How Diabetes Affects the Skin?
Learn how diabetes impacts the skin, leading to rashes, dryness, and infections. Understand symptoms, causes, and trusted skincare and medical solutions in the U.S.
Diabetes is more than a blood sugar condition—it can significantly affect skin health. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels impair circulation, damage nerves, and suppress the immune system, which leads to an increased risk of skin rashes, infections, and delayed wound healing.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause skin changes, often signaling undiagnosed or poorly managed conditions.
Common Diabetes-Related Skin Conditions
1. Diabetic Dermopathy
Brown, scaly patches (often on the shins)
Harmless, but often mistaken for bruises
Related to poor blood flow and vessel changes
2. Bacterial Skin Infections
Caused by Staphylococcus (Staph) bacteria
Symptoms: swelling, redness, tenderness, pus
Common infections: boils, styes, carbuncles
3. Fungal Infections
Caused by Candida albicans
Affects warm, moist areas (groin, underarms, between toes)
Presents as red, itchy rashes withborders
4. Necrobiosis Lipoidica
Rare but serious condition
Causes yellowish, raised areas with a shiny surface
Typically appears on the lower legs
5. Itchy, Dry Skin
Caused by poor circulation, dehydration, and nerve damage
May lead to scratching and secondary infections
Why Skin Problems Are Common in Diabetes
High blood sugar promotes infection and slows healing
Poor circulation reduces oxygen and nutrients to skin tissues
Neuropathy limits the body’s ability to detect skin damage
Immune suppression lowers the body’s ability to fight infections
Prevention and Management Tips
Keep blood sugar levels controlled
Use fragrance-free moisturizers regularly
Wear breathable fabrics and dry your skin thoroughly after bathing
Avoid walking barefoot to prevent cuts or fungal exposure
Check skin daily, especially feet and legs, for wounds or color changes
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help if you notice:
Non-healing sores or ulcers
Recurrent infections
Skin turning black or blue (signs of poor circulation)
Pain, pus, or swelling
Early treatment can prevent complications like cellulitis or amputations.