Diabetic Dermopathy
The lesions of diabetic dermopathy are asymptomatic and no treatment is recommended or has been shown to be effective. Cosmetic camouflage may be used to disguise the appearance of the skin lesions if required. However, given the strong association of diabetic dermopathy with other microangiopathic complications of diabetes, the lesions might be considered a surrogate for more serious pathology. The finding of skin lesions with the appearance of diabetic dermopathy in patients not previously known to have diabetes should prompt investigations for the condition.
Given the association with other microvascular complications, optimisation of glycaemic control in patients with diabetic dermopathy to minimise the progression of retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy is paramount.
Management
The lesions of diabetic dermopathy are asymptomatic and no treatment is recommended or has been shown to be effective. Cosmetic camouflage may be used to disguise the appearance of the skin lesions if required. However, given the strong association of diabetic dermopathy with other microangiopathic complications of diabetes, the lesions might be considered a surrogate for more serious pathology. The finding of skin lesions with the appearance of diabetic dermopathy in patients not previously known to have diabetes should prompt investigations for the condition.
Given the association with other microvascular complications, optimisation of glycaemic control in patients with diabetic dermopathy to minimise the progression of retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy is paramount.