The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Skin problems in Diabetes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Skin problems in Diabetes

Skin is the mirror to ones health. Most of the problems in the body reflects on the skin. Excessive glucose ( sugar) in the system can directly and indirectly affect the skin.

The most commonest are skin infections:

FOLLICULLITIS: (Infection around the hair ) can occur in any patch of the body. These infections will spread faster and are more severe in diabetics. Fungal infections are also very common especially in body creases like underarm & inner thigh. High glucose levels in saliva leads to infection in the mouth like candidiasis. This causes white patches in the mouth.

Diabetes can affect the blood vessels the smaller and larger ones. These changes are responsible for kidney & eye problems too. Darkening of the toes & eventually death of a toe called gangrene can also occur.

Diabetic Ulcer: Uncontrolled diabetes over a period of time can cause neuropathy. This can present with numbness, tingling, aching and burning. Burning feet and restless legs are common complaints which will usually intensity at night.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorcum is a yellow colored patch developed on the leg which may ulcerate later is mostly a tell tale of diabetes. Itching can occurs once in a way & is extremely distressing. If it occurs in the private parts one has to surely rule out fungal infections.

Finger Pebbles: Pebbly appearance of the frequent injury due to lesser sensation or due to thickening of the skin which happens from within.

Skin Tags: these are small round skin coloured growth usually around the neck and arm pits.

In cases of late onset diabetes 4.5% cases have been associated with Vitiligo ( white patches ).

Diabetes is a world wide problemBut it is mandatory to keep diabetes under control to do treat and avoid skin problems.

Dr. Hema Sathish, M.B.B.S.,D.D. (UK)

Cosmetic Dermatologist.

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