Diabetes is a condition that can affect the entire body, including the skin. These problems might be the first signs of the condition.
Therefore, if people have it, it is important to always pay attention to the changes in their skin because they might be prone to skin-related diseases. It is crucial to acknowledge the problem before it is too late.
For most people, these problems can be treated easily, if they are diagnosed early. But, if they advance, they become harder to deal with.
Even though most people have similar skin-related conditions, those with diabetes tend to get them more often. Such examples are fungal infections, itching, and bacterial infections.
However, some of the examples people will read about happen only to those with the condition.
Causes of Skin Conditions
If some have high blood glucose levels, their blood flow to the skin might be reduced. This can result in damage to their nerves and blood vessels. Moreover, the skin’s collagen might suffer from changes because of the decreased blood circulation.
In addition, the skin’s appearance and texture start to change, and they affect the ability to regenerate. On top of that, their ability to sweat might go through some adjustments.
Their sensitivity to pressure and temperature will increase. Also, the medications people drink to lower their glucose levels might increase the risk of developing these skin problems.
Besides, one-third of those with the condition tend to get these kinds of skin conditions. That is why people need to watch the:
- Irritation on the skin where they insert insulin injection;
- Areas that slowly heal;
- Changes in the skin.
13 Signs of Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
According to the ADA, skin problems are usually the first signs of the disease. This condition can make the already present skin condition worsen. Usually, this happens to adults; however, children are not exempt from them.
Here are some of the skin problems caused.
1. Skin Infections
Various kinds of bacterial infections exist that can affect the skin. Some are the result of bacteria known as Staphylococcus. This bacteria can be a serious issue for most people because it usually goes out of control.
Moreover, it can cause inflamed nodules to form hair follicles, which appear around the area where the follicles can be irritated. Furthermore, other infections can be problematic, such as an infection of the glands of the eyelids and nail infections.
So, if people have these infections, they might need antibiotics or medical treatments to deal with them entirely.
2. Outbreak of Small, Yellow-Reddish Bumps
If people see any pea-like, yellow, or firm enlargements of the skin, they might have this condition. This outbreak mostly occurs on the feet, buttocks, hands, and arms. Some of these red bumps might even itch.
Besides, most young men who have diabetes have this condition. If one has a high level of cholesterol and fat, they will need to regulate those levels if they want to get rid of the infection.
3. Yellow Scaly Patches on and Around the Eyelids
If one has high levels of fat in the blood, these scaly patches might be the result of a poorly controlled condition. So, if there are any scaly patches around the eyes, ensure to consult a doctor.
4. Allergic Reactions
If people use any medications for their condition that they might be allergic to they must consult their doctor to change the type of medicine they take. Ensure to look out for bumps and rashes around the areas where insulin is injected.
5. Darker Skin That Feels Like Velvet
This condition usually appears on the sides of the armpits, groin, and neck. It’s rarely seen on the elbows, knees, and hands. Moreover, this infection appears only on the skin of the big people. So, the best way to treat it is to lose the extra.
6. Open Sores and Wounds
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and slow circulation. This is a result of poorly controlled conditions for a longer period. If they want to treat their open wounds, they should ensure to are properly disinfected and protected from outside influence at all times.
If the regeneration process doesn’t improve, consult with a doctor on how to control the situation.
7. Reddish, Yellow or Brown Patches on the Skin
This condition starts to look like pimples, but the pimples evolve into patches of hardened and swollen red, brown, or yellow skin. Moreover, they might be able to see their blood vessels and feel pain and itchiness.
To solve this problem they must visit their doctor and dermatologist. They will recommend a harmless treatment suited for the skin.
8. Red or Skin-Colored Bumps
If allergic to bug bites, medicines, or foods, people might have an increased risk of getting rashes and bumps on the skin. Also, red areas on the skin might appear around the chest, abdomen, and ears.
In case of rashes around the areas where insulin is injected don’t be scared.
Medical treatment is often unnecessary, but sometimes people can use hydrocortisone (a topical steroid medication) to help with the situation.
9. Skin Tags
Skin tags are normal for most people. But in case of type 2 and too much insulin, these harmless skin tags will become more obvious. People who have them must control their blood glucose levels to control them.
10. Hard, Thickened Skin
There is a possibility that people with the condition can develop waxy, tight, and thick skin on the back of the hands, the joints of the fingers, knees, elbows, or ankles. However, this rarely happens.
The only way to treat it is by balancing the blood sugar levels.
11. Extremely Dry and Itchy Skin
This type of problem on the skin goes by the name pruritus. Many causes can result in an extremely dry and itchy skin. Some of them are poor blood flow and a yeast infection. To treat and prevent it, use a lotion to keep the skin moist and soft.
12. Blisters
Blisters are a rare occurrence. There is a possibility that they will erupt on the hands, feet, toes, fingers, forearms, or legs. Furthermore, these burn blisters can often occur in the case of diabetic neuropathy. Even though they look huge, they are painless.
Also, after three weeks they tend to heal by themselves and leave no scars. To treat it, stabilize the blood sugar levels.
13. Shin spots
With the changes in the blood vessels, these scaly and light brown patches might occur. Some are mostly oval, and this is why people tend to mistake them for age spots. Plus, they usually appear on the front of the legs.
Besides, they are not painful and don’t itch. Therefore, no treatment is necessary.
How to Prevent Them?
Control the condition to avoid skin problems. Also, consume the necessary nutrition for the body to function properly. But the most important thing is always to exercise and control the blood sugar.
Besides, proper skin care starts with a healthy diet and exercise.
Source: AAD | ADA | WebMD | HealthLine
