Skin problems are common among people with diabetes. According to scientific studies, 54 to 71% of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have at least one skin condition related to their disease. Such conditions can often lead to dermatological complications that require professional attention, which makes it essential to see a dermatologist regularly if you have diabetes.

Here are some of the reasons diabetic patients should see a dermatologist regularly.

1. Check for skin abnormalities related to nerve and vascular damage

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels (vascular damage) and nerves (nerve damage), which in turn affect the skin, especially that of the lower limbs. Poor blood circulation and nerve damage cause dry skin, making the skin more prone to sores, which will take longer to heal. In addition, diabetic neuropathy alters the sensitivity to pain. This means that in the event of trauma, the lesions will be discovered later, and the risk of infection will therefore be increased. Visiting a dermatologist regularly is the best way to have your skin checked for any abnormalities that are related to nerve and muscle damage.

2. Treat skin infections

Multiple skin infections can appear as diabetes-related complications. Your dermatologist can determine if you are suffering from such infections and give you a proper treatment.

Here are some of the possible skin infections:

• Infections with candida or yeast infections – multiple areas of the body, including the armpits, mouth, groin, and the region under the breasts are prone to yeast infections if you have diabetes.

• Bacterial infections – many bacterial infections associated with Staphylococcus, such as boils and abscesses, can be caused by complications of diabetes. It's always important to check with the dermatologist if you notice any sign of bacterial infection on your skin so you can get the proper treatment without delay.

3. Get advice on how to deal with acne

Multiple studies have shown the link between diabetes and acne. High levels of blood sugar and the consumption of sugar products have been linked to an increased risk of acne. As such, it's essential to visit your dermatologist regularly to get advice about how to treat your acne and prevent it from becoming more severe.

4. Check for complex skin problems

Type 1 diabetes has been associated with other autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo is a pathology of the skin where autoantibodies destroy the melanocytes. This condition is responsible for the depigmentation of the skin is one of the complex skin issues caused by diabetes on the cutaneous level.

5. Check for complications such as the diabetic foot

A feared complication of diabetes is the "diabetic foot." It originates from a skin lesion that goes unnoticed, resulting in altered sensitivity in the foot, poor vascularization of the foot, immunosuppression, healing disorder, and sometimes infection. This makes it a particularly difficult wound to treat. However, the younger generations of patients living with type 1 diabetes are less at risk of developing this complication, thanks to better awareness of this type of complication and better overall management of diabetes. It is important, however, to get help from your dermatologist if you have any skin lesion that doesn't go away on its own in a couple of days.

6. Get diabetic dermopathy checked

Diabetes can cause changes in the small blood vessels, which can lead to skin problems in the form of diabetic dermopathy. This diabetic skin disease manifests itself as patches of skin that are often light brown and scaly. These spots can be oval or circular in shape.

This disorder most commonly occurs on the front of the legs, but the skin spots are not painful or itchy. Diabetic dermopathy is mainly a harmless symptom that does not need to be treated, but it's still a good idea to have it checked by a dermatologist.

7. Check for allergic reactions

Some patients experience allergic skin reactions in response to insulin or oral diabetes medications. You should see your dermatologist if you believe you are allergic to a drug you are taking to manage your diabetes, especially if you develop depressions, rashes, or bumps at the sites where insulin is injected.

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