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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diabetic, Suffering From Black Marks On Arms And Legs After Scratching. Treatment?

hey,i have been diabetic for 8years now.recently i am scratching myself and am left with black marks especiallu on my arms and legs.cant wear a skirt or something short reason being the marks are too visible,when people look at my arms they wonder if i have been battled..moreover i never know when and how i scratched maself,probably its when i was sleeping..please HELP
Sat, 23 Mar 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello, long standing & uncontrolled Diabetes can result in skin lesions. around 33% of Diabetics have skin lesions. The possible reasons in your case could be
1. Bacterial infection.
2. Fungal infection.
3. Diabetic Dermopathy.
Bacterial infections can result in boils, folliculitis or carbuncles. commonest organism causing infection is staphylococcus. Antibiotics are given to treat this condition. Your skin problem is less likely to be bacterial infection.
Fungal infection is always accompanied by itching. usually seen in groin & in foot. Antifungal ointments like Clotrimazole or Miconazole are given in this condition. But since you don't have severe itching, it may not be fungal infection.
You are probably having Diabetic Dermopathy (pigmented shin spots). It occurs due to changes in small blood vessels of skin. Uncontrolled Diabetes causes narrowing of the small arteries reducing the blood flow. Common site of occurence is lower legs (shin). Moisturisers will help in this condition. Also, proper control of Diabetes is mandatory to prevent skin lesions.
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Diabetic, Suffering From Black Marks On Arms And Legs After Scratching. Treatment?

Hello, long standing & uncontrolled Diabetes can result in skin lesions. around 33% of Diabetics have skin lesions. The possible reasons in your case could be 1. Bacterial infection. 2. Fungal infection. 3. Diabetic Dermopathy. Bacterial infections can result in boils, folliculitis or carbuncles. commonest organism causing infection is staphylococcus. Antibiotics are given to treat this condition. Your skin problem is less likely to be bacterial infection. Fungal infection is always accompanied by itching. usually seen in groin & in foot. Antifungal ointments like Clotrimazole or Miconazole are given in this condition. But since you don t have severe itching, it may not be fungal infection. You are probably having Diabetic Dermopathy (pigmented shin spots). It occurs due to changes in small blood vessels of skin. Uncontrolled Diabetes causes narrowing of the small arteries reducing the blood flow. Common site of occurence is lower legs (shin). Moisturisers will help in this condition. Also, proper control of Diabetes is mandatory to prevent skin lesions.