Diabetes And Itching: What Are The Causes Of Itching In Diabetics And How To Treat Them?

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World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November to mark the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting who had discovered insulin along with his assistant Charles Best in 1922. The day is meant to raise awareness on this chronic global health issue for its early prevention, as well as, support people with diabetes to manage the condition and prevent complications.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to many serious complications, including skin manifestations such as itching or pruritis. According to a study, around 30-70 per cent of diabetics (both type 1 and type 2) may develop cutaneous or skin-related diabetes complications at some point in their lifetime. [1]

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Diabetes can be linked to itching in many ways and may affect areas such as hands, feet, ankles, genitalia, arms, back, scalp and trunk. Studies say that itching mainly occurs in diabetics who have diabetic neuropathy or dry skin problems. [2]

In this article, we will discuss some of the main causes of itching in diabetes, along with how to treat the condition. Take a look.

Causes Of Itching In Diabetes

Some of the causes of itching in diabetes may include:

1. Necrobiosis Lipoidica

It is a rare chronic skin condition frequently found in diabetics. Necrobiosis Lipoidica affects less than one per cent of diabetics and is more prevalent in women compared to men. The condition often occurs at late stages of diabetes, such as during the third (for type 1) or fourth (for type 2) decade of life. Necrobiosis Lipoidica is mainly represented by papules and lesions, and itching can appear in the affected areas in some diabetics. [3]

2. Diabetic neuropathy and polyneuropathy

These conditions refer to damage to the nerves (neuropathy) or many nerves (polyneuropathy) due to uncontrolled diabetes. Increased glucose levels in the body often weaken the walls of the small blood vessels, damage them and cause problems in the passage of signals, oxygen and nutrients. Damage to these nerves can cause pruritis or itching. [4]

3. Xerosis

This skin manifestation has been reported in around 40 per cent of diabetics. Xerosis is characterised by abnormally dry skin along with scaling, roughness and cracks on the skin. Damage to the small blood vessels due to high glucose are among the main causes of xerosis. The condition mostly appears in the foot. [5] The dry skin in xerosis is the most common cause of itching.

4. Acquired Perforating Dermatosis

It is a group of skin disorders that is mainly chronic and is linked to conditions such as diabetes or people with renal failure. Studies say that among those diagnosed with acquired perforating dermatosis, around 15 per cent are diabetics. The condition is presented with nodules, papules and lesions, which are highly itchy. [6]

5. Eruptive Xanthomas

The condition is characterised by small yellow-red bumps on the skin mainly due to increased levels of cholesterol in the body. In diabetics, even smaller levels of cholesterols can cause the condition. Eruptive xanthomas are present in around one per cent of type 1 diabetics while present in two per cent of type 2 diabetics. It is also among the first symptom of diabetes. The lesions in eruptive xanthomas are found mainly in the outer body surfaces, accompanied by itching. [1]

6. Allergic reactions

A study has shown that some diabetic medications such as sitagliptin, which is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, can induce allergic reactions in diabetics and lead them to symptoms like itching soon after its start. The photosensitive mechanism of the drug is considered to be responsible for itchiness. However, the symptoms often disappear soon after discontinuing the medications. [7]

7. Infections

Diabetics are more prone to infections, especially fungal infections. The immunocompromised state and poor blood glucose management in diabetics are among the main causes of the infections. The infections associated with diabetes are mainly itchy and is accompanied by pain. [8]

Other Skin Conditions

• Generalised Granuloma Annulare: Raised lesions or bumps in a ring pattern.
• Psoriasis: Red, raised and scaly patches on the skin.
• Pigmented Purpuric Dermatoses: Group of chronic and progressive skin conditions ranging from benign to chronic purpuric skin eruptions.
• Disseminated granuloma annulare: Skin-coloured, pinkish or slightly mauve-coloured patches on the skin.

How To Treat Diabetes-Related Itchiness?

• If the itchiness is due to dry skin, apply moisturiser 3-4 times a day, especially after the bath.
• Avoid taking baths with hot water.
• Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals.
• Avoid products such as deodorants or soaps that may cause allergies to your skin.
• Use clothes that are soft and won't irritate the skin.
• Avoid scratching the affected skin areas.
• After bathing, make sure to dry the skin properly, even between the toes.
• Avoid any kind of injury to the skin.
• Consult a medical expert for topical creams and gels to prevent the spread.

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To Conclude

Itching in diabetics can get severe and life-threatening if not managed at an early stage. If you are a diabetic or prediabetic and notice excess or prolonged itching in certain body areas, consult a medical expert for early treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.