Skin changes in diabetes
In the context of diabetes mellitus, skin changes often occur. Different forms can be distinguished. Diabetic Dermopathy Diabetic dermopathy is the most frequent skin change in diabetes mellitus.
It occurs in up to 70% of diabetics. Red spots or blisters form especially on the front of the shinbone, the skin becomes flaky and parchment-like. In addition, hair loss can occur in affected areas.
Diabetic sclerosis This skin change occurs in 20-30% of diabetics. It is characterized by a waxy, painless transformation of the subcutaneous tissue, especially on the back of the hand and fingers. As a result, the skin becomes firm, which leads to stiffness and restricted movement of the hands.
A special form is diabetic scleroedema Buschke, in which the skin is remodeled by increased accumulation of sugar in the tissue. This occurs particularly in poorly adjusted diabetics. The patients describe a feeling of tension and tightness in the skin.
In addition, the skin shows an unusual shine and loses its natural markings and elasticity. Necrobiosis lipoidica This skin disease is characterized by an inflammation of the middle layers of the skin, in which increased fats are stored (hence “lipoidica” from gr. lipos = fat).
It usually occurs on the front of the lower legs. At first, intense red blisters usually develop, which over time expand to the size of the palm of the hand, sink into the tissue and form reddish-yellowish, slightly thickened areas. The lesions are surrounded by a bluish, raised edge.
In the worst case, the inflammation can cause the tissue to die off (necrosis). Overall, necrobiosis lipoidica is rare. It affects about 0.3% of diabetics.
Bullosis diabeticorum Bullosis diabeticorum is rather rare. These are spontaneous blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, usually occurring overnight, which heal on their own after about 2-4 weeks. Pruritus diabeticorum This skin disease describes the severe itching of all skin areas, which frequently occurs in diabetics.
It is caused by a lack of fluid, diabetic nerve damage, reduced sebum production or secondary skin infections caused by frequent scratching. Infections Diabetics are generally more susceptible to skin infections of all kinds. Pre-damage to the skin, e.g. through increased scratching, quickly leads to the colonization of pathogens (especially bacteria and fungi).
These skin infections also manifest themselves in rashes and itchy skin changes. Other In the case of diabetes, many different skin changes can occur. There is increased redness of the facial skin due to dilated vessels (rubeosis faciei), yellowing of the fingernails (yellow-nail syndrome), and white spots on the skin (vitiligo, white spot disease).
