Brown Spots on the Legs of a Diabetic

Skin disorders are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Diabetes can affect every portion of a person’s body, including his skin. In fact, about 33 percent of diabetic people experience a skin disorder that’s either affected or caused by diabetes at some point in their lifetimes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 1. Some skin conditions can cause brown spots on a person’s legs.

Identification

Three skin conditions are likely to cause brown spots on the legs of a diabetic. In the condition called diabetic dermopathy, diabetes affects tiny blood vessels that supply a person’s skin with blood. Dermopathy most often appears as light brown, scaly patches on the front of a person’s legs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These can be oval or circular and look similar to age spots.

Acanthosis nigricans is another condition. It results in tan or brown raised areas. These can show up on the knees but are more likely to appear at the groin, on the sides of the neck and in armpits, according to the ADA.

With disseminated granuloma annulare, red-brown, red or skin colored rashes that have a defined ring or arc shape appear as raised areas on the skin. These rashes most often occur on the legs and other areas of the body far from the trunk area, according to the ADA.

Effects

Rashlike Pigmentation on the Foot

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Diabetic dermopathy is sometimes referred to as “skin spots.” Although unsightly, it doesn't itch, blister or hurt. It's a harmless condition that does not require treatment, the ADA says.

Treatment

Acanthosis Nigricans usually occurs in people who are obese. Some creams can improve the appearance of the spots, but the best treatment is weight loss, according to the ADA. Topical treatments that improve appearance include retinoids, alpha hydroxyl acids and salicylic or lactic acid, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

People who have disseminated granuloma annulare should see a doctor, the ADA says. Treatment often isn’t needed, but some people benefit from topical steroid medications such as hydrocortisone, the Cleveland Clinic says.

Considerations

Causes of Dark Spots on Your Legs

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Age spots also can appear on the legs of a diabetic but aren't directly caused by the diabetes. These are pigment collections that are caused by sun exposure, Aetna’s InteliHealth says. The pigment collects in response to areas that are injured due to thin skin or high sun exposure, and are most common among people 55 and older. These do not require treatment.

Prevention/Solution

The most important factor in preventing skin complications such as brown spots is keeping diabetes under control, the Mayo Clinic says 123. People who are diabetic need to carefully follow health care provider advice on exercise, nutrition and medication and keep their blood glucose levels inside the recommended range, the Cleveland Clinic says. Proper skin can help reduce risk of brown spots and other skin problems as well. Age spots can be prevented by limiting the amount of time skin is exposed to the sun.