Diabetes Warning Signs for Your Skin
Some skin problems can be a result of undiagnosed diabetes, one of the most common diseases in the United States. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and to talk with your doctor about getting tested for diabetes. You may be at a higher risk for diabetes, depending on your health history.
What is Diabetes?
It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (or sugar) levels are too high as a result of your body not making enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the sugar from the food you eat get to your cells to turn that sugar into energy. There are three different types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Type 1 can have a sudden onset, while Type 2 may develop over time. Gestational is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Various signs and symptoms could signal diabetes, and changes in the skin are often the first signs of the disease. In this blog post, we will explore the warning signs of diabetes that can be found on the skin.
Sign 1: Discoloration of Your Skin
Your skin may develop small, raised, solid bumps that look like pimples. These bumps may become swollen and hard and be yellow, reddish, or brown.
Sign 2: Velvety Dark Soft Skin
Have you noticed a dark patch of velvety skin on the back of your neck, armpit, groin, or anywhere else on your body? It could be a sign of too much insulin in your blood and is often a sign of pre-diabetes.
Sign 3: Thick Hard Skin
Thick, tight, waxy skin on your hands can be a sign of diabetes. As a result, it may be difficult to move your hands or fingers. This condition may even spread to other parts of your body, such as your face, shoulders, or chest.
Sign 4: Blisters
Large blisters that suddenly appear on your skin could be a sign of diabetes. They can materialize on your hands, feet, legs, or forearms and can resemble a serious burn but are not painful.
Sign 5: Skin Infections
Diabetics are prone to skin infections. Hot, swollen, painful skin is an indicator of an infection. You may also develop an itchy rash, blisters, dry, crusty skin, or a white discharge similar in appearance to cottage cheese.
Sign 6: Open Sores and Wounds
A sign of high blood sugar can be a wound that does not seem to heal. This can be a result of poor circulation and possible nerve damage.
Sign 7: Shin Spots
These are spots or lines that usually form on the shin and are often mistaken for age spots.
Sign 8: Extremely Itchy, Dry Skin
Dry skin is more common among diabetics due to high blood sugar levels.
Sign 9: Skin Tags
Skin tags are harmless skin growths that are connected by a stalk. They can be a sign that you have too much insulin in your blood.
Sign 10: Small, Reddish-Yellow Bumps
The bumps have an appearance similar to pimples but will turn into more of a yellowish color. They can be found anywhere, but more common locations include the buttocks, thighs, bend of the elbow, or behind the knees.
If you notice any of these symptoms, we can help! Most skin issues are not dangerous, but they can become serious in people with diabetes and should be checked by a medical professional.
For more information on diabetes and your skin or to schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, call 828-253-2533.
