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Shin spots
Increased infection risk
Whether your wound is the result of a downstream effect of your diabetes or an unrelated cause, diabetes can slow down the healing process. Reduced blood flow slows the formation of new blood vessels, and can prolong inflammation — sometimes leading to chronic wounds. You can support healing by keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range, eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and getting enough protein. Several medical treatments and therapies are also available, such as negative-pressure wound therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, the injection of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), and the application of cellular dermal regeneration templates or acellular dermal matrices at the wound site as scaffolds to encourage regrowth.
Slow-healing wounds
water. You can treat the issue from within by keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Keeping your skin well-hydrated and moisturized with a sensitive skin moisturizer is also key to maintaining comfort.
Dry, itchy skin
intense heat or cold. These red or brown indented patches aren’t painful, itchy, or harmful, and you don’t need to treat them. They often go away after a few years, especially when people keep their blood glucose controlled.
Having type 2 diabetes makes you more prone
to infections — including those on the skin. High glucose levels in the body help fungi and bacteria, such as Staphylococcus (staph), thrive. Fungal infections tend to occur in moist areas, such as your groin or between your toes. They can also show up on the scalp. These infections can be uncomfortable, but they’re usually treatable with antifungal medication or antibiotics.
patches of hyperpigmented skin even before they receive a diabetes diagnosis. Managing blood sugar levels with lifestyle changes and medications is the best way to reduce this skin condition. It’s also possible to reduce the appearance of the patches by applying topical salicylic acid, retinoids, and other creams. Some medical procedures can also help make this particular skin change less obvious, including dermabrasion, soralen plus UVA (PUVA) light therapy, and long-pulsed alexandrite laser therapy. Speak with a healthcare professional about your options.
Darkened skin patches
Your Guide to
Diabetes-Related Skin Issues
and How to Treat Them
Itchy, dry skin affects about 40% of people with diabetes. Your risk may increase with age, higher fasting blood sugar levels, and other health conditions. High blood glucose levels pull the water out of your cells and into your bloodstream, leaving your skin cells with less
people with the condition. Shin spots often happen after an injury to the area or exposure to
This is the most common skin issue in people with diabetes, making an appearance in up to half of
Many people with diabetes develop velvety, grey-to-dark-brown skin patches called acanthosis nigricans. People might notice these thicker
