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Diabetic Skin Problems And Diabetes Rash [and How To Treat Them]
Skin complications in diabetic patients are extremely common. They may even be the primary reason for the diagnosis determination. About 33% of diabetics will have skin changes caused or complicated by diabetes during their lives. Some of these changes may occur in people who are not affected by diabetes but are much more common in those with diabetes mellitus. Such conditions provoke itching, fungal and bacterial infections. There are other characteristic conditions of diabetes only. Typical skin changes for diabetes patients Diabetic dermatopathy The condition is also known as “shin spots”. Diabetic dermatopathy is the most common skin pathology in diabetes mellitus and is considered to be a pathologic sign of diabetes. It is presented with small round or oval brown spots on the skin, which are very similar to the age spots. Usually, they are found on the front surface of the legs, the affected areas are often asymmetrical. These spots do not cause itching or pain. Generally, they do not require therapy. They are due to changes in the small blood vessels of the skin – diabetic microangiopathy. It is a skin disease that is often, but not always, associated with diabetes mellitus. Due to the strong relationship between diabetes and this particular disease, many studies have focused on diabetic microangiopathy as the leading etiological factor. Clinically, necrobiosis lipoid is characterized by one or several soft yellowish-brown plaques that slowly develop in the anterior surface of the lower legs for several months. They can continue to exist for years. Some patients also have lesions on the chest, upper limbs and torso. The lesion begins as brown-red or body-colored papules that slowly develop into a “wax” plaque of varying size. The slightly raised border r Continue reading >>
Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders In Adults: Part Ii. Melanoma, Seborrheic Keratoses, Acanthosis Nigricans, Melasma, Diabetic Dermopathy, Tinea Versicolor, And Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
DANIEL L. STULBERG, M.D., and NICOLE CLARK, M.D., Utah Valley Family Practice Residency Program, Provo, Utah DANIEL TOVEY, M.D., Intermountain Health Care Health Center, Springville, Utah Am Fam Physician. 2003 Nov 15;68(10):1963-1969. This is part II of a two-part article on hyperpigmentation in adults. Part I, “Diagnostic Approach, Café au Lait Macules, Diffuse Hyperpigmentation, Sun Exposure, and Phototoxic Reactions,” appears in this issue on page 1955. Nevi, or moles, are localized nevocytic tumors. The American Cancer Society's “ABCD” rules are useful for differentiating a benign nevus from malignant melanoma. While acanthosis nigricans may signal an underlying malignancy (e.g., gastrointestinal tumor), it more often is associated with insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome) or obesity. Melasma is a facial hyperpigmentation resulting from the stimulation of melanocytes by endogenous or exogenous estrogen. Treatments for melasma include bleaching agents, laser therapy, and a new medication that combines hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide. Lesions that develop on the shins of patients with diabetic dermopathy often resolve spontaneously; no treatment is effective or recommended. Tinea versicolor responds to treatment with selenium sulfide shampoo and topical or oral antifungal agents. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur in persons of any age after trauma, skin irritation, or dermatoses. Hyperpigmentation usually can be traced to the presence and activity of melanocytes. Part I of this two-part article presents a suggested approach to patients with increased pigmentation. Part II continues the review of conditions associated with hyperpigmentation. New, Changing, or Symptomatic Localized L Continue reading >>
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people who have diabetes. It causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar (glucose). The disease is characterized by too much sugar in the blood, which can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak blood and other fluids. This causes the retinal tissue to swell, resulting in cloudy or blurred vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include: Seeing spots or floaters Blurred vision Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision Difficulty seeing well at night When people with diabetes experience long periods of high blood sugar, fluid can accumulate in the lens inside the eye that controls focusing. This changes the curvature of the lens, leading to blurred vision. However, once blood sugar levels are controlled, blurred distance vision will improve. Patients with diabetes who can better control their blood sugar levels will slow the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Often the early stages of diabetic retinopathy have no visual symptoms. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends that everyone with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye examination once a year. Early detection and treatment can limit the potential for significant vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. T Continue reading >>
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in body folds,[1] such as the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the armpits, groin, navel, forehead, and other areas. Classification[edit] Acanthosis nigricans is conventionally divided into benign and malignant forms,[2][3] although may be divided into syndromes according to cause:[4]:506 Benign This may include obesity-related, hereditary, and endocrine forms of acanthosis nigricans.[2] Malignant. This may include forms that are associated with tumour products and insulin-like activity, or tumour necrosis factor.[2] An alternate classification system still used to describe acanthosis nigricans was proposed in 1994. It delineates acanthosis nigricans syndromes according to their associated syndromes, including benign and malignant forms, forms associated with obesity and drugs, acral acanthosis nigricans, unilateral acanthosis nigricans, and mixed and syndromic forms.[5][6] Signs and symptoms[edit] Acanthosis nigricans may present with thickened, velvety, relatively darker areas of skin on the neck, armpit and in skin folds.[2] Causes[edit] It typically occurs in individuals younger than age 40, may be genetically inherited, and is associated with obesity or endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism, acromegaly, polycystic ovary disease, insulin-resistant diabetes, or Cushing's disease Type I – familial[7]:86[edit] Familial acanthosis may arise as a result of an autosomal dominant trait, presenting at birth or developing during childhood.[4]:506[8]:676 Type II – endocrine[4]:506–7[edit] Endocrine syndromes associated with acanthosis nigricans can develop in many conditions, particularly:[2]:978 [7]:86 starts with insulin resistance, such as d Continue reading >>
Dark Skin Patches Or Acanthosis Nigricans And Pcos
Copyright 2017 Insulite Health. All rights reserved. Dark Skin Patches or Acanthosis Nigricans and PCOS Should You Be Worried About Acanthosis Nigricans? Women with PCOS (or PCOD) often experience skin overgrowths including patches of dark, brown, velvety skin. These skin patches are properly known as acanthosis nigricans and can occur anywhere on the body. PCOS skin conditions, which are usually aesthetically displeasing and invariably troubling to women, are quite common with PCOS. The good news is, one of the influencing factors of PCOS, which is Insulin Resistance, can be managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate nutritional supplements. + Click here to read more articles about PCOS and Skin Disorders Its not uncommon for people to find discolorations on their skin, differences in texture from one body part to another, or new features on their body they did not notice before. Sometimes deciding whether they are new or have been there for a while can be difficult, but more often than not people forget about these changes in their skin and move on with their daily lives. If youre a woman who has, or suspect you have, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), these changes in your skin should not be overlooked. Any change in your body has the potential to reveal something important about your health. So if youre a woman who has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) you need to be especially aware of how your body is reacting to your environment, diet, and overall lifestyle. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that stems from an imbalance in sex hormones. Your female reproductive system is regulated by a very delicate balance of male and female sex hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When the levels of these se Continue reading >>
7 Things Your Itchy Skin Is Trying To Tell You
Dermatologists are like health detectives. One look at the outside can give them important information about what's bubbling up on the inside. "The skin can be a good reflection of the overall health of the body," says Marisa Potter, MD, a board certified dermatologist at Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute in Miami, FL. Changes in your skin could be indicative of something as innocent as needing more sleep or an extra layer of moisturizer, but in the event it's something more, you need to know. Here's what symptoms could tip you off that there's something more going on. Symptom: Raised, red patches What it might mean: You may have psoriasis, an imbalance of immune cells that leach underneath skin and cause inflammation, which is what leads to those irritated patches of skin. "Some people have genes that make them more susceptible to this autoimmune disease," says Marina Peredo, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Though you can get psoriasis at any age, she notices two peak times of diagnosis: one in people when they're teenagers or in their early 20s and another when they're in their 50s or 60s. The latter flare-up is often set off by a stressful event, like a death in the family or divorce. Strep throat is another common trigger of psoriasis. Peredo always asks her patients if they also have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. That's because 30% of psoriasis sufferers also have psoriatic arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain accompanied by psoriasis. If you have this condition, it's not enough to simply treat skin with a steroid cream, so your dermatologist may refer to you to rheumatologist for treatment. And, be sure to monitor your health in other areas. "People with psoriasis may also have an Continue reading >>
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is the medical term for darkened, thickened patches of skin that usually develop in the armpit and around the groin and neck. It's not a condition in itself, but can be a sign of an underlying health problem. These underlying conditions aren't usually serious, although occasionally acanthosis nigricans can be sign of cancer. Signs and symptoms Dark, velvety patches If you have acanthosis nigricans, you'll have thickened, brownish-grey or black patches of skin. The patches will be dry and rough, feeling similar to velvet. They may also be itchy. These patches may occur anywhere, but are usually seen around the neck, in the armpit, around the groin and sometimes in other skin folds. Occasionally, the skin over the joints of the fingers and toes may be affected, as well as the lips, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The patches usually develop slowly over time. Patches that grow and spread quickly are more likely to be associated with cancer. In these cases, the mouth, tongue, throat, nose and windpipe may also be affected. Tiny growths on the skin You may also have lots of tiny finger-like growths from the patches. This is known as papillomatosis. There may also be skin tags around the affected area. These are small flesh-coloured or pigmented growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. When to see your GP Acanthosis nigricans is usually harmless, but as it can be a sign of something serious it's a good idea to see your GP if you think you have it. They may suspect acanthosis nigricans just by looking at your skin. If the cause isn't clear, you may have blood tests to check your blood sugar or hormone levels, and you might need additional tests such as an endoscopy or X-ray. What causes acanthosis nigricans? Acanthosis nigricans Continue reading >>
Insulin Resistance
A A A What is Insulin Resistance? Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the beta cells found in the pancreas. Insulin is an important hormone that has many actions within the body including those involved in metabolism (control) of carbohydrates (sugars and starches), lipids (fats), and proteins. When insulin resistance develops, tissues in the body – particularly muscle and fat tissues- do not respond appropriately to insulin. In fact, more insulin is needed to elicit the same response from these tissues. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to continue to exert its physiologic effect. There are many causes of insulin resistance, including a strong association with genetics (an inherited component). In addition, insulin resistance is often associated with the following conditions: infection or severe illness, the metabolic syndrome, obesity, pregnancy, steroid use and with other medications, and Aside from the well known association of insulin resistance with the metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure; there are several other medical conditions that are associated with insulin resistance specifically. While the associations are clear, whether insulin resistance is the cause of these conditions is not yet known. While insulin resistance is usually seen long before diabetes develops, in cases in which medical attention has lapsed, insulin resistance can present as type 2 diabetes. The accumulation of fat in the liver is a manifestation of the disordered control of lipids that occurs with insulin resistance. The extent of liver damage can range from mild to severe. Newer evidence suggests that fatty liver may even lead to cirrhosis of the liver, and possibly liver cancer. Insulin re Continue reading >>
Diabetes Symptoms You Can’t Afford To Ignore & What You Can Do About Them
In the U.S., diabetes — or diabetes mellitus (DM) — is full-blown epidemic, and that’s not hyperbole. An estimated 29 million Americans have some form of diabetes, nearly 10 percent of the population, and even more alarming, the average American has a one in three chance of developing diabetes symptoms at some point in his or her lifetime. (1) The statistics are alarming, and they get even worse. Another 86 million people have prediabetes, with up to 30 percent of them developing type 2 diabetes within five years. And perhaps the most concerning, about a third of people who have diabetes — approximately 8 million adults — are believed to be undiagnosed and unaware. That’s why it’s so vital to understand and recognize diabetes symptoms. And there’s actually good news. While there’s technically no known “cure” for diabetes — whether it’s type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes — there’s plenty that can be done to help reverse diabetes naturally, control diabetes symptoms and prevent diabetes complications. The Most Common Diabetes Symptoms Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results from problems controlling the hormone insulin. Diabetes symptoms are a result of higher-than-normal levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. With type 1 diabetes, symptoms usually develop sooner and at a younger age than with type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes also normally causes more severe symptoms. In fact, because type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms can be minimal in some cases, it sometimes can go diagnosed for a long period of time, causing the problem to worsen and long-term damage to develop. While it’s still not entirely known how this happens, prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can damage nerve fibers that affect the blood vessels, heart, e Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes: What Are The Symptoms?
What Is Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile)? Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that usually starts in childhood, but can occur in adults (30 to 40-year-olds). In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little insulin. Insulin helps cells in the body convert sugar into energy. When the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, sugar starts to build up in the blood, causing life-threatening complications. Individuals with type 1 diabetes must take some form of insulin for the rest of their lives. Unusual Thirst Symptoms Unusual thirst is a very common symptom of type 1 diabetes. This condition causes the kidneys to remove excess sugar in the blood by getting rid of more water. The water is removed through urinating, causing dehydration and dehydration causes you to drink more water. Weight Loss Symptoms Patient with type 1 diabetes develop unintentional weight loss and an increase in appetite because blood sugar levels remain high and the body metabolizes fat for energy. Disrupted glucose metabolism also causes patient to feel a lack of energy and drowsy for extended periods Excess urination also cause weight loss because many calories are leaving the body in urine. Skin Problems Symptoms The disruption in glucose metabolism in patient with type 1 diabetes causes skin changes. Type 1 diabetics are at a higher risk for bacterial infections and fungal infections. Poor blood circulation in the skin may also occur. Patient with type 1 diabetes are often infected with fungal infections caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Common fungal infections include athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infection in women, jock itch, ringworm, and diaper rashes in babies. Diaper rash caused by the yeast Candida albicans can spread to other areas of the body such as the stomach and legs. Other Dangero Continue reading >>
5 Ways Skin Can Signal Health Problems
MORE The largest organ in the body, the skin, is sometimes said to be a window into a person's general well-being, because it can carry clues about the health of other organs. Changes in the skin, ranging from discoloration to new growth, may sometimes be early signs of more serious underlying health problems, dermatologists say. "I think of us as medical detectives," said Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "I'm always looking for that clue — when did this change happen, why it's here, what are the other symptoms … Those clues will help me find what's going on inside, both in the mind and the body." A handful of skin changes have been commonly associated with internal diseases. When people spot these signs, they might need to see their doctor, Day said. [7 Weirdest Medical Conditions] "A few weeks is not uncommon to have something come and go, but if it persists beyond that, I would say see your doctor — especially if it gets worse during that time," Day said. Rashes and patches on the skin In general, a rash that does not respond to treatment, and is accompanied by other symptoms — such as fever, joint pain and muscle aches — could be a sign of an internal problem or infection. A rash may also occur due to an allergy or signal a reaction to a medicine, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). A velvety rash on the back of the neck or around the arms, usually with a color slightly darker than the person's normal skin tone, is a sign that the patient may have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, Day said. "When I see that, I warn the patient to get their blood sugar checked, and watch their diet." Less commonly, the velvety rash — called acanthosis nigricans — could be a warning sign of cancer Continue reading >>
Acanthosis Nigricans
What is acanthosis nigricans? Acanthosis nigricans is a fairly common skin pigmentation disorder. The most notable sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark patches of skin with a thick, velvety texture. The affected areas of skin may also itch or have an odor. These patches may appear on skin folds and other areas, such as the: armpits groin neck elbows knees knuckles lips palms soles of the feet Acanthosis nigricans may be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as prediabetes. The most effective treatments focus on finding and resolving medical conditions at the root of the problem. These skin patches tend to disappear after successfully treating the root condition. Acanthosis nigricans is seen in both men and women. It’s most common in those who are overweight, have darker skin, and have diabetes or prediabetic conditions. Children who develop acanthosis nigricans are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The frequency of acanthosis nigricans varies between ethnic groups. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people of African, Caribbean, or Hispanic descent are also at an increased risk. All ethnic groups are equally at risk of acanthosis nigricans when body mass index (BMI) is well above normal. Acanthosis nigricans skin patches occur when epidermal skin cells begin to reproduce rapidly. This abnormal skin cell growth is most commonly triggered by high levels of insulin in the blood. In rare cases, the increase in skin cells may be caused by medications, cancer, or other medical conditions. Too much insulin The most frequent trigger for acanthosis nigricans is too much insulin in your bloodstream. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into sugar molecules such as glucose. Some of this glucose is used for energy in yo Continue reading >>
Sugar Spots
Sugar spots or shin spots are medically referred to as diabetic dermopathy. They also known as pigmented pretibial patches. This is a skin condition which usually occurs on the lower region of the legs in individuals with diabetes. The small blood vessels are responsible for supplying blood to the skin. Sugar spots are thought to occur due to the changes in these blood vessels. The spots may also develop when there is minor seepage of blood products into the skin. Diabetic sugar spots are very common in individuals with diabetes. Almost 50 percent of diabetic individuals may experience these spots. It is more common in people with long standing diabetes or in those who are unable to control the diabetes well. The spots may sometimes occur in individuals who do not have diabetes. This generally happens after an injury. Diabetic Dermopathy There are certain signs and symptoms of diabetic dermopathy. The spots may be visible as red, tan, pink or brown patches on the skin. They mostly occur on the lower limbs. They may be either oval or round in shape and often tend to be scaly. Patches that have been present for long periods of time may become atrophic. Sugar spots tend to occur frequently on the thighs, feet and shins. Some diabetic individuals may also observe the spots on the forearms. Sugar spots are not known to cause any stinging, burning or itching. Let us explore a bit more about the meaning of sugar spots and why they occur. The exact cause of diabetic dermopathy is not known for certain. It is possible that the affected areas may have been injured due to direct impact. Injuries due to excessive heat or cold could also be responsible. The shin area does not have much fat which will help to reduce the trauma. The injury is likely to lead to cutaneous and subcutaneo Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Skin Conditions
Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the skin. Many people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives. In some cases, skin problems can be the first sign that a person has diabetes. In some cases, people with diabetes develop skin conditions that can affect anyone. Examples of these conditions include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching. However, people with diabetes also are more prone to getting certain conditions. These include diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, and eruptive xanthomatosis. Some common skin conditions in people with diabetes: Acanthosis nigricans This is a condition that results in the darkening and thickening of the skin. Often, areas of tan or brown skin, sometimes slightly raised, appear on the sides of the neck, the armpits, and groin. Occasionally, these darkened areas might appear on the hands, elbows, and knees. Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with certain medical conditions. It is frequently found in people with diabetes. Allergic reactions Allergic reactions to foods, bug bites, and medicines can cause rashes, depressions or bumps on the skin. If you think you might be having an allergic reaction to a medicine, contact your health care provider. Severe allergic reactions might require emergency treatment. It is especially important for people with diabetes to check for rashes or bumps in the areas where they inject their insulin. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of blood vessels thickening of the vessel walls. While atherosclerosis most often is associated with blood vessels in or near the heart, it can affect blood vessels throughout the body, including those that su Continue reading >>
Natural Remedies For Hyperpigmentation Caused By Diabetes
A: The hyperpigmentation you speak of is called acanthosis nigricans (AN). Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) is a skin condition that causes dark discoloration in the folds and creases of the body, typically seen in the armpits, neck and groin. The affected skin can also become thickened and may smell bad. Acanthosis nigricans, which can be diagnosed by a dermatologist, is not a disease; it is a symptom of another condition that my require medical attention, such as pre-diabetes, diabetes or thyroid disease. To clear AN, you have to treat the condition that is causing it. In a nutshell, you must change your eating habits, exercise and lose weight so that you can gain control of your diabetes. This will help you get the acanthosis nigricans under control. Those changes can include: – eating more dark greens – reduce the amount of white sugar – what the amount of natural sugars in your diet Here are 3 other natural topical treatments for AN include… 1. Lemon contains citric acid that helps bleach the skin, making it a popular home treatment for hyperpigmentation. This natural bleaching agent can effectively fade dark blemishes on your skin. Extract fresh lemon juice and rub it on the skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few months until you notice improvement. Alternatively, you can prepare a facial mask with equal amounts of lemon juice and raw honey. Mix the ingredients well and then apply it to the affected skin. Cover the skin with a warm towel for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once a week for a few months. Note: Those who have sensitive skin must dilute the lemon juice with a little water before using it. 2. Raw pot Continue reading >>
