Diabetes Causes Complications in Our Largest Body Organ

Skin Infections are an Early Sign of Diabetes

​Frequent visits to the restroom, unquenched thirst, tiredness, a tingling feeling in the feet and hands, and loss of weight without trying might immediately make people wonder whether they have diabetes. These are some of the common symptoms of the disease which is well-known universally. But, there are some signs and symptoms that are lesser known to all and one of the commonest of all is their impact on the skin. Diabetes can have intense effects on different parts of the body including the skin and any signs/symptoms on the skin is a clear indication that the blood sugar levels might be higher than normal. Such signs could mean that the individual is suffering from pre-diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, or the diabetes treatment procedure needs to be changed.
 
Any signs/symptoms of the following on the skin is a warning that you need an immediate consultation with the physician:
 
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN): Appearing in the creases of the body such as the neck, groin, and armpits, the skin here becomes a dark patch of velvety band denoting the presence of excess insulin in the body. AN is one of the very first signs that someone might be suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Most commonly observed in obese people, using few creams can improve the coloring of the skin. But, it is rather better to address the root cause of the problem which includes obesity or insulin resistance. For this, bringing about lifestyle changes, doing physical activity regularly, and eating a well-balanced diet is the key.
 
Necrobiosis Lipoidica: Initially misunderstood for pimples, the skin starts having small solid bumps that are raised. In due course, they become hard and swollen with yellow, brown, or reddish patches. Some key features of this condition includes itchy and painful skin, prominently visible blood vessels, a shiny appearance in the surrounding area, and the disease going into dormancy and activeness in cycles.
 
A rare condition, it is more commonly seen in women compared to men when there are evident changes in the fat and collagen layer of the body beneath the skin’s surface. Though steroid creams might be of help here, it is better to get in touch with a medical physician for the right treatment protocol.
 
Bullosis Diabeticorum: Commonly called as diabetic blisters, the condition often manifests in the legs and feet more commonly than your hands and arms. The lumps are quite huge and look scary but are not painful. They also tend to heal on their own in some weeks (usually 3 weeks or so). Though their root cause remains unknown, they can appear without any prior injury and are indications of higher blood sugar levels on the skin.
 
As these heal by themselves, all we must do is to observe for early symptoms and take required steps to avoid higher glycemic levels.
 
Digital Sclerosis: Starting with the hands and fingers joints, the skin here becomes thick and waxy spreading to the shoulders, upper back, and feet in due course. Uncontrolled digital sclerosis results in skin thickening, swelling, and hardening giving a feeling of a pebble-like presence in the fingertips. In worse cases, the swelling can also spread to the chest and face. In whichever place it appears, the thickened skin feels like an orange peel making it quite difficult to bend or straighten the legs, foot, and arms. The condition often manifests in those people with diabetes-related complications or where the treatment is quite difficult.
 
Eruptive Xanthomatosis: Mostly looking like small pimples predominantly in the buttocks, elbows, back of the knees, feet, arms, and legs, this condition is commonly witnessed in young males who suffer from type 1 diabetes. Causes itchiness, the small reddish-yellow bumps are due to high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. The treatment here includes diet and lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol levels and control them.
 
Bacterial Infections: There are higher chances for skin infections and dryness when the body’s immune system is compromised which is very much possible with higher blood sugar levels. it’s mainly because bacterias grow well when there is higher glucose levels and the most common bacteria causing infections is the staphylococcus (staph). When bacterial infections strike, the tissues become swollen, red, hot, and inflamed, and causes pain. The infection commonly occurs in the eyelids, fingernails, or hair follicles. Antibiotics are provided to curb the spread and treat the infected site. Besides that, eating a healthy diet, following an active lifestyle, and doing physical activity regularly help control blood sugar levels.
 
Fungal Infections: Occurring in the moist fold areas of the skin including the area under the breast, between fingers and toes, around the nails, and near the corners of the mouth, fungal infections cause itchiness, rashes, and small red blisters and scales. Athlete’s foot, ringworm, vaginal infections, and jock itch are some common fungal infections. Take it up with the physician to treat fungal infections which mostly respond to over-the-counter medications. Avoid such infections in the first place by maintaining blood sugar levels under normal ranges.
 
Diabetic Dermopathy: Popularly known as shin spots, this problem is harmless without causing itches or pain but commonly seen in people with diabetes. Diabetic causes changes in the blood vessels which in turn causes the diabetic dermopathy skin problem. As the name suggests, the problem is commonly seen in the shins but could also occur in the thighs, trunk, arms, and other parts of the body. It needs no treatment but if you are concerned, there is no harm in talking to your doctor.
 
Dry & Itchy Skin: Though a common skin condition found in everyone including those without diabetes, dry, itchy skin is more common in those with high blood glucose levels. Excess sugar in the blood is removed by producing enough urine which can induce dryness to the skin. Poor circulation or skin infections could also lead to dry, itchy skin. Using mild soaps and lotions, and limiting shower time might help. But, the best help could be reducing high blood sugar levels. Exercising also helps in improving the circulation besides assisting in achieving glycemic control.
 
Follow Good Skin Care Protocols
 
Our skin is a great indicator of overall body health and observing skin health is essential to understand that your body is in good health. Maintain good skin hygiene by keeping the skin dry and smooth, use mild shampoos and soaps, avoid dry skin by moisturising them, try avoiding very hot showers, and attend to cuts and bruises immediately. See your doctor to avoid complications in the skin by getting an early diagnosis. Maintain blood sugar levels under normal ranges to avoid skin infection-related aggresions. You can do this by getting in touch with a dietitian/nutritionist who could help in planning a well-balanced diet plan and physical activity schedule.