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Diabetes is a major problem we face as a society. Unhealthy eating habits are the number one cause. But your skin and diabetes are linked because of the effects of the condition.
Blisters on Your Feet
You might see one or many small or large blisters on your feet, hands or both. And they look like blisters that form after a severe burn. These blisters are not excruciating like blisters that form after a burn, but they do look bad. One of the parts of your body that gets hurt the most by the condition is your feet. Momentum Podiatry and other specialist services can also check your feet for early signs of diabetes and recommend advice and treatment moving forward.
Discoloured Patches on Your Skin
Necrobiosis Lipoidica is the name of this skin condition. It usually starts out as tiny raised bumps that look like regular pimples. As the disease gets worse, these bumps transform into hard, swollen patches of skin. The spots can be yellowish, red in colour, or brown, and they usually look like burns. Also, the complexion around these spots gets shiny, and it’s possible that you’ll be able to see blood vessels. It can also come and go and cause pain and itching.
Your Skin and Diabetes with Dark Bands
If you have a dark band of skin on your skin creases, such as the neck, groyne area or underarms, it could mean that your blood has too much insulin. This can be a sign of pre-diabetes and that you need a health check since it’s often one of the first indications of diabetes. This skin problem is called acanthosis nigricans by doctors. But it might not be a big deal and is common in people with darker skin, like Africans, Native Americans and Latinos.
Small Spots on Your Shins
Often this condition causes small depressions in your skin, and people with diabetes often have it. Diabetic dermopathy is the name for this condition, which tends to happen on the shins. In rare cases, it can appear on the arms, legs and torso. However, most of the time, the spots are brown and do not hurt. Because of the similarities, many people think they are age spots. Diabetes dermopathy, like age spots, can also stay on the skin for the rest of your life.
Dry and Itchy Skin
Because it’s so common, dry, itchy skin is one of the skin signs of diabetes that people often miss. But people with diabetes are more inclined to have dry skin, which can be caused by high blood sugar. You could also have dry, itchy skin if you have a skin condition or poor blood flow. With the proper care from a doctor, it should go away. And if it keeps happening even after your diabetes is under control, OTC or dermatologist-prescribed remedies should help you.
Summary
There is a correlation between your skin and diabetes in almost all cases. Some of the most obvious signs include large foot blisters, dark bands in creases and dry and itchy skin.
