Diabetic dermopathy is a condition characterized by small, brownskin lesionson the shins of patients withdiabetes.
Also called shin spots, the lesions are not accompanied by other symptoms and do not cause pain.
They are most common in people older than 50 with a long history of diabetes.
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They then progress to scar-like formations that fade to a brown color.
Each diabetic dermopathy lesion lasts about 1824 months before clearing completely or fading.
As old lesions begin to fade and clear up, new lesions often begin to form.
Dermnet
Diabetic dermopathy is painless and is usually not associated with other symptoms like itching, burning, or tingling.
Causes
The exact cause of diabetic dermopathy is unknown.
This decreased circulation can delay wound healing.
Dermnet
Dermopathy is often seen in those with retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney issues.
Having a skin biopsy also can increase the risk of infection afterward.
In some cases, diabetic dermopathy may occur many years before other symptoms of diabetes become evident.
Dermnet
However, further assessment and management of diabetes and related complications may be required.
Good management of diabetes in regulating blood sugar levels may help decrease the likelihood of developing diabetic dermopathy.
Summary
Diabetic dermopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes brown lesions to appear on your skin.
It’s a benign condition that does not require treatment.
However, as lesions clear up, new ones may form.
Keeping your diabetes under control can reduce your chances of developing this condition.
A Word From Verywell
Diabetic dermopathy is a common occurrence that affects many patients with diabetes.
2012 Jan;57(1):20-5. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.92671
