Skin care is important in treating these types of infections, especially since they tend to appear between the toes, around the nails, or on the scalp—places prone to moisture retention and fungal growth, similar to athlete’s foot or ringworm.

Keeping the affected areas clean and dry helps prevent further deterioration. Because diabetics may require more robust treatment strategies, including extended courses of antibiotics or antifungal medications, prompt consultation with a doctor can halt the progression of the infection before complications arise.

Spots on the Shins (Diabetic Dermopathy)
Spots on the shins are a common but often overlooked symptom of diabetes. These spots appear as light brown, scaly marks that may look similar to age spots but actually signal underlying changes associated with diabetes.

They typically appear on the shins and may be accompanied by a small depression on the skin’s surface. Although these spots typically do not cause discomfort or pain, their presence is important for understanding how well diabetes is being managed.

Many people with spots on the shins are unaware they have them because they typically do not experience symptoms such as itching or pain. Despite the lack of discomfort, paying attention to these indicators is crucial because they reflect damage to blood vessels caused by high blood sugar levels over time.

The good news is that most shin splints gradually fade with better blood sugar control; however, persistently high blood sugar levels can cause the spots to persist longer.

Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Moving on from the shins, another skin problem that can occur in people with diabetes is eczematous xanthomatosis. This condition manifests as small, reddish-yellow bumps that can appear on various parts of the body, including the thighs, buttocks, and even on the elbows or behind the knees.

They appear undesirably, resembling pimples, but quickly turn yellow.

These bothersome lumps don’t sit idle; they are itchy and often tender to the touch, causing noticeable discomfort. If these unsightly lumps begin to appear on your skin, it’s a sign that your blood sugar levels may require closer monitoring.

Fortunately, with careful diabetes management and appropriate treatment strategies, these irritations usually subside quickly, allowing the skin to return to normal without long-term problems.

Granuloma annulare
Moving on from xanthomatosis erupti, another skin condition that may raise concerns in people with diabetes is granuloma annulare. This condition manifests as raised lumps that may appear red or match the skin tone.

The spots can also appear in shades of blue, pink, or purple. Although the connection with diabetes is not fully understood, people with diabetes seem to experience it more frequently.

Granuloma annulare often appears and disappears spontaneously and may prompt an evaluation for diabetes. If you notice these distinctive rings or arcuate patterns on your skin, consider discussing them with your doctor.

While these symptoms can be chronic and recur after treatment, options such as light therapy or topical steroids may be recommended for effective symptom relief.