How does diabetes affect your skin? Diabetes can affect your skin in two main ways. It makes some common problems, like infections and itching, happen more easily. It also causes some skin conditions that happen mostly, or only, in people with diabetes, such as shin spots and diabetic blisters. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says skin problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes, and that most skin conditions can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.
Key takeaways
- ADA says skin problems are sometimes the first sign of diabetes, and most can be prevented or easily treated if caught early.
- Infections, fungal rashes, and itching are common skin problems that ADA says people with diabetes get more easily.
- A dark, velvety patch on the neck, armpit, or groin (acanthosis nigricans) can be a sign of prediabetes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
- Round brown spots on the shins (diabetic dermopathy) are harmless, but AAD says anyone who gets them and has not been diagnosed with diabetes should be tested.
- An open sore or wound, especially on the feet, needs prompt medical care.
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Skin?
The skin is your body's largest organ, and high blood sugar can affect it like any other part of the body. Sources describe a few ways this happens:
- Dry skin. ADA says people with high blood glucose levels tend to have dry skin. Dry skin can itch, and scratching can open the skin to germs.
- Weaker defense against germs. ADA says high glucose levels lower the skin's ability to fend off harmful bacteria. AAD says diabetes weakens the immune system, which raises the risk of infections.
- Changes in small blood vessels. ADA links some diabetes skin conditions, like shin spots, to changes in the small blood vessels.
- Poor circulation and nerve damage. AAD says high blood sugar over a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, which make it hard for the body to heal wounds, especially on the feet.
- Insulin resistance. DermNet, a dermatology reference written by skin doctors, says the dark, velvety patches of acanthosis nigricans are thought to be due to insulin resistance.
DermNet estimates that about 30% of people with diabetes will have a skin problem at some point. Learn more about why people with diabetes heal slowly.
Common Skin Problems That Happen More Easily With Diabetes
ADA says anyone can get these problems, but people with diabetes get them more easily.
Bacterial infections
ADA lists styes (infected glands of the eyelid), boils, infected hair follicles (folliculitis), deep skin infections (carbuncles), and infections around the nails. ADA says inflamed tissue is usually hot, swollen, red, and painful. The most common cause is staph bacteria. If you think you have a bacterial infection, see your doctor.
Fungal infections
ADA says the fungus behind many of these infections is often Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus. It can cause itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These rashes often show up in warm, moist skin folds, such as under the breasts, between fingers and toes, in the corners of the mouth, in the armpits, and in the groin. Jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm, and vaginal yeast infections are common examples.
AAD says to tell your doctor if you get frequent yeast infections, because you could have undiagnosed diabetes. Our guide to recurrent UTIs and yeast infections as a sign of diabetes covers this in more detail.
Itching
ADA says localized itching is often caused by diabetes. It can come from a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause, the lower legs may itch the most. See our full guide on whether diabetes can cause itchy skin.
Skin Conditions Linked Mostly to Diabetes
These conditions happen mostly, or only, in people with diabetes or prediabetes, according to ADA and AAD.
Acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches)
AAD describes a dark patch or band of velvety skin on the neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere. It often forms on the back of the neck, and AAD says it may be the first sign that someone has diabetes or prediabetes. AAD's advice is to get tested for diabetes. Read our full guide: what is acanthosis nigricans.
Diabetic dermopathy (shin spots)
AAD calls shin spots common in people with diabetes. They are round or oval spots, brown or reddish brown, that often form on the shins. They may feel scaly at first, then flatten and leave small dents. They do not itch or hurt, so people often mistake them for age spots. ADA says they are harmless and do not need treatment. Read more about diabetic shin spots.
Necrobiosis lipoidica
AAD says this condition often starts as one or a few reddish-brown spots on the shins in lighter skin, or purplish spots in darker skin. The spots slowly grow into patches that may be yellow, reddish, brown, or purplish, with thin, waxy skin in the center. ADA calls it rare and says it is most common in adult women. ADA says you need treatment if the sores break open. AAD advises seeing a dermatologist because it can lead to complications.
Diabetic blisters
ADA says diabetic blisters are rare. They look like burn blisters and can form on the backs of the fingers, hands, toes, feet, and sometimes the legs or forearms. They are often painless, have no redness around them, and often happen in people with nerve damage. ADA says they usually heal on their own in about three weeks. DermNet advises keeping the blister unbroken to avoid infection.
Eruptive xanthomatosis (sudden yellow bumps)
AAD says uncontrolled diabetes can cause very high levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat. That can cause small bumps to appear suddenly, often on the buttocks, thighs, elbows, or knees. In lighter skin they turn yellowish. In darker skin they may look grayish with a yellow hue. They are usually tender and itchy. AAD says they tend to go away once diabetes is well managed. See what cholesterol should be for a person with diabetes.
Thick or tight skin
ADA describes digital sclerosis: tight, thick, waxy skin on the backs of the hands, sometimes with stiff finger joints. ADA says this affects about one third of people with type 1 diabetes. AAD separately describes scleredema diabeticorum: hard, thick skin that slowly forms over months or years, often on the upper back, shoulders, or neck. It is painless.
Other skin changes
- Skin tags. AAD says having many skin tags may be a sign of type 2 diabetes. See are skin tags a sign of diabetes.
- Yellow patches on the eyelids (xanthelasma). AAD links these to high blood fats, which can be a sign of diabetes that is not well managed.
- Ring-shaped raised patches (granuloma annulare). AAD says the link to diabetes is debated and most people with it do not have diabetes. Tell your doctor if the bumps come and go.
- Allergic reactions. ADA says skin reactions can happen in response to medicines, including insulin or diabetes pills. Watch for rashes, dents, or bumps where you inject insulin, and see your doctor if you think you are having a reaction.
Diabetes Skin Problems at a Glance
| Skin change | What it looks like | What sources advise |
|---|---|---|
| Fungal infection | Itchy, moist, red rash in skin folds | Call your doctor (ADA) |
| Bacterial infection | Hot, swollen, red, painful skin | See your doctor (ADA) |
| Acanthosis nigricans | Dark, velvety patch on neck, armpit, or groin | Get tested for diabetes (AAD) |
| Shin spots | Round brown spots on the shins, no itch or pain | Tell your doctor; test if not diagnosed (AAD) |
| Necrobiosis lipoidica | Yellow, reddish, brown, or purplish patches with waxy centers | See a dermatologist (AAD) |
| Diabetic blisters | Painless blisters on hands, feet, fingers, or toes | Keep unbroken; tell your care team |
| Eruptive xanthomatosis | Sudden small yellowish bumps that may itch | Tell your doctor (AAD) |
| Open sore or wound | A break in the skin, often on the feet | Get immediate medical care (AAD) |
Open Sores and Foot Wounds
AAD says poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard to heal wounds, especially on the feet. Open wounds on the feet are called diabetic ulcers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nerve damage can lower your ability to feel pain, so you may not notice a cut, blister, or sore. Small problems can become serious if they are not treated early.
CDC advises checking your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, calluses, or other changes to the skin or nails. Use a mirror or ask a family member to help if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet. Learn more about diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic neuropathy.
How to Protect Your Skin With Diabetes
ADA lists these steps to help prevent skin problems:
- Work with your care team to keep your blood sugar in your target range.
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Avoid very hot baths and showers. Use moisturizing soap, and skip bubble baths if your skin is dry.
- Moisturize to prevent dry, chapped skin, especially in cold or windy weather.
- Do not put lotion between your toes. The extra moisture can help fungus grow.
- Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Only use an antibiotic cream if your doctor says it is okay.
- Keep your home more humid during cold, dry months.
- See a dermatologist (skin doctor) about skin problems you cannot solve yourself.
For a full daily routine, see our diabetic skin care routine.
When Should You Get Help?
Emergency: Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a red, swollen area spreads fast, or comes with fever, chills, or confusion.
Same day: Contact your care team the same day for an open sore or wound, a skin infection that is hot, red, swollen, and painful, or a blister or sore on your foot. AAD says to get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
Prompt appointment: Book a visit for a new dark, velvety patch, round spots on your shins, sudden yellowish bumps, thick or waxy skin, frequent yeast infections, or itching that does not go away. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, ask whether you should be tested. AAD says a dark patch that appears suddenly needs an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first skin signs of diabetes?
ADA says skin problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. AAD says a dark, velvety patch on the back of the neck may be the first sign of diabetes or prediabetes. Frequent yeast infections, round brown spots on the shins, and many skin tags can also be signs. Ask your doctor about testing.
Does diabetes cause dry skin?
Yes, it can. ADA says people with high blood glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. ADA suggests avoiding very hot baths and showers, using moisturizing soap, and applying lotion after bathing, but not between your toes.
Can diabetes cause skin infections?
Yes. ADA says people with diabetes have more bacterial infections than other people do, including boils, styes, and infected hair follicles. Fungal infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and yeast infections are also common. See your doctor if you think you have an infection.
What does a diabetic skin rash look like?
It depends on the cause. ADA says a fungal rash often looks like moist, red, itchy areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales in warm skin folds. AAD describes sudden small yellowish bumps that may itch in eruptive xanthomatosis. A skin doctor can tell you what a rash is.
Can diabetes skin problems go away?
Some can. AAD says shin spots often start to fade after diabetes is well managed, usually within 18 to 24 months, and that eruptive xanthomatosis bumps tend to go away once diabetes is well managed. ADA says diabetic blisters usually heal on their own in about three weeks. Other changes can last.
When should I see a doctor about a skin change?
AAD says to talk with your doctor if you notice skin warning signs of diabetes. Get immediate care for an open sore or wound. See a dermatologist right away if a dark, velvety patch appears suddenly. Book a visit for any skin change that does not heal or keeps coming back.
References
- American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes and Skin Complications.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Diabetes: 10 warning signs that can appear on your skin.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Acanthosis nigricans: Signs and symptoms.” Accessed October 2026.
- Oakley A, Elghblawi E. “Skin problems associated with diabetes mellitus.” DermNet. August 2019. Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Your Feet and Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
Next Steps
Take a minute to look over your skin today, including your feet, the back of your neck, and your skin folds. Write down any change that is new, spreading, or not healing, and bring the list to your next visit.
For adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who want lifestyle education alongside clinical care, the Done With Diabetes™ program, a natural protocol for type 2 diabetes, organizes learning about meals, movement, sleep, and stress. It does not diagnose or treat skin conditions or diabetes, interpret glucose test results, change medicines, or replace your care team.