heyYour skin not only adds to our physical appearance—it’s also an indicator of our health. Changes in your skin, the largest human organ, can indicate changes in your body, often due to life-changing diseases like diabetes. Abnormal skin disease can be a clear sign of diabetes out of control and deserves immediate medical attention.
dry, itchy skin
One of the most common physical changes caused by diabetes is dry, itchy skin with discolored patches and altered texture. High blood sugar levels in diabetics can lead to such complications as they damage the blood vessels and nerves that support the skin. In addition, if patients do not hydrate or moisturize enough, their skin can crack, peel, and become prone to infection.
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bacterial infections
People with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial infections such as styes, boils, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), carbuncles (boils) and paronychia (nail infection). These infections are characterized by swollen, red and painfully inflamed tissues and are caused by staphylococcus or staph bacteria.
While the advent of antibiotics and better glucose control methods have reduced deaths from such infections, people with diabetes are still at higher risk. Proper skin care and timely medical intervention can prevent this.
slow healing of cuts and wounds
Diabetes can slow the healing of cuts and wounds, because changes in blood vessels make it more difficult for blood to flow to the site of injury. This slow healing process can lead to serious infections in patients, which is why it is important to thoroughly clean and treat the affected area. You should monitor the wound carefully for redness, swelling, and discharge.
necrobiosis lipoidica
The condition begins with small, raised papules or pustules resembling pimples and develops into firm inflamed patches with a shiny, waxy texture and yellow or reddish-brown pigmentation.
Necrobiosis lipoidica is associated with changes in the walls of blood vessels, resulting in the accumulation of immune cells and other substances in the skin. Although more prevalent in diabetics, it can affect non-diabetic individuals as well.
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acanthosis nigricans
Did you know that a dark, velvety patch on your neck, armpit or groin could indicate prediabetes? This condition, caused by too much insulin in your blood, is called acanthosis nigricans. It often appears as darkened skin in the folds and folds of the body and can be the first sign of diabetes.
blisters
Bullosis diabeticorum, or diabetic bullae, is a rare condition where people with diabetes develop blisters on their skin. These blisters can appear suddenly on the hands, feet, legs or forearms and look similar to blisters that form after a burn. However, unlike burn blisters, they are not painful.
shin splints
Diabetic dermopathy induces microscopic skin depressions on the shin, usually in the form of brown spots or lines. Nevertheless, it can appear in other areas of the body, such as the thighs, arms or torso. These spots are often mistaken for age spots because they cause no symptoms and may disappear after 18 to 24 months. However, they can also remain on the skin indefinitely.
Skin fTiredness
Fatigue can also affect a diabetic person’s physical appearance, causing dark circles and bags under the eyes, making them look tired and lethargic.
physical changes due to weight gain
Diabetes can lead to physical changes such as weight gain, obesity, and increased abdominal fat (visceral fat around the abdomen). Insulin resistance, commonly seen in type 2 diabetes, can promote excess fat accumulation, which can lead to weight gain. Certain diabetes medications, including sulfonylureas and insulin, may also promote weight gain and in turn stretch marks and cellulite.
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Acheokodons or skin tags
Insulin resistance and prediabetes are often asymptomatic, but they can cause hormonal imbalances and trigger an overproduction of skin cells, which can, in turn, lead to skin tags or achydones. These small, flesh-colored bumps can appear on different parts of the body, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. One can get a simple radio frequency or RF treatment at a dermatology clinic to remove them.
baldness
Alopecia areata, a subtype of alopecia areata, is most commonly seen as an autoimmune disorder. But diabetes can also indicate hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Diabetes can cause hormonal imbalance which leads to excessive hair fall. In addition, poor blood circulation can impair the ability of hair follicles to grow new hair.
fungal infection
Fungal infections, usually caused by a yeast called Candida albicans, are a frequent problem in individuals with diabetes. This fungus can cause an itchy rash, redness, and small blisters or scales on warm, moist skin or in cutaneous folds. These vulnerable spots include the interdigital webs (membranes between your fingers), submammary creases (the areas under your breasts), nail beds, and genitals. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and vaginal yeast infections.
Management of Diabetic Skin
People with diabetes should practice good blood sugar management, avoid using harsh chemicals on their hair and skin, moisturize regularly, avoid hot baths, use mild soaps, eat a healthy diet Exercise regularly, get enough sleep and take prescribed medicines.
It is also necessary to take care of your skin and keep a watchful eye on the changes. Get a diabetes screening and develop a personalized skin care plan with your dermatologist. After all, our skin deserves the same care and attention as the rest of our body.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)