Diabetes: Dermatological Complications
Acanthosis nigricanis:
A darkening and thickening in the folds of the skin; typically found on neck, armpit, groin.
- Described as brown velvety feeling patches
- Benign condition
- Mostly found on overweight patients
- May be reduced by weight loss and glucose control
Onychomyosis:
Fungal infection of the nails
- Thickening, flaking, splitting of the nails
- Yellowing of the nails
- Require antifungal treatment for 12 weeks or longer
Diabetic Foot Ulcer:
Breakdown of skin due to decreased blood perfusion
- Superficial wound that may extend down to the bone
- Most common reason for hospitalization among diabetic patients
- Is the leading cause of non traumatic foot amputation
- Prevention is key
- Smoking, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increases risk
Diabetic Dermopathy:
Are spots on the skin due to changes in small blood vessels cause leakage of blood products into surrounding tissue
- Most often found on the shins, which is why they are sometimes called shin spots
- Associated with standing for long periods of time and blood poor glucose control
- Typically heal/ improve on their own with good blood glucose control