Health ConditionsDiabetes

10 Diabetes-Related Skin Problems You Should Know About

Diabetes can affect the entire body, including your skin. Find out how to spot, prevent, and treat diabetes skin complications.
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Updated on August 1, 2025
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10 Diabetes Skin Problems You Should Know

Discover 10 skin problems linked to diabetes and learn how to manage them.
People with diabetes are prone to developing skin problems, such as skin sores or a leg rash, often as a result of high blood sugar levels. In fact, some skin problems can be warning signs of diabetes in those who are undiagnosed.

 The good news is that most skin problems associated with diabetes can be prevented or treated easily if they’re caught early.

“For the most part, control of diabetes can help with related skin issues,” says Justin Ko, MD, the director and chief of medical dermatology at Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto, California. “For the skin, moisturization; checking feet and legs daily for any blisters, sores, and skin breaks (especially between the toes); and nail care are all extremely important. Nail and foot fungus can lead to skin cracks and breaks, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection.”

If you notice any skin problems, see a dermatologist or your primary care provider for proper treatment.

1

Bacterial Skin Infections

a person's eye with a bacterial infection
Although anyone can get bacterial skin infections, people with diabetes are more prone to them. Typical bacterial skin problems that tend to trouble people with diabetes include eyelid styes, boils, nail infections, and carbuncles (deep infections of the skin and the tissue underneath). Usually, the area around the infection will be hot, red, painful, and swollen. Treatment with antibiotic creams or pills often clears up these skin problems.

2

Fungal Infections

a person with diabetes with a ringworm patch
People with diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections, especially one called Candida albicans. This yeast-like fungus creates a red, itchy rash, frequently surrounded by small blisters and scales, that’s usually found in warm, moist areas like armpits or between the toes. Other common fungal infections for people with diabetes include ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and vaginal yeast infections. Talk to your doctor about the best medication to treat fungal skin problems.

3

Itchy Skin

a person with diabetes itching their arm
Itchy skin can have many causes. In people with diabetes, a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation may be the root cause. When poor blood flow is the culprit, the lower legs may be the itchiest part of the body. To stop your skin from crawling, consider bathing less often, and use mild soap when you do. Slather on lotion to moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying it between your toes.

4

Vitiligo

a person with vitiligo on their face
Vitiligo is a skin problem in which the cells that make melanin (brown pigmentation) are destroyed, leading to irregular, blotchy patches that often occur on the hands, face, or chest. Experts believe vitiligo is caused by an autoimmune condition and is often associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes. There’s no cure, but light therapy and steroids are used to manage vitiligo. If you have the condition, it’s important to wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, since depigmented skin lacks natural sun protection.

5

Neuropathy-Related Skin Problems

a person with diabetes with an infection on their foot
Diabetes can cause nerve damage called neuropathy. Sometimes the damage caused by this common diabetes complication leads to a loss of sensation in the feet. If you step on something and injure your foot or develop a blister, you may not be able to feel it. An open skin sore called a foot ulcer can develop and could get infected. Take a look at your feet every day to make sure they are not injured in any way.

6

Diabetic Blisters

a person with diabetes with blisters on their feet
While rare, people with diabetes sometimes erupt in blisters (bullosis diabeticorum). The blisters occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, and sometimes on the legs or forearms. These skin sores resemble burn blisters. Having diabetic neuropathy puts you at higher risk of developing these blisters.

 The good news: These blisters are usually painless and heal on their own in a few weeks. In the event that they persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider on the best treatment plan for you.

7

Eruptive Xanthomatosis

eruptive xanthomatosis on a diabetic person's skin
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause eruptive xanthomatosis, which is characterized by firm yellow pea-like growths on the skin. The bumps have a red halo around them and may itch. They’re typically found on the backs of hands, feet, arms, and buttocks. This skin problem usually strikes young men with high cholesterol and very high triglycerides (fat in the blood). Getting blood glucose levels under control is the main treatment for these skin sores. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

8

Digital Sclerosis

a person with digital sclerosis affecting their skin
Digital sclerosis is a condition that causes thick, tight, waxy skin to develop on the backs of the hands. Common among people with type 1 diabetes, digital sclerosis causes the finger joints to stiffen and become difficult to move. Sometimes this skin problem occurs on the toes and forehead as well. Rarely, knees, ankles, or elbows may stiffen. Again, good blood sugar control is the only treatment. Moisturizer may help soften the skin, and physical therapy may help improve the range of motion of joints affected by the condition.

9

Granuloma Annulare

a person with diabetes with disseminated granuloma annulare on their arm
This skin problem can affect people with insulin-dependent diabetes. It causes raised, bumpy, or ring-shaped spots that are skin colored, red, or red-brown. Granuloma annulare most often occur on the fingers, with some people reporting mild itching. Typically, medical treatment isn’t needed because the rash usually disappears on its own without leaving scars. But ask your doctor if a topical steroid like hydrocortisone could help improve your skin problems.

10

Acanthosis Nigricans

acanthosis nigricans on a diabetic person's arm
Acanthosis nigricans causes skin problems in body folds, turning the skin creases dark, thick, and velvety. This diabetes-related skin problem usually develops in people who are very overweight or have obesity and is associated with insulin resistance. There’s no cure, but losing weight may improve the skin’s appearance. If you have this skin problem and haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor.

The Takeaway

  • People with diabetes are prone to developing a wide range of skin problems, many of which can be prevented or treated easily if they’re caught early.
  • Consistent blood sugar control and a thoughtful skin care regimen are key to avoiding many of these diabetes-related skin problems.
  • If you notice any skin problems, talk to your doctor or dermatologist for prompt, effective treatment and to avoid future complications.

Resources We Trust

Meet Our Experts
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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.

Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.

Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.

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Regina Boyle Wheeler

Author

Regina Boyle Wheeler is an Atlanta-based journalist who specializes in health, parenting, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured on several websites including WebMD, CNN, MedicineNet, Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and HealthDay.

Boyle Wheeler was a writer and producer at CNN and CNN Headline News for 15 years. She produced live news programming and worked on countless breaking news events. These included the uprising at Tienanmen Square, China, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the OJ Simpson trial, and the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. She was part of the award-winning team that covered the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

She is a proud graduate of Indiana University where she earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and political science. Balancing work and a growing family is challenging, but she relieves stress by reading, listening to music, and doing yoga.

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Diabetes and Skin Complications. American Diabetes Association.
  2. Vitiligo. Cleveland Clinic. November 23, 2022.
  3. Diabetic Neuropathy. Mayo Clinic. June 10, 2025.
  4. Diabetes Rash and Other Skin Conditions. Cleveland Clinic. August 21, 2021.
  5. Chouk C et al. Bullosis Diabeticorum. StatPearls. January 10, 2024.
  6. Eruptive Xanthomatosis. MedlinePlus. October 14, 2024.
  7. Diabetes and Your Skin. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024.
  8. Granuloma Annulare. Cleveland Clinic. November 15, 2022.
  9. Acanthosis Nigricans. Mayo Clinic. April 30, 2025.