Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPictures of Diabetic DermopathySymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Pictures of Diabetic Dermopathy
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Diabetic dermopathy occurs in up to 55% of patients with diabetes and is more likely to occur in people who have other complications related to damaged small blood vessels, such asretinopathy(eye problems),nephropathy(kidney issues), and neuropathy (nerve problems).
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This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermnet
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Dermnet
Lesions of diabetic dermopathy are typically less than 1 centimeter in length and usually begin as flat, scaly areas of thickened collagen that are red or purple. They then progress to scar-like formations that fade to a brown color.
Diabetic dermopathy occurs on both shins in an asymmetrical pattern, but it has also been reported on the thighs, arms, and abdomen in rare cases.
Each diabetic dermopathy lesion lasts about 18–24 months before clearing completely or fading. As old lesions begin to fade and clear up, new lesions often begin to form. Diabetic dermopathy is painless and is usually not associated with other symptoms like itching, burning, or tingling.
The Effects of Diabetes on Skin
The exact cause of diabetic dermopathy is unknown. However, it may result from damage to the nerves of the skin and damage to the small blood vessels that supply oxygen to the tissues. This decreased circulation can delay wound healing.
Nerve and blood vessel damage occurs from chronically elevated blood sugar that is characteristic of diabetes and results in widespread inflammation throughout the body.
Dermopathy is often seen in those with retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney issues. It’s important to keep diabetes well-managed to avoid other serious complications (beyond dermopathy), such as:Nerve damageIncreased risk of stroke or heart attackKidney damage
Dermopathy is often seen in those with retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney issues. It’s important to keep diabetes well-managed to avoid other serious complications (beyond dermopathy), such as:
Lesions of diabetic dermopathy typically occur in patients with a longstanding history of diabetes, but occasionally they may present as the first sign of diabetes before a diagnosis is made. In some cases, diabetic dermopathy may occur many years before other symptoms of diabetes become evident.
While it has been reported that diabetic dermopathy is more common intype 2 diabetes, it can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms of diabetes that may aid in the diagnosis of diabetic dermopathy include:
What Are the Symptoms of Uncontrolled Diabetes?
Because diabetic dermopathy is an asymptomatic and benign condition, it requires no treatment. However, further assessment and management of diabetes and related complications may be required.
Diabetic dermopathy is often associated with nerve and blood vessel damage that can cause more serious problems, such as peripheral neuropathy,diabetic ketoacidosis, frequent infections, kidney disease, eye problems, and arthropathies (joint diseases).
What to Eat to Better Regulate Your Blood Sugar
Patches may fade over time, but it is common for new lesions to appear as the old ones are clearing up. Keeping your skin moisturized with lotion or natural oils can help improve the elasticity and appearance of your skin and the decreased dryness of patches.
Summary
Diabetic dermopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes brown lesions to appear on your skin. It’s a benign condition that does not require treatment. However, as lesions clear up, new ones may form. Keeping your diabetes under control can reduce your chances of developing this condition.
A Word From Verywell
Diabetic dermopathy is a common occurrence that affects many patients with diabetes. While there is no way to cure diabetic dermopathy, having good control over blood sugar levels can prevent the lesions of diabetic dermopathy from occurring and decrease the likelihood of other diabetes-related complications.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.George SMC, Walton S.Diabetic dermopathy.Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis.2014;14:95-97. doi:10.15277/bjdvd.2014.027Timshina DK, Thappa DM, Agrawal A.A clinical study of dermatoses in diabetes to establish its markers.Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Jan;57(1):20-5. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.92671
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.George SMC, Walton S.Diabetic dermopathy.Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis.2014;14:95-97. doi:10.15277/bjdvd.2014.027Timshina DK, Thappa DM, Agrawal A.A clinical study of dermatoses in diabetes to establish its markers.Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Jan;57(1):20-5. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.92671
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
George SMC, Walton S.Diabetic dermopathy.Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis.2014;14:95-97. doi:10.15277/bjdvd.2014.027Timshina DK, Thappa DM, Agrawal A.A clinical study of dermatoses in diabetes to establish its markers.Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Jan;57(1):20-5. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.92671
George SMC, Walton S.Diabetic dermopathy.Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis.2014;14:95-97. doi:10.15277/bjdvd.2014.027
Timshina DK, Thappa DM, Agrawal A.A clinical study of dermatoses in diabetes to establish its markers.Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Jan;57(1):20-5. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.92671
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