Diabetes can trigger different health complications, and one of them is targeting the body’s biggest organ, the skin. There are a lot of skin problems associated with diabetes mellitus. Whether it be itchiness or dryness of the skin, if you are diagnosed with the condition, you will develop any of the said symptoms and experience the hostile impact of it on your body organ, particularly the skin.
Several of the skin conditions occur as the first signs of illnesses. Sometimes, a skin rash may be a warning that the blood sugar levels is acting abnormally. To know more about the major complications of diabetes, here are some of the top skin concerns or problems, from which diabetic individuals are likely to experience if medical care is not properly given.
List of diabetes skin problems
1. Skin Blisters
A simple skin rash can become into big and noticeable blisters. It is a type of condition where pockets of bodily fluid emerge on specific body parts, such as the hands, fingers, toes, feet, and even the legs. While blisters can be annoying to the sight, they can be painless. The healing time runs for about a week or two. To prevent this skin condition from happening or reoccurring, managing the blood glucose levels or condition is necessary.
2. Nerve Damage
This impairment causes malfunction of some nerve functions. When diabetes attacks the nerves, the system can lose command of some sensational parts of its daily operation. For example, an injury on the foot or any skin condition development on this part of the body, unable to feel any damage is a sign of neuropathy. That is why it is necessary to always check your feet on a daily basis, most especially if you have diabetes. Wearing socks can also help to keep the feet healthy and away from any harm.
3. Bacterial Infection
One of the most common infections associated with diabetes is a bacterial infection. That is why some diabetic individuals develop inflammation and soreness in some parts of their body. Aside from soreness, different signs that diabetic people report with regards to this type of infection include skin redness, swelling episodes of dermis, and inflammatory sensation in either of the surface or under the skin. Topical creams are the recommended therapy for this condition.
4. Fungal Infection
Generally termed as mycosis, this skin condition is brought about by a fungus. Individuals who are diabetic are most likely to become candidates of this type of infection. An example of its classes is known as Candida albicans. It triggers the development of blisters, with scaling effects on the surface of the skin. It can be both itchy and tingling. This condition is alleviated using medicated creams.
5. Skin Itchiness
An itchy skin is bothersome. You would think that an insect bit you but a lack of lump can say otherwise. For individuals living with diabetes, skin itchiness is a popular experience that they always have. One major reason is poor blood circulation, a phenomenon that is triggered by abnormal or irregular blood glucose condition. When this occurs to you, apply a generous amount of lotion to the itchy skin part and have it cooled and alleviated.
6. Digital Sclerosis
One of the long-term medical conditions caused by diabetes is digital sclerosis. This condition happens the skin, especially on the fingers, gets tight and thickened. It triggers a change of the fingers’ appearance as well as its movement. While it may be painless, the condition can cause a waxy appearance, especially the skin on the fingers. One of the major treatments used in this specific dermal condition is moisturizer. It can help in softening and rejuvenating the said organ.
7. Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
This skin condition is one of the first signs of illnesses, as well as the emergence of diabetes mellitus. It usually occurs in individuals who have been experiencing an overweight body state. A velvety skin, which is the common term used for this condition, typically occurs in the armpits. It can also give a bad odor an itchy sensation. There is no viable and concrete treatment for this condition; however, since this is a condition rampant among overweight individuals, losing weight is the best option.
8. Vitiligo
Melanin is an important natural skin pigment that gives the skin color or what is called skin pigmentation. When the cells that produce this type of pigment are damaged, a certain condition can happen, Vitiligo. This condition refers to the loss of skin color. It is sometimes characterized as white patches that affect not just skin surface, but the human hair and the mouth as well. For the aforementioned condition, vitiligo can develop in body parts, such as the hands, face, and chest. The only way to protect or promote dermal health from this type of disease is by wearing sunscreen.
9. Granuloma Annulare
Some skin conditions associated with diabetes may be painless; however, there are some also that are itchy and bothersome, and one of them is granuloma annulare. This condition appears as ring-shaped spots, sometimes red or brown in color. The rashes can also develop as bumps, with irritating effects on the skin surface near the infection. It has a ring pattern, which can appear troublesome to the skin’s appearance. This condition can also heal on its own.
10. Eruptive Xanthomatosis
This skin condition is common in men. When diabetes is left untreated, this complication can occur, which appears as small bumps. They are sometimes itchy and irritating. They are also classified as lesions and rashes. This condition happens when too much cholesterol is present in the blood. It is treated by consuming insulin medications only if this condition is caused by diabetes.
Since some of these skin conditions happen because diabetes complicates, it is necessary to always follow the recommended prescription and medication given for people with diabetes. Furthermore, living healthily and having a good lifestyle can have a significant impact on the body, eventually preventing these conditions from happening.
Doctor’s Recommendation
It is paramount to test glycated hemoglobin A1c every 3 months to track glucose control progress. Insulin requirements can sometimes change even if diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle are stable.
