Diabetic dermopathy is a fairly common skin problem for people with diabetes. The condition does not occur in all people with diabetes. However, it’s estimated that up to 50 percent of people living with the disease will develop some form of dermatosis, such as diabetic dermopathy.
The condition causes small lesions on your skin. They may be reddish or brown in color and have a round or oval shape.
Lesions can appear anywhere on the body but tend to develop over bone surfaces. It is common for them to grow on your radiance.
Diabetic dermatitis is sometimes called thin spots or pigmented pretibial spots.
What causes diabetic dermopathy?
Although diabetic dermopathy is common when you live with diabetes, the exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, there is a theory about the mechanism behind these places.
Thin spots have been linked to leg injuries, with some doctors concluding that the injuries could be an exaggerated response to trauma in people with diabetes that is not well managed.
Uncontrolled diabetes often leads to poor circulation or inadequate blood flow to various parts of the body. Over time, poor circulation can reduce the body’s ability to heal wounds.
Decreased blood flow to the area surrounding an injury prevents a wound from healing properly, leading to the development of bruising-like lesions or spots.
It seems that damage to nerves and blood vessels that can result from diabetes can also predispose you to diabetic dermopathy.
This condition has been associated with diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage) and diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage).
It also seems to be more common in men, older adults, and those who have been living with diabetes for a long time.
It is important to remember that this is just a theory of what causes diabetic dermopathy. No research is available to confirm this information.
Symptoms of diabetic dermopathy
The occurrence of diabetic dermopathy can vary from person to person.
The condition of the skin is characterized by reddish, round or oval spots, similar to scars, which are usually one centimeter or less in size. It is usually asymptomatic, which means that it usually has no symptoms.
Even if the lesions can be unpleasant to look at – depending on the severity and number of spots – the condition is harmless.
Diabetic dermatitis does not usually cause symptoms such as burning, stinging, or itching.
You may develop a lesion or bunch of lesions on shiny hair and other parts of the body.
When spots develop on the body, they often form bilaterally, which means that they appear on both legs or both arms.
Apart from the appearance of skin lesions, diabetic dermopathy has no other symptoms. These lesions or patches do not open or release fluids. They are also not contagious.
Diagnostic
If you have diabetes, your doctor may be able to diagnose diabetic dermopathy after a visual examination of your skin. Your doctor will evaluate the lesions to determine: from, color, size and location.
If your doctor determines that you have diabetic dermopathy, they may ask for a biopsy. A biopsy may have concerns about slow wound healing. However, you may need a skin biopsy if your doctor suspects another skin condition.
Diabetic dermopathy can be an early symptom of diabetes. You may have other early signs of diabetes. These include:
- Frequent urination
- frequent thirst
- fatigue
- blurry vision
- weight loss
- tingling sensation in the limbs
If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes and your doctor has concluded that your skin lesions may be caused by diabetic dermopathy, they may order additional tests. Test results can help confirm your diagnosis.
Treatment of diabetic dermopathy
There is no specific treatment for diabetic dermopathy.
Some injuries can take months to heal, while others may take more than a year. There are other cases where the lesions may be permanent.
You can’t control the rate of fading injuries, but you can take steps to manage the condition. Here are some management tips:
- Applying makeup can help cover blemishes.
- If your diabetic dermopathy produces dry, solid patches, applying moisturizer can help.
- Hydration can also help improve the appearance of stains.
- Although there is no specific treatment for diabetic dermopathy, diabetes is still important to prevent diabetes-related complications.
Currently, there is no known way to prevent diabetic dermopathy resulting from diabetes.
However, if your diabetic dermopathy is caused by trauma or injury, you can take preventative measures. These measures can protect your glosses and feet, two areas where injuries are most likely to occur.
For example, wearing knee-length socks or lace-up socks can provide protection when playing sports or engaging in other physical activities.
Diabetic dermatitis is a common condition in people living with diabetes. The condition is characterized by the presence of lesions. These lesions are harmless and do not cause any pain, but should not be ignored.
It is vital to keep your diabetes well managed, which involves regular monitoring of your blood sugar. Managing your condition is important in preventing diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage or
increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
It is important to schedule regular visits with your doctor to discuss your diabetes treatment plan and make the necessary adjustments to maintain good glycemic management.
For example, if you are taking medicines as prescribed, but your blood sugar remains high, talk to your doctor. You may need to adjust your current therapy.
Make a concerted effort to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Regular exercise is important for your overall health. This may include:
- walking
- jogging
- doing aerobics
- cycling
- swimming
Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. If you are overweight, losing excess pounds can help stabilize your blood sugar.
Keep in mind that diabetes management is not just about keeping your blood sugar low. There are other steps you can take, including stop smoking if you smoke and stress decrease.
If your diabetic dermopathy is the result of trauma or injury, you can take preventative measures, such as wearing protective clothing and equipment during physical activity.
It is important to protect your feet, as diabetic dermopathy tends to mainly affect those areas.
Scheduling regular visits with your doctor will allow them to perform a thorough examination to help determine the best management plan for your condition.
