Women are more likely to develop this lower leg rash. Aside from the bumps, you may also notice other signs such as:
- Shiny porcelain-like appearance of the surrounding skin
- Visible blood vessels
- Itchy and painful skin
- Skin disease goes through cycles of being active, inactive, and active again
Digital Sclerosis
This type of diabetic rash refers to a skin condition that occurs on the fingers, toes, or both the fingers and the toes. Those with Type 1 diabetes often develop thick, hard, and waxy skin on the backs of their hands. Because of this, the finger joints tend to stiffen, making movement difficult. As the diabetic rash progresses over time, it can spread to other parts of the upper extremities like:
- Forearms and upper arms
- Chest
- Upper back
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Face
Bushke’s scleredema adultorum is a related rash that causes tightening, thickening, and hardening of the back, neck, shoulders, and face.
In rare situations, this diabetic rash can also affect the skin around the knees, ankles, or even elbows. As a result, it makes straightening your legs, pointing your foot, or bending your arm a challenging task.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Light-brown, circular scaly patches, similar to age spots, may appear on the shins. This skin condition causes spots (and occasionally lines) that form a barely visible depression in the skin. Moreover, these spots and lines, unlike age spots, usually disappear within 18 to 24 months.
Diabetic dermopathy is more common in older people or those who have had diabetes for at least 10–20 years. It also appears to be associated with greater glycosylated hemoglobin, which is an indicator of poor blood glucose control.
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