Diabetes and Your Skin: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

November is American Diabetes Month, an important time to raise awareness of the ways diabetes affects overall health—including your skin. Skin issues are often among the first signs of diabetes and can indicate blood sugar imbalances or poor circulation.

Dr. Mark Cappel, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermagnify, shares the key skin symptoms to look out for, along with essential tips for managing diabetes-related skin care.

Dark, Velvety Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Acanthosis nigricans appears as darkened, thickened patches on areas like the neck, armpits, and groin, often feeling velvety to the touch. This condition is frequently an early indicator of insulin resistance and may precede a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

What to Do: If you notice these patches, it’s crucial to consult with your primary care doctor for a diabetes screening. Managing your blood sugar and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce or prevent these patches.

Itchy, Dry Skin
Dry, itchy skin is common for people with diabetes due to poor circulation and a tendency for dehydration. These symptoms can lead to infections if not properly managed, especially on the lower legs where circulation is often compromised.

What to Do: Moisturizing daily with a fragrance-free lotion can help maintain skin hydration. Dr. Cappel recommends gentle moisturizers containing urea or ceramides to provide relief and protect the skin barrier.

Blisters and Sores That Heal Slowly
Diabetic blisters, also known as bullosis diabeticorum, may appear on the hands, feet, or legs. While painless, these blisters are a sign of advanced diabetes and require careful management to prevent infections. Additionally, cuts or sores may take longer to heal, putting people with diabetes at higher risk of complications.

What to Do: Keeping blood sugar levels stable is essential for proper wound healing. Use gentle wound care practices and avoid picking at sores. If you have trouble healing, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.

Skin Infections
People with diabetes are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections, such as styes, boils, and athlete’s foot. Bacterial infections may present as red, swollen, or tender areas, while fungal infections often show as red or white patches with scaling and itchiness.

What to Do: Promptly treating skin infections is essential. Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and keep it dry. If an infection doesn’t improve, consult a dermatologist for professional guidance.

Yellow, Waxy Bumps (Xanthomas)
Xanthomas appear as yellowish bumps on the skin, typically on the elbows, knees, or eyelids, and can indicate high blood sugar or cholesterol levels. These bumps may come and go with changes in blood sugar levels.

What to Do: These lesions often improve when blood sugar and cholesterol levels are managed. In addition to working with your primary care physician, a dermatologist can recommend skin treatments to help address the appearance of xanthomas.

Consult with Dermagnify to Keep Your Skin in Top Shape!

Taking proactive steps to care for your skin can make a big difference in managing diabetes. For personalized skin guidance, Dr. Mark Cappel at Dermagnify is here to help you navigate your skin care with expert recommendations. Contact our office at 904-686-7771 to schedule a consultation, or visit our website to learn more about our range of dermatology services. Let Dermagnify help you achieve skin health that lasts all year.