Necrobiosis lipoidicais a rare skin ailment that often begins on the lower legs and shins.
Though many of those affected havetype 1ortype 2 diabetes, the rash can also occur in people without diabetes.
It is also linked with many other systemic (whole-body) diseases.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Though this rash is linked to diabetes, it is unrelated to the control ofblood glucose.
Reason It Happens
The reason that necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum rash happens is not well understood.
These factors can deterioratecollagenproteins in your skin.
Treatment plans are individualized and can involve several modalities before results are achieved.
The condition is a long-term disease that can heal and recur.
Treatment is individualized and may require modifications as the disease progresses.
However, topical corticosteroids can delay wound healing and aggravate some skin infections, especially atrophied lesions.
Therefore, the use of systemic corticosteroids in people with diabetes and necrobiosis lipoidica is controversial.
Tacrolimus is also effective in treatingulcersthat occur with the condition.
Though the results were notable, moderate side effects including gastrointestinal upset andflushingoccurred.
Photodynamic Therapy
Treatment withphotodynamic therapyhas been successful as a second-line treatment for necrobiosis lipoidica in some cases.
This association suggests that factors other than elevated blood glucose may contribute to the disease’s onset.
Necrobiosis lipoidica is a chronic, incurable disease in which lesions do not heal well.
Plaque patches can take years to heal.
Even with prompt and appropriate treatment, scarring and discoloration are likely.
When possible, the appearance of affected skin can take a long time to appear normal.
How to Manage Chronic Necrobiosis Lipoidica
Necrobiosis lipoidica is a long-term disease.
Generally, treatment goals are to reduce symptoms and decrease the risk of ulceration.
The risk of ulceration is more likely with late diagnosis and delayed treatment.
Lifestyle adjustments can complement medical treatments to manage chronic necrobiosis lipoidica.
Common advised lifestyle modifications include the cessation of smoking and the avoidance of trauma in the affected area.
Adherence to appropriate wound care guidelines is crucial in cases in which ulcerations are evident.
Understanding symptoms and ways to reduce the risk of infection is vital.
Summary
Necrobiosis lipoidica is a chronic skin disease often linked with diabetes.
It can also occur in healthy people or those with other systemic health problems such as thyroid disease.
Necrobiosis lipoidica causes lesions that form patches on your lower legs or shins.
Concerns include ulceration, scarring, and sometimes, cancer.
Treatment is individualized because there is little knowledge of how the disease occurs.
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