Can Diabetes Impact Your Skin? Probably Yes!

If you are suffering from diabetes various parts of your body are likely to get affected, including your skin. Though most of the skin conditions may seem harmless, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor. Let’s know about a few common diabetic skin conditions.  

Common skin conditions among diabetics include:

1. Darker velvet like skin 
A dark velvet like patch skin on the back of your neck, armpit or anywhere else could mean that your blood sugar level is too high. The colour of the skin could be anything from brown to black. Medically, this condition is called as acanthosis nigricans.

2. Bacterial infection
Although anyone can get a bacterial infection, people suffering from diabetes are more likely to get affected. Usual bacterial skin problems that tend to trouble diabetics are boils, lumps near the eyelids, nail infections and carbuncles. Diabetics are also prone to infections deep in the skin and of the underlying tissues. The affected area is usually warm, red and swollen.

3. Tingling and itching
Among the many causes of itching, diabetes is one. Yeast infection, dry skin and poor circulation are the primary causes of itching among diabetics. Usually, the lower part of the leg tends to itch the most.

4. Skin problems related to neuropathy
Diabetes can be the cause of nerve damage in some cases; and neuropathy is a common symptom of diabetes. This type of damage can cause a loss of sensation in a part of the body. On event of an injury, one may not be able to feel it. As a result, an open sore or wound, if left unattended, can develop into an infection.

5. Digital sclerosis
Digital sclerosis, a condition marked by tight, waxy, thick skin that develops on the back of the hand, is common among people who have type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the joints of the fingers get stiff and thus, lose their mobility and elasticity. Skin of the toes, forehead and knees may also get affected.

6. Fungal infections
Diabetic people are at an increased risk of having an fungal infection. The fungus tends to create a red, itchy rash, which is surrounded by blisters and scales. These are usually found in warm places of the body like the armpits, or between the fingers of the hand or perhaps even the toes. Common fungal infections in diabetic people include athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm.