
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
 




