Over 75 Per Cent Of People Around The World Suffer From Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is no longer a disease of the select few, it has now become a mainstream lifestyle disease that has affected millions around the world. The imbalanced sugar levels in the blood can adversely affect many organs of the body, including the skin. Most people with diabetes or pre-diabetic condition notice some recurring skin issues or have skin disorders at some point in their life. In some cases, the changes on the skin can be an indication of the onset of diabetes or if you already have diabetes, it means that your dosage needs to be adjusted, mentioned Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.
What causes skin problems in diabetics?
Over 75 per cent of people around the world suffer from type 2 diabetes-related skin problems. Diabetes can cause new skin problems and worsen old ones, said Dr Kapoor.
*High blood glucose because of diabetes leads to poor blood circulation in the body, thus the blood vessels and nerves do not get enough blood and nutrients and as a result, the white blood cells lose their ability to fight infections.
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*Decreased blood circulation reduces the skin’s ability to heal and damages skin collagen thus robbing skin of its ability to ‘bounce’ back.
*Damaged skin cells lose the ability to function well and the skin experiences increased sensitivity to temperature and pressure.
Know the changes in your skin
What Skin Problems Can Be Experienced By People With Diabetes
How Can People With Diabetes Take Better Care Of Their Skin
- Follow the diet, exercise regime and medications as per the advice of the healthcare provider.
- Drink plenty of water as it would help in keeping the skin moist and hydrated.
- Use a mild, moisture-containing soap for bathing and pat dry the body properly as wet skin can act as a site of infection. Do not use products that contain fragrance or dye.
- Thoroughly clean places like underarms, under the breasts, between the legs and between the toes as water can get collected easily in these areas.
- Avoid bubble baths and extremely hot water as it can dry out the skin.
- Apply moisturizer on the entire body after bathing to lock the moisture in. Avoid chapped lips by moisturizing with a lip balm.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the room, thus preventing drying of the skin.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of or higher than 30 to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Try wearing cotton undergarments as they allow the skin to breathe through it.
- Treat all the wounds and cuts right away using antibacterial ointments, gauze pads, hypoallergenic tape and cleansing wipes. Avoid using iodine and alcohol to clean the cuts as they can be too harsh.
Skin Problems Linked To Diabetes And Insulin Resistance
- Acanthosis nigricans. This is a skin problem that results in the darkening and thickening of certain areas of the skin especially in the skin folds. The skin becomes tan or brown and is sometimes slightly raised and described as velvety. Most often the condition, which typically looks like small warts, appears on the sides or back of the neck, the armpits, under the breast, and groin. Occasionally the top of the knuckles will have a particularly unusual appearance. Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. While there is no cure for acanthosis nigricans, losing weight may improve the skin condition. Acanthosis nigricans usually precedes diabetes and is considered to be a marker for the disease. There are other health conditions that also are known to cause acanthosis of the skin and these include acromegaly and Cushing syndromes. It is thought that this health condition is a skin manifestation of insulin resistance.
What Are The Treatment Options For Sun Allergy Rashes
There is no cure or treatment to get rid of sun allergies. However, symptoms can be prevented or reduced by careful sun protection.
A few treatment options include:
- Use sunscreen with a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Reapply sunscreen each time after getting out of the water or drying off with a towel and every hour if sweating.
- Intense cases may require steroid therapy. A dermatologist might prescribe corticosteroid creams. If the skin reacts severely to the sun, the doctor might prescribe a dose of corticosteroid pills.
- The doctor may additionally advise on the use of vinegar compresses and antihistamines in case of painful itchy rashes.
- People who are suffering from sun allergies may need a diet that includes foods or supplements that are rich in calcium, selenium, zinc and beta-carotene.
- Aloe vera gel and coconut oil can sometimes serve as alternatives. Make sure the skin can tolerate these by doing a patch test on a small area behind the ears.
- Use an anti-itch cream to protect the skin. If itching worsens, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
- Take pain relievers if necessary or if the pain persists.
E Topical Ointments For Scabies And Eczema Treatment
Topical medications are the most common prescriptions for getting rid of scabies and atopic dermatitis. Eczema occurs on an extremely dry skin. It can be relieved with a moisturizer. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation, redness and sore rashes under the breast.
Topical creams that kill scabies mites may also be prescribed. The most commonly used are Permethrin cream, 5 percent, Crotamiton, and Ivermectin. Consult with your doctor as some of these are not safe for children and women who are nursing or are pregnant.
Diabetes: 12 Warning Signs That Appear On Your Skin
Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin. When diabetes affects the skin, it’s often a sign that your blood sugar levels are too high. This could mean that:
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You have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes
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Your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted
If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, it’s time to talk with your doctor.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare Causes Skin Itching
This skin problem causes raised, bumpy, or ring-shaped spots that are skin colored, red, or red-brown. Disseminated granuloma annulare most often occurs on the fingers and ears. Some people report mild itching. Typically, medical treatment is not needed because the rash usually disappears on its own without leaving scars. But ask your doctor if a topical steroid, like hydrocortisone, could improve your skin problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy For Rash Between Breasts
Use apple cider vinegar to clean your undergarments or as a direct remedy to heal a sore rash on the skin. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help reduce the inflammation too.
Repeat this treatment twice a day for faster healing.
Yellowish Scaly Patches On And Around Your Eyelids
These develop when you have high fat levels in your blood. It can also be a sign that your diabetes is poorly controlled.The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about the yellowish scaly patches around your eyes.
- Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes. Controlling diabetes can clear the scaly patches.
Bacterial Skin Infections Need Immediate Treatment
Although anyone can get bacterial skin infections, people with diabetes are more prone to them. Typical bacterial skin problems that tend to trouble patients include eyelid sties, boils, nail infections, and carbuncles — deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath. Usually, the area around the infection will be hot, red, painful, and swollen. Treatment with antibiotic creams or pills will usually clear up these skin problems.
Scabies Itchy Rash Under Boobs Eczema And Shingles
An itchy rash on the breast is likely to be caused by scabies, eczema or shingles. These are all skin disorders that may produce signs similar to those of allergies or insect bites around, under and on the breast area.
Shingles under breast
- Scabies is a severe itchy skin disorder. It is contagious and is caused by scabies mite. If you have a skin rash composed of small red bumps and blisters under the breast and other parts of the body, you could be suffering from scabies.
- Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. It is a possible cause of an itchyred rash on the breast. It is characterized by an itchy red rash that is dry.
- Shingles is caused by a viral infection. It can cause a painful rash under the breast area. Shingles bumps, chickenpox or herpes zoster bumps appear as a single stripe of blisters on the affected area.
Sore Rash Between Breasts From Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections are more often secondary. They usually occur as a consequence of itchy intertrigo or fungal infections that encourage scratching of the skin under your boobs or bra line.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria will cause a sore rash on breasts. The rash can also cause pus-filled blisters and sores on the underside of your breasts. The infection can spread rather fast and cause pain, itching, and oozing. Usually, an antibacterial treatment should be able to get rid of this kind of infection.
Some Skin Conditions Directly Related To Diabetes:
Dermopathyis the term given to the harmless light brown scaly patches that are either oval or circular. They usually show up on legs and should neither hurt nor itch. They are caused by changes in the small blood vessels and there is no need for treatment.
However necrobiosislipoidicadiabeticorum is a more rare condition that is also caused by blood vessel changes and causes spots similar to dermopathy. NLD spots are larger and deeper and often begin with a red raised spot. It can be itchy and painful, and sometimes the spots can crack. This is found more often in women with diabetes. If the spots become open sores, please see your dermatologist.
Diabetic blisters, which are sores that look like burns, usually occur in those with diabetic neuropathy . Blisters show on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, and feet. They usually heal by themselves and the only treatment is to have blood sugar levels at a controlled range.
Also caused by out of control blood sugar is eruptive xanthomatosis. This condition presents, usually in young men with type 1 diabetes, as firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin. Each pea-like bump is encircled by a red halo. They may also itch and are usually found on the backs of hands, feet, arms, legs and buttocks. They are a sign of high levels of cholesterol and fat in the blood and they disappear when blood sugar levels are managed at a normal level.
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Top Diabetes Skin Conditions And How To Spot Them
G ot an itchy rash or bumps that won’t go away? It could be a result of diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder that affects major organs. See which diabetes skin treatments will work for you… Diabetes elevates blood sugar levels, leading to high blood pressure, glaucoma and even serious problems in your heart. The chronic metabolic disorder can also leave its mark on your largest organ: your skin. About 33% of people with diabetes develop a related skin condition, according to the American Diabetes Association . In fact, a chronic rash, fungal infection or blister is often the first clue to the disease. “Most skin conditions are due to immune-system deficiencies caused by high blood sugar,” says Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic. These outbreaks can be as benign as dry skin or small yellow rashes to brown spots , boils and serious infections that could land you in a hospital. “The key is to get treatment early – before they turn into a major problem,” advises Debra Jaliman, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Read on to identify the most common diabetes skin conditions and how to treat them. View CommentsContinue reading >>
Good Blood Sugar Control Treats Digital Sclerosis
About a third of people with type 1 diabetes have digital sclerosis — thick, tight, waxy skin that develops on the backs of the hands. The finger joints stiffen and become difficult to move. Sometimes this skin problem occurs on the toes and forehead as well. Rarely, knees, ankles, or elbows may stiffen. Again, good blood glucose control is the only treatment. Moisturizer may help soften the skin.
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Acanthosis Nigricans Turns Skin Dark And Velvety
Acanthosis nigricans causes skin problems in body folds and turns the skin creases dark, thick, and velvety. This diabetes skin problem usually develops in people who are very overweight. There’s no cure, but losing weight may improve the skin’s appearance. If you have the skin problem and haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor. Acanthosis nigricans usually appears before diabetes strikes.
Diabetics Have Cause To Pause Over Spotty Rashes
I’m comfortable in my own skin, no matter how far it has stretched.
— Dolly Parton
Every now and then I notice that I’ll be itching and itching and itching. I tend to scratch away until I finally notice I’ve left red spots on my skin that usually turn into little scabs or red areas.
I tend to itch on my hands, legs and, as of recently, my wrists. Before I was diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic I don’t think I ever really paid attention, but now that I’ve had the disease awhile and am familiar with the symptoms and signs, I wish I would have seen it coming.
According to information I found on the website of the American Academy of Dermatology , there are about 12 warning signs of diabetes that can appear on the skin.
1. Necrobiosis lipidica is a medical condition that often begins as small, raised, solid bumps that start out looking like pimples. As it progresses, the bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The surrounding skin has a shiny, porcelain-like appearance; you can see blood vessels, and the skin is itchy and painful. The disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive and then active again.
2. Acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of prediabetes. A dark patch or band of velvety skin on the back of the neck, armpit, groin or elsewhere could mean that there is too much insulin in our blood.
This often develops in people who have complications due to diabetes or whose diabetes is difficult to treat.
Breast Implants Breastfeeding And Other Causes
You can also get a sore breast rash as a result of breast tissue infection. Mammary tissue infections can happen in both men and women. In women, they are mostly triggered by breastfeeding or nursing. Breast implants can also lead to itchy rashes around the breast area.
- Breast tissue infection is also called mastitis. It occurs when a nipple cracks and bacteria enters the skin through the opening. A milk blister may result.
- Breast augmentation implants can also get infected. The source of infection is usually the skin and can present with a sore or painful rash below the breast.
Some women have complained of a rash under breast after a mammogram, postpartum and surgeries such as gallbladder surgery or after a hysterectomy.
Can These Diabetes Skin Problems Be Prevented
Keeping your diabetes under control is the most important factor in preventing these skin problems. Follow your health care provider’s advice regarding nutrition, exercise, and medication. Keep your blood sugar level within the range recommended by your doctor. Proper skin care can also help reduce your risk of skin problems with diabetes.
Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin
Necrobiosis Lipoidica
This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.
- The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
- You can see blood vessels
- The skin is itchy and painful
- The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again
necrobiosis lipodica.
Take action
- Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
- See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.
Preventing And Treating A Diabetic Foot Rash
For those with Diabetes, proper foot care is essential. In addition to daily washing and moisturizing, The American Diabetes Association recommends that you check your feet “every day for sores and cuts.” Any noticeable lesions should immediately be cleaned with soap and water.
Selecting the appropriate footwear is also crucial for those prone to Diabetic foot conditions. Generally, flat, broad shoes are the safest choice.
If you suffer from one or more of the foot conditions exclusive to Diabetics, the best thing you can do is ensure that you are keeping your Diabetes well managed. If your glucose levels are out of balance, your body will react accordingly, leading to the skin problems mentioned above.
Regardless of which type of foot condition you have, it is always best to see a specialist who can help you accurately diagnose your ailment and help you find the best treatment.
Diabetes And Skin Issues: Dealing With Tinea
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, one aspect of your healthcare that you will likely need to focus on is your skincare. Thankfully, antibiotics, proper blood sugar control, and prescribed topicals can heal many skin issues, but skin conditions that aren’t treated could get infected. Learn more about one skin issue — tinea — and how to treat it.
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What Is Tinea and What Does It Look Like?
Tinea is the name for a group of skin conditions from fungus. For example, tinea versicolor causes abnormal skin pigmentation and red patches, while tinea corporis is commonly known as ringworm. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are also other types of tinea. Other tinea types can affect the limbs, scalp, and trunk. Tinea can be similar to yeast-like infections like candida, but some differences exist in how the fungal cells grow.
While many different types of tinea exist depending on their skin location and fungus type, the symptoms are often similar. If you have tinea, you may experience:
- Yellow or white discoloration
- Red, scaly rashes that are often shaped like rings
- Itching or stinging skin
- Cracked or peeling skin
- Bald spots
You’ll need to visit your dermatologist for a diagnosis, as other skin conditions can look like tinea.
Why Are People With Diabetes at Risk for Tinea?
Because diabetes can cause a weakened immune system, people with this condition can develop tinea and other skin issues since the body may be too stressed to fight against potential threats.
Rash On The Breast From An Allergic Reaction
Some people have allergies. Allergic dermatitis can cause a red skin rash. The rash may be localized or spread on different parts of the body depending on the irritant. The allergy causes very itchy spots and dots on the skin.
- Food allergies are common causes of skin rashes.
- A rash on the breast may be due to deodorants and bras made of synthetic fibers.
People who are prone to eczema, seasonal allergies, as well as asthma, are more likely to develop an itchy skin rash beneath the breast due to allergens. Try to avoid the allergens especially if they are beauty products, deodorants, and underwire bras.
C Aerate To Heal Sweat Rash Below The Breast
Heat rash does not require treatment. It will go away on its own. Proper care is however required in order to get rid of sweat rash under the breast. Allow your skin to breathe for heat rash to go away on its own.
When prickly heat rash develops an infection, it is important to seek medication. The pimples and bumps under breast may burst and become painful. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication depending on the cause of the infection beneath your breast area.
Digital Sclerosis And Scleredema Audoltorum
Digital sclerosis is a condition in which the skin on the hands becomes thickened and waxy and may develop multiple, pebble-like growths. Scleredema audoltorum is a similar condition that affects the back and sides of the neck, with the possibility of painless swelling spreading to the face, shoulders, and upper torso.
Although there is no effective treatment for these conditions, they generally resolve on their own within six months to two years.
Types Of Rashes That Can Be A Sign Of Covid
One study found that a rash was the only symptom of COVID for 21% of patients.
In the beginning days of the pandemic, there was focus on : fever, cough, and shortness of breath. But as experts began to better understand the disease, it became clear that there are many health changes that could indicate someone has the virus—new loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, and headache just to name a few. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists more than 10 symptoms that may signal a COVID-19 infection. The list is not exhaustive, though, and the CDC says it will continue to update the list as they learn more about the disease.
One such potential sign of COVID-19 that isn’t included on the list is skin rashes.
RELATED:11 Coronavirus Symptoms You Need to Know—and How to Prevent the Virus
According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, there is significant association between skin rashes and a positive COVID-19 swab test result. Researchers made that determination by looking at information from 336,847 people in the UK who had uploaded their health history, including any COVID-19 test results and symptoms, to the COVID Symptom Study app. The app data showed that, among those who had a positive swab test result, 8.8% also reported skin rashes.
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