Does Diabetes Cause Rashes?

By Susan Renzo, Jan 23, 2015

There are a variety of rashes that are commonly experienced by those with diabetes. Some require treatment, and some disappear on their own.

There are many comorbidities to diabetes, and skin issues are high on the list. With diabetes causing damage to nerves and impairment of the blood flow to skin cells, the skin is more susceptible to damage, infection and changes in color, texture and the supporting structure underneath.

Marker Disorders

There are certain disorders that are considered to be precursors to diabetes. Acanthosis nigricans is a darkening and thickening most often found in the folds of skin of those who are extremely obese. A diagnosis of this skin disorder is considered to be a marker for diabetes, as it is believed to be the result of insulin resistance.

Another marker disorder is eruptive xanthomatosis. The result of poorly controlled sugar levels and extremely high levels of triglycerides, this disorder manifests as firm, yellow, waxy-like eruptions, surrounded by red halos. The bumps generally appear on the face, buttocks, backs of the arms and within creases of skin. The only treatment is to treat the underlying diabetes and dyslipidemia, maintaining a stable level of insulin which will enable reduction of the level of fats in the blood.

Disorders Resulting from Impaired Blood Flow

Because diabetes causes inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels, the small capillaries that nourish the skin with oxygenated blood and heal it with white blood cells can no longer supply sufficient quantities of either. Hair loss, thickening of the skin on the toes, fingers and hands, and thickened and discolored toenails are some of the consequences of this.

Diabetic dermopathy appears as shiny round patches on the lower shins. They don’t hurt, and are generally benign. They are believed to result from impaired blood flow to the skin.

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum results from changes to the collagen and fatty tissue that support the skin. The skin becomes thin and red, and lesions develop, mostly on the lower legs. These lesions by themselves are not harmful, but if they break open, medical care should be sought.

Disseminated granuloma annulare causes ring or arc-shaped rashes, most often on the ears or fingers, but sometimes on the chest or abdomen. These rashes can be red or red-brown, but are just as likely to be skin-colored. Medical treatment is not required, but treatment with a hydrocortisone cream may be helpful.

Other Types of Skin Disorders

Because skin may be less healthy in someone with diabetes, it is more susceptible to infection. The infection could be caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus is a common one) or yeast. The types of yeast infections are many, and they may present inside the body (in the mouth or the vagina) or in warm moist areas of skin (the scrotal area, between the toes.)

Whether the infection is cause by bacteria or yeast, medical treatment should be sought.