Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by elevated blood sugar levels. This condition does not only affects glucose control, but it can also be associated with other issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol. In addition, diabetes may influence skin health, for example by causing itching or the appearance of patches.

Skin Conditions Caused by Diabetes

1. Acanthosis Nigricans Patches

According to WebMD, a common skin sign in diabetes is acanthosis nigricans, which appears as darkened areas in body folds such as the groin, neck, elbows, lips, and heels. Besides becoming darker, the skin may feel thicker, sometimes itchy, and may produce an odor. This condition usually occurs in people with insulin resistance.

2. Diabetic Blisters

Some people with diabetes can develop sudden blisters. These may be large single blisters or clusters of smaller ones. They often appear on the hands, feet, or arms. Unlike burns, diabetic blisters typically do not cause pain or soreness.

3. Digital sclerosis

Many individuals with diabetes experience thickened skin on the hands and fingers. Along with thickening, the skin can feel tight and waxy. Similar changes may develop on the upper back, shoulders, and neck, then extend to the face, shoulders, or chest. In more severe cases, the skin can become very firm with a texture resembling orange peel.

4. Shin Spots (Diabetic Dermopathy)

These lesions are round, dark brown spots or sometimes streaks. They might look like age spots at first glance, but they are different. The spots form due to damage to small blood vessels, creating brown areas that resemble bruises. They often fade within about 18 months, although some can last longer.

5. Bacterial Infection

Persistently high blood sugar can dry the skin and weaken immune system. This can increase the risk of skin infections such as staphylococcal infections or styes. Symptoms may include swelling, itching, pain, and a burning sensation.

6. Fungal Infection

Like bacteria, fungi also thrive in moist areas of the skin. The armpits, under the breasts, and the corners of the mouth are common sites. These infections are often caused by the fungus Candida albicans.

7. Dry and Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin is frequently reported by people with diabetes. Blood vessel and circulation problems related to diabetes can reduce the skin’s resilience and balance, making it more prone to inflammation and infection, including lesions such as eczema. The resulting dryness often triggers itching.

8. Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma appears as yellowish, fat-filled plaques on the eyelids, usually near the inner corners by the nose. This finding can indicate elevated blood fat levels and may also suggest that blood sugar is not well controlled.

Beyond the skin conditions listed above, diabetes can also lead to measles-like patches or blisters and dry, scaly skin. If you notice any of these skin conditions caused by diabetes, consider checking your blood sugar levels. Keeping blood sugar well controlled can lower the risk of diabetes-related complications.

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