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Review
. 2017 Jan-Feb;92(1):8-20.
doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175514.

Diabetes mellitus and the skin

Affiliations
Review

Diabetes mellitus and the skin

Adriana Lucia Mendes et al. An Bras Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Several dermatoses are routinely associated with diabetes mellitus, especially in patients with chronic disease. This relationship can be easily proven in some skin disorders, but it is not so clear in others. Dermatoses such necrobiosis lipoidica, granuloma annulare, acanthosis nigricans and others are discussed in this text, with an emphasis on proven link with the diabetes or not, disease identification and treatment strategy used to control those dermatoses and diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Armpits are a classic location of acanthosis nigricans. Note the thickening and hyperchromia of the skin Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 2
Figure 2
Bullosis diabeticorum blisters are asymptomatic and exhibit mild inflammation Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diabetic dermopathy consists of small brownish-colored depressions in the skin surface, of atrophic appearance, which look like scars Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 4
Figure 4
Buschke's scleredema is characterized by symmetrical anddiffuse thickening, with hardening of the skin mainly on the face, cervical region and upper limbs Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 5
Figure 5
Granuloma annulare manifests by erythematous and firm dermal papules that expand gradually, with central hyperpigmentation Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 6
Figure 6
Detail of the granuloma annulare, showing infiltration at the edges of the lesion Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 7
Figure 7
Typical lesions of necrobiosis lipoidica begin in the pretibial regions with non-squamous papules that gradually grow and group into large plaques Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 8
Figure 8
Detail of lesions of necrobiosis lipoidica, showing central atrophy Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP
Figure 9
Figure 9
Diabetic foot may present a chronic ulcer on callus caused by changes in sensitivity associated with diabetic neuropathy and occasional ischemia Photo: Department of Dermatology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP

References

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    1. Barbato MT, Criado PR, Silva AK, Averbeck E, Guerine MB, Sá NB. Association of acanthosis nigricans and skin tags with insulin resistance. An Bras Dermatol. 2012;87:97–104. - PubMed
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    1. Papa CM. Niacinamide and acanthosis nigricans. Arch Dermatol. 1984;120:1281–1281. - PubMed

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