Six surprising ways diabetes may affect your skin

Diabetes tends to be an equal-opportunity troublemaker when it comes to the body, as it can affect multiple systems. Whether it’s the heart, kidneys, eyes or limbs, diabetes can overtake and disrupt overall health. One other body system the disease can affect is the skin. It is not uncommon for up to one-third of people with diabetes to experience skin problems related to the disease. Thankfully, if caught early most of these issues can be treated. But to avoid serious consequences and complications, those with this disease need to be aware of certain ski...

Diabetes tends to be an equal-opportunity troublemaker when it comes to the body, as it can affect multiple systems. Whether it’s the heart, kidneys, eyes or limbs, diabetes can overtake and disrupt overall health. One other body system the disease can affect is the skin. It is not uncommon for up to one-third of people with diabetes to experience skin problems related to the disease. Thankfully, if caught early most of these issues can be treated. But to avoid serious consequences and complications, those with this disease need to be aware of certain skin conditions that could be associated with it.

Up to one third of people with diabetes experience skin problems related to the disease

One way to keep skin conditions from arising is to keep diabetes in control. Following a healthy diet plan, regular exercise, reducing stress, and taking any medications prescribed can all do their part for maintaining good blood-glucose levels. Also simply practicing taking good care of skin to begin with and noticing anything out or the ordinary, bringing it to a doctor’s attention, can be an excellent method for keeping skin conditions under control. Here are some common skin problems those with diabetes may experience and should be aware of.

1. Acanthosis nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a condition related to insulin resistance. This skin disorder is characterized by velvety dark patches appearing in body folds such as the neck, groin, armpits, knees, elbows and hands. People with this skin condition are at a high risk for type 2 diabetes, and it occurs due to an overproduction of insulin. Treatment for it include following a controlled carbohydrate meal plan to help reduce circulating insulin, which may improve the appearance of the skin. Also Retin-A, alpha hydroxyacids, topical vitamin D, and salicylic acid prescriptions may help somewhat to reduce the darkening.

2. Dry, itchy skin

A common complaint for many with diabetes is dry, itchy skin. High blood glucose levels can cause this as the body will attempt to rid itself of excess sugar circulating in the bloodstream by causing excessive urination. If someone with the disease is not properly hydrated, this can result in the skin becoming flaky, dry and itchy. Poor blood glucose control can also lead to poor circulation in the extremities of the legs and feet leading to dry skin with itchiness. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and using moisturizing creams throughout the day and after taking a shower or bath can help reduce dryness and itchiness.

 3. Skin tags

Many people have skin tags – skin growths that hang from the skin that occur most often on the neck, eyelids, and armpits. While skin tags are harmless, they are strongly associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes indicating high insulin levels in the blood. Generally skin tags can be removed by a dermatologist.

4. Skin infections

Both bacterial and fungal skin infections are more common in those with diabetes. High circulating blood glucose levels are often the culprit in causing a person to be at a higher risk of both of these types of infections.

High circulating blood glucose levels are often the culprit of skin infections

Bacterial infections could include boils, nail infections, and hair follicle infections.

Staphylococcus is a common bacteria responsible for bacterial infections in people with diabetes.

Fungal skin infections will often produce itchy rashes in moist areas of the body such as skin folds. The rashes can be red, surrounded by scales or blisters and have a yeasty white film in the folds of the skin. Examples of fungal infections include ringworm, jock itch, yeast infections, and athlete’s foot.

Both bacterial and fungal infections can be treated with prescription medications, achieving good blood glucose control and keeping the skin clean and dry.

5. Open sores and wounds

When someone with diabetes has had high blood sugar levels for a long time, this can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet. If this same person gets a cut or sore, they may take a very long time to heal because of the poor circulation and nerve damage, which can lead to what is called a diabetic ulcer.

It is very important for anyone with diabetes to daily check their feet including looking at their soles. Any sign of a blister, corn, bunion or any open sore needs to have immediate medical attention to prevent it from developing into a more serious problem that could lead to amputation.

Any sign of a blister, corn, bunion or any open sore, could lead to amputation

6. Eruptive xanthomatosis

This skin condition will cause small, reddish-yellow bumps to appear resembling a pimple. They are usually found on the buttocks, thighs, crooks of the elbows or backs of the knees. They tend to be itchy and tender and are the result of insulin resistance, which can contribute to high triglyceride levels. This skin condition can disappear on its own within a few weeks or it may require treatment of getting triglyceride levels under control, which may require lipid-lowering medications.

Dr. Samadi is a board-certified urologic oncologist trained in open and traditional and laparoscopic surgery and is an expert in robotic prostate surgery. He is chairman of urology, chief of robotic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital. He is a medical contributor for the Fox News Channel's Medical A-Team. Follow Dr. Samadi on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, SamadiMD.com, davidsamadiwiki, davidsamadibio and Facebook.