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Diabetic erythema is one of the symptoms of diabetes, which has received the status of an epidemic of the XNUMXst century by the World Health Organization (WHO). This untreated metabolic disease can lead to serious health problems, which is why proper diagnosis is so important, especially among patients with genetic predisposition. What does diabetic erythema look like? Why is it appearing? What symptoms of diabetes, apart from blushing, can be seen on the skin? We check the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
- Diabetic erythema is one of the symptoms of diabetes
- Diabetic erythema most often appears on the face, but can also affect the hands and feet
- In diabetes, the most important thing is to balance the blood sugar level, which will minimize not only erythema, but also other symptoms of the disease
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Diabetic erythema – when does it appear?
Diabetic erythema (rubeosis diabeticorum) occurs with high fluctuations in blood sugar, which is the direct cause of microdamage in blood vessels. Increased pressure causes swelling of endothelial cells with a simultaneous increase in vascular permeability. This leads to micro-lesions under the skin called erythema.
It is most common in young patients with type 1 diabetes, but it can also be seen in the body by people suffering from type 2 diabetes. In poorly managed or untreated disease, the erythema may worsen.
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Diabetic erythema – what does it look like?
Diabetic erythema takes the form of dark red colors appearing mainly on the face (around the forehead, chin, nose, cheeks). Eyebrow loss is also common.
Diabetic erythema in a patient with diabetes / photo. Mohammad Kazem Fallahzadeh, source: ResearchGate
Telangiectasias also appear on the neck, hands, and feet. Reddish-brown or tan patches can also cover the lower legs and upper limbs. Macular-papular eruptions. They are called Binkley spots or diabetic shin spots.
Diabetic erythema and cutaneous symptoms of latent diabetes
In addition to diabetic erythema, patients with diabetes often develop blemishes, pustules and pus-filled lesions. It also increases the susceptibility to abrasions, cuts and fungal infections of the feet.
Among the early symptoms of diabetes mellitus erythrasma can be noted. It is a bacterial disease that develops primarily in the armpits, groin and the spaces between the fingers. It has the form of irregularly shaped spots, initially pink in color, then yellow, brown or red-brown. However, they do not cause itching as in the case of diabetic erythema. Itchy skin (especially in private areas) can also be one of the early signs of developing diabetes.
Diabetic erythema – how to treat?
Not only diabetic erythema but also other cutaneous symptoms indicative of diabetes should be treated by balancing blood sugar levels. In this case, it is very important to take the appropriate medications. If the selected form of pharmacotherapy is the cause of the appearance of erythema, it is worth using appropriate cosmetics that will soothe skin inflammations (e.g. specialist body lotion Oncoria One).
Selected products should be free of alcohol that dehydrates the complexion. Cosmetics with emollients that minimize itching are recommended. Due to the fact that diabetic erythema can lead to discoloration, laser removal will also be effective in treatment.
Diabetes prevention – what should it look like?
Prophylaxis in the case of people who have a genetic predisposition or lead an unhealthy lifestyle, it is very important to perform tests regularly. In this case, we recommend the package available on Medonet Market, which includes the determination of glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose, lipidogram and urinalysis.
In addition, it is worth taking care of a proper diet, giving up stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine), and introducing physical activity. It’s also very important to reduce your stress levels, which can also be one of the causes of high blood sugar.