Diabetes and Skin Problems
As many as one out of every three people with diabetes develop skin disorders, even if they maintain tight glucose control. Diabetic dermopathy, which is caused by changes in small blood vessels, is the most common diabetes-related skin problem. Also called shin spots, diabetic dermopathy appears as reddish-brown, scaly lesions about half an inch in diameter that typically occur on the front of both legs. They don't hurt, open up, or itch, and they don't need to be treated.
People with diabetes are also more susceptible to bacterial skin infections, such as styes on the eyelids and boils in hair follicles, which can be treated with antibiotics. They also have more fungal and yeast infections, including vaginal yeast infections in women, jock itch in men, athlete's foot, and ringworm. Most fungal infections require drug treatment.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 22 Apr 2009
Written by: Christopher D. Saudek, M.D.; Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D.
Last Reviewed: 05 May 2009
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus), Diabetes Complications - Skin Problems reprinted with permission from
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