Did you know that diabetes can also have adverse effects on the skin? Frequent urination, thirst, numbness, fatigue and hunger are some of the common symptoms of diabetes that are known to most people. However, developing frequent skin infections can be one of the early warning signs indicating high sugar levels in your body.
In conversation with HT Lifestyle, dermatologist Rinke Kapoor throws light on some diabetic skin conditions and their common symptoms that you should know.
rashes
Patients with diabetes are also more likely to be diagnosed with fungal infections that can cause itchy rashes, crusts and blisters on the skin. Common sites of infection development can include the armpits, the areas between the fingers and toes, nails, under the breasts, and more.
Itching
Eczema is considered to be the most common skin problem affecting diabetics, which according to doctors is due to dry skin, poor circulation of blood and infections.
dark skin
People with diabetes are more likely to develop a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans, which results in the development of dark, velvety or dark-colored skin in many areas including the neck, groin, hands, elbows, knees and armpits . According to Dr. Rinki Kapoor, these hyperpigmented and thickened patches of the skin area are considered to be the first warning signs of diabetes in a person.
scaly patch
Diabetic dermopathy is a condition where light brown and scaly patches develop on the skin that are often mistaken for sun spots but are barely noticeable. Dermopathy caused by the presence of high insulin in the body causes slight depressions on the skin mainly in the lower legs around the calves.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis infection that causes the development of itchy, scaly and discolored patches on the skin are more likely to be contracted by patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.
necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
Similar to dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum results in dull scaly patches on the skin. However, in this condition, the affected area is large and isolated. The infection is said to be painful and can become itchy when left untreated.
diabetic ulcers
These blisters are rare conditions that mainly develop on the fingers, feet, toes, hands and feet. They are said to heal naturally.
eruptive xanthomatosis
People with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eruptive xanthomatosis, which can result in the formation of yellow, round-shaped bumps on the skin. This occurs when diabetes is at an uncontrolled level.
digital sclerosis
Digital sclerosis is the build-up of thick, waxy skin on the back of the hand that, if left untreated, causes the infected area to harden, which can result in limited motion.
diabetic ulcers
These ulcers are open sores that appear on the skin that can cause permanent damage and even lead to amputation in extreme situations.
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