails is discoloration or yellowing of the toenails. Other noticeable changes include thickening of the nail plate, ingrown nails, trumpet or cone-like curvature of the nail, infection of the nail plate, redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail fold. It is important to regularly check your toenails if you have diabetes and inform your healthcare provider of new symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Dry, itchy skin<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Diabetic xerosis is dry and itchy skin that is exacerbated by dehydration, neuropathy, or poor blood circulation,” Dr. Karimi says. “It can lead to dry and flaky skin that becomes itchy and uncomfortable.” Treatment involves regular moisturizing, staying hydrated, and maintaining good blood sugar control. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Dark, velvety patches<\/span><\/h3>\n

Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by dark, thickened, and velvety patches of skin in folds like the neck, armpits, groin, and elbows that can be itchy and produce odor. The patches may look flat or slightly raised in different sizes and shapes. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing acanthosis nigricans, as are those who are obese. <\/span><\/p>\n

The condition can be treated with creams, medications, or even laser therapy. Your diabetes provider may refer you to a dermatologist for treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Shin spots<\/span><\/h3>\n

Shin spots, or <\/span>diabetic dermopathy<\/span><\/a>, cause light brown, dark brown, or reddish spots on the lower leg or shins. Due to their size and color, they are sometimes confused for age spots. Although the cause is unknown, research suggests it stems from a dysfunction of the small blood vessels from chronic high blood sugar levels. It’s common in older people who have had diabetes for 10 to 20 years. <\/span><\/p>\n

Shin spots do not cause pain or itching, but they can take a long time to heal because of reduced blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen to the area. There’s no treatment for the issue, but Dr. Karimi recommends keeping the skin clean and moisturized and using sun protection when outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Foot ulcers <\/span><\/h3>\n

People with diabetes have a <\/span>25% risk<\/span><\/a> of developing foot ulcers, which are open sores on the feet. Common on the bottom and sides of the foot and tips of the toes, diabetic foot ulcers are caused by high blood sugar levels, nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), and inadequate blood circulation. Combined, these conditions make it hard to even notice injuries such as blisters, calluses, or sores. This is a problem because these injuries can worsen without treatment and become ulcers. <\/span><\/p>\n

“Patients first need to be evaluated for infection, blood circulation, and nerve function,” Dr. Karimi says. “Treatment includes wound care, pressure relief, and maintenance of good blood sugar control.” <\/span><\/p>\n

Foot ulcers can be recurring and take a long time to heal because of impaired circulation; they also can easily become infected, which may lead to tissue death and possible need for amputation. If you develop foot ulcers, regular foot exams, properly fitted shoes, and blood sugar control are essential. <\/span><\/p>\n

7. Skin infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

People with diabetes may experience a number bacterial skin infections, including:<\/span><\/p>\n