The skin landscape in diabetes mellitus. Focus on dermocosmetic management

Abstract

Background

Some relationships are established between diabetes mellitus (DM) and a series of cutaneous disorders. Specific dermatoses are markers for undiagnosed DM. Other disorders represent supervening complications in an already treated DM patient.

Objective

To review the information about dermocosmetic care products and their appropriate use in the management and prevention of dermatoses related to DM.

Method

The peer-reviewed literature and empiric findings are covered. Owing to the limited clinical evidence available for the use of dermocosmetics, a review of the routine practices and common therapies in DM-related dermatoses was conducted.

Results

Some DM-related dermatoses (acanthosis nigricans, pigmented purpuric dermatosis) are markers of macrovascular complications. The same disorders and some others (xerosis, Dupuytren’s disease) have been found to be more frequently associated with microangiopathy. Other skin diseases (alopecia areata, vitiligo) were found to be markers of autoimmunity, particularly in type 1 DM. Unsurprisingly, using dermocosmetics and appropriate skin care has shown objective improvements of some DM-related dermatoses, such effects improve the quality of life. The most common skin manifestations of DM fall along continuum between “dry skin,” xerosis, and acquired ichthyosis, occurring predominately on the shins and feet. Dermocosmetic products improve the feeling of well-being for DM patients.

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder corresponding to a relative-to-complete insulin deficiency. This condition leads to gross alterations in glucose, fat, and protein metabolism. In type 1 DM, insulin insufficiency results from a gradual, immune-mediated destruction of the pancreatic β islet cells. By contrast, in type 2 DM, chronic hyperglycemia mainly results from end-organ (particularly the liver and skeletal muscles) insulin resistance. This condition is accompanied by a progressive, age-related decrease in pancreatic insulin release. A genetic predisposition and a strong association with obesity exist in type 2 DM.

DM is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Any skin structure may be altered by DM. The prevalence of DM-associated skin morbidity is far from being trivial.^1–7 Some disorders represent an early indicator of a yet undiagnosed DM. Other skin changes occur even when adequate DM treatment has already been initiated. Two types of noninfectious dermatoses with distinct pathobiologic background have been distinguished. These include some lesions, which are markers of poor glycemic control, and a cluster of skin changes representing DM-related manifestations of autoimmunity.⁸ The prevalence of DM-associated skin infections is commonly increased compared with the normal population.⁷

One of the main direct biologic effects of hyperglycemia is nonenzymatic glycation, which alters various structural and regulatory proteins. This process occurs naturally during aging and is severely boosted in DM, leading to the build up of advanced glycation end (AGE) products. The amount of skin AGE products strongly correlates with DM-related microvasculopathy, including retinopathy and nephropathy.^9–14 Several immunomodulatory mechanisms are altered in DM and thus reduce the defense mechanisms to infections.

Of note, most of the DM-associated dermatoses are not specific for this endocrinopathy. Other pathogenic factors are possibly involved. Many of them have not been clearly identified so far.

During the last years, efforts have been streamed within the dermocosmetics and pharmaceutics industries towards the development of various topical treatments targeting some of the skin complications of DM. These have been mainly driven by the knowledge that at certain points of the disease, the existing therapies were no longer able to slow down the progression of the skin changes. Evidence-based support for the use of dermocosmetics as adjunctive therapy remains modest. Therefore, practice is based on anecdotal reports or studies with limited control.

This work provides an updated review of (a) the physiopathologic changes altering the skin of DM patients, and (b) the dermocosmetic formulations adapted to these conditions. Evidence-based support for the use of dermocosmetic formulations and make-up as adjunctive DM management remains scarce. Practice is based on personal experience, anecdotal reports, and studies with limited control.

Direct skin complications of DM

The complications of DM directly affecting the skin involve the microvasculature, the extravascular dermal matrix, the dermoepidermal junction, the epidermis, hair follicles, sweat glands, and the hypodermis as well (Tables 1 and 2). Pruritus and sensorial irritation (sensitive skin) are frequently reported.⁶ Whenever possible, proactive management, using dermocosmetic formulations, may prove to be critical for the perception of well-being in DM patients. Early education and continued encouragement most probably benefit patient quality of life. Skin cleansing removes dirt and other xenobiotics along with sebum. This can be harsh and may be particularly detrimental to skin when the skin barrier is already disturbed. Without professional guidance, patients may experiment with inappropriate self-care behaviors. In general, due to the lack of evidence supporting their use, patients should avoid washing with aggressive soaps.

Table 1.

Skin disorders associated with DM

Type 1 DM	Type 2 DM
Alopecia areata	Acanthosis nigricans
Necrobiosis lipoidica	Facial erythrosis
Vitiligo	Pigmented purpuric dermatosis Xerosis

Abbreviation: DM, diabetes mellitus.

Table 2.

Correlations reported between some dermatoses and DM complications

Dermatosis	Macroangiopathy	Nephropathy	Retinopathy	Neuropathy
Acanthosis nigricans81	+	+
Dermopathy26		+	+	+
Dupuytren’s disease32			+
Pigmented purpuric dermatosis17	+			+
Sclerodermoid syndrome29			+	+

Abbreviation: DM, diabetes mellitus.

Angiopathy

Macro- and microangiopathy largely contribute to the cutaneous complications of DM. DM patients have increased vascular leakiness, with increased vessel wall permeability. The vascular responsiveness to sympathetic innervation is lowered, as well as the response to thermal and hypoxemic stress.

Microangiopathy is a major complication of DM, as it is responsible for retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. The microvascular network of the skin is particularly altered in DM, and this worsens with age.¹⁵ The perivascular basement membranes are thickened, and the endothelial cells pile up.^16,17 Type IV collagen and laminin are deposited in excess. The vascular lumen shows uneven dilation and narrowing. These latter changes are clinically obvious during periungual capillaroscopy. Similar aspects are found in facial rubeosis, diabetic dermopathy and necrobiosis lipoidica.

On the lower limbs, macroangiopathy of the large blood vessels is due to the combination of atherosclerosis and vasculitis. This condition is seen frequently in DM patients, in whom this is superimposed over microangiopathy. These combined processes lead to a chronic reduction in oxygen supply and is responsible for skin atrophy, foot hypothermia, vellus hair rarefaction, and onychodystrophies. In addition, distal neuropathy, as well as traumatisms and infectious agents, participates in the development of both DM ulcers and DM foot syndrome; once ulcer develops, peripheral vascular disease and the intrinsic disturbance in wound healing contribute to adverse outcomes.¹⁸

No direct effect on micro- and macroangiopathy is expected from the use of dermocosmetic products.⁶ However, some formulations help to correct the consequences of the vascular damage. This is particularly the case for the products targeting dry/harsh skin by boosting epidermal renewal.⁶

Erythrosis

An erythrosis reaction is commonly present on the face of DM patients.⁸ Other parts of the body are possibly affected by the same process as well. Daily photoprotection is important when the skin has become more sensitive to UV radiation and where treatments have lead to pigmentary changes. Recommendations point to the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF and UVA-PF, depending on the patient’s phototype and photosensitivity.^19,20 In addition, the use of appropriate nonirritant hygiene products are empirically recommended, in order to avoid a worsening of the clinical signs.

AGE products

The AGE products are implicated in the functional microangiopathy, secondary to the increased blood cell viscosity and the consecutive reduction in blood flow. The peripheral neuropathy adds its functional effects to the glycation process, and the combination increases their clinical signs.²¹ In addition, glycation alters some physicochemical characteristics of the fibrous collagen, and glycation is further responsible for a yellowish hue of the skin and nails.

Skin glycation creates new molecular residues and induces cross-links in the extracellular matrix of the dermis. The formation of such cross-links between macromolecules contributes to altered elasticity and the modification of other physical characteristics of the dermis in DM patients, similar to those observed during intrinsic aging and photoaging.²² Some glycation inhibitors have been described.^23,24 Aminoguanidine is probably the most widely used glycation inhibitor. Other compounds, including resveratrol, carnosine, and blueberry extract, exhibit some in vitro antiglycation activity. Nevertheless, studies evaluating the impact of topical products containing AGE inhibitor on the improvement of DM skin are currently missing. A 12-week study of 20 DM patients using a topical product enriched with an AGE inhibitor and a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis stimulator failed to show any change in skin AGE products, as evaluated by a skin autofluorescence measurement.²⁵

Protein glycation is accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the autoxidation of glucose and glycated proteins and via the interaction of AGE products with cell surface receptors for AGE (RAGE).^11,14 Hence, the application of a topical product containing antioxidants or a combination of antiglycation and antioxidant has been postulated to be a safe and simple care targeting some DM skin complications.²⁵

AGE products are clearly involved in some skin disorders related to DM. However, the cross-links between macromolecules and the extracellular matrix, and the generation of ROS, are insufficient to explain the pathogenesis of all the DM-associated skin diseases.

Diabetic dermopathy

Diabetic dermopathy is a common nonspecific condition affecting as many as 30%–60% of DM patients. Lesions begin as multiple discretely erythematous, coin-shaped macules or annular rings and are prevalent on the shins. The skin spots commonly regress after a few years, leaving atrophic hyperpigmented areas. The vessel walls are thickened, and Factor XIIIa+ dermal dendrocytes are abundant. The occurrence of lesions correlate with retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.²⁶ No treatment is necessary for individual atrophic macules; these are asymptomatic and are not directly associated with increased local morbidity.

Pigmented purpuric dermatosis

Pigmented purpuric dermatosis, also known under its eponym Schamberg disease, is prevalent in DM patients. It is characterized by a discrete, lymphoid capillaritis, showing leakage of erythrocytes. A drug reaction is identified in some patients. This condition is closely related to alterations of the perivascular basement membranes.¹⁷

We suggest that the presence of yellow skin on the hands, rubeosis faciei, and pigmented purpuric dermatosis can prompt the use of make-up with a high pigment concentration, to cover the skin lesions. It is important to avoid any occlusive effect at risk of worsening the clinical manifestations.

Necrobiosis lipoidica

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a rare disorder affecting about 0.3% of DM patients. This skin condition predominantly affects women, from 30–40 years and older. It is considered as a skin marker of possible DM. However, the severity of hyperglycemia and poor diabetic control do not correlate with the occurrence of necrobiosis lipoidica. Skin lesions appear as infiltrated yellow-brown plaques, often located on the shins. The macules merge to form sharply circumscribed scleroatrophic plaques with scalloped outlines. The clinical course is often indolent, with spontaneous remission in less than 20% of cases. By contrast, painful ulcerations can develop, and wound healing is particularly difficult. A lymphoid cell infiltrate is distributed throughout the dermis with focal collections, in a granulomatous pattern. A prominent microangiopathy is present, and the perivascular stroma is remodeled with abundant deposits of acidic proteoglycans, collagen bundles, and lipids. Dermal dendrocytes are quite numerous in the early lesions. They are likely involved in the active process of dermal remodelling.²⁷

At present, the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica is disappointing. A focus should be placed on the prevention of ulcers.

Granuloma annulare

Granuloma annulare histopathologically resembles focal areas of necrobiosis lipoidica somewhat. In rare instances, it is associated with DM, particularly when the pattern of distribution is widespread. The association of necrobiosis lipoidica with granuloma annulare and sarcoidosis has been reported.²⁸

Thick and waxy diabetic skin

Several specific scleroderma-like syndromes are associated with a localized thickening of the skin, in DM.²⁹ The common underlying pathogenesis involves molecular alterations in collagen and GAGs. The clinical syndromes are the result of increased deposition and improper degradation of these macromolecules, and they are likely related to the formation of AGE products.

About 30% of patients with type 1 and type 2 DM exhibit a waxy infiltration of the skin of the extremities, generally associated with painless, limited joint mobility. This presentation is a marker of microangiopathy risk, but it remains unclear whether the pathogenic origins of the skin and joints are similar. The viscoelastic properties of the skin are usually more altered in type 1 DM than in type 2 DM. Monitoring these changes could help predicting the evolution of DM.^30,31 Acral pseudoscleroderma is a risk indicator for nephropathy in type 1 DM. It is also predictive for retinopathy and neuropathy in both DM types.

Most important, intensive insulin therapy is central in the prevention and, possibly, the treatment of limited joint mobility and scleroderma-like syndrome. Long-term tight glycemic control leads to decreased AGE products in the skin, and delayed onset and severity of limited joint mobility.³²

Scleredema diabeticorum

Scleredema affects about 30% of type 2 DM patients, particularly obese men.³³ The skin is typically infiltrated and indurated on the upper back, neck, shoulders, and occasionally the chest. The dermis is thickened, and the collagen bundles are coarse and embedded in an excess of acidic GAGs. The glycation process is probably involved in the pathogenesis of scleredema. Most patients with DM-scleredema become insulin dependent. Scleredema is difficult to treat,^34–36 and these patients have multiple complications of DM.³⁷

Perforating disorders

In severe DM patients prone to renal failure, perforating collagenosis is occasionally present on the extensor aspects of the extremities. Hyperkeratotic papules contain collagen fibres in their way of transepidermal extrusion. These lesions are pruriginous, and an isomorphic phenomenon is commonly present. Treatment for the perforating disorders is usually unsuccessful.³⁶ Again, the focus should be placed on prevention, by avoiding excessive friction and pressure forces.

Diabetic bullosis

Abrupt spontaneous blisters occasionally develop on the lower extremities of type 1 DM patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. The epidermis is lifted off at the level of the dermoepidermal basement membrane. Immunoreactants (immunoglobulins, complement) are typically absent in the skin lesions. The pathogenesis remains uncertain, although the neuropathy seems to play a prominent role.³⁸

Diabetic bullosis is, in part, prevented by frequent topical applications of dermocosmetic formulations, increasing the epidermal biologic activity and reducing the mechanical impact of xerosis.

Diabetic xerosis and callus

Xerosis is a common feature in DM patients.^7,39 It results from an abnormal, persistent cohesion between corneocytes, with secondary thickening of the tidy stratum corneum (SC), impaired moisturization of the uppermost SC layers, increased transit time of corneocytes in the SC, and altered skin barrier function.^39–43 Diabetic xerosis appears to be correlated with microangiopathy.

Clinical evaluations of xerosis⁴⁴ are conveniently magnified, using dedicated noninvasive biometrological methods.^45–47 These have shown the effects of aging and those of the environment to be superimposed over the consequences of DM.^48–50 The physical characteristic of the SC depends on its water-content and -holding capacity.^51,52 Electrometric measurements represent a convenient method for monitoring SC moisture.^53–58 Harvesting the superficial corneocytes can also provide information about the severity of xerosis.^59–65 Finally, the rate of exfoliation is conveniently assessed using the dansyl chloride test ^66–68 or the dihydroxyacetone test.^69,70

Callus formation results from excessive pressure. It precedes necrosis and the breakdown of the soft tissue over the bony prominences of the feet, usually on the big toe and sole, and over the first and/or second metacarpophalangeal joints.⁷¹ Foot DM ulcers are surrounded by a ring of callus. Xerosis and callus prevention are important interventions that physicians and other health care professionals should provide to decrease the risk of DM ulcer.

Moisturizers and emollients bind water to the SC, improving the skin surface hydration. This has been repeatedly shown to improve the epidermal barrier function and to reduce the stinging, scaling, redness, and cracks associated with xerosis.^72–78 Adequate hydration improves the barrier function, reduces pruritus, and prevents infections related to scratching.⁷⁴

Although emollients represent a regular adjunct to other topical treatments for patients affected by some dermatoses, studies evaluating their impact on skin improvement in DM are few in number. Xerosis and reduced SC elasticity possibly lead to SC cracks, followed by bacterial invasion and infection. Recently, it was shown that an increased severity in xerosis was linked to the duration of DM. This condition was associated with desquamation and pruritus. Emollients frequently counteract all these alterations.⁷⁹

Urea-based formulations enhance the penetration of other topical agents applied to thickened, keratotic, scaly skin.⁷⁹ The prevention and removal of callus, especially in high-risk patients, plays a crucial role in ulcer prevention by significantly reducing focal plantar pressures. High concentration urea-based moisturizers may be particularly suitable for the removal and prevention of hyperkeratosis and callus (Figure 1). In addition, the proper applications of topical agents by the patient reduces costs associated with podiatric treatments and possibly improves compliance to skin care.⁷⁹

Figure 1.

Profilometry of the skin surface in a diabetic patient. The sample comprises an untreated xerotic part (A) and a contiguous field (B) treated for 5 days with a urea-based cosmetic formulation.

Note: The amplitude of the skin surface relief is reduced by half on the treated area.

Acanthosis nigricans

Some patients with type 2 DM are prone to develop acanthosis nigricans. The lesions present clinically as a brown to gray-black, velvety, and papillomatous thickening of the skin. The lesions typically involve large folds, particularly the axillae, the posterolateral neck, groins, and abdominal folds. Any other part of the body can also be involved, including the palms (tripe palms) and soles. Associated skin tags are common.

Acanthosis nigricans is a marker for a group of endocrine disorders characterized by insulin resistance, which can be present in type 2 DM.^80,81 The action of insulin on the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-receptor appears to mediate abnormal epidermal proliferation and the resulting presentation of acanthosis nigricans. Any occurrence of DM-related acanthosis nigricans represents a prognostic indicator for micro- and macrovascular complications. The treatment of acanthosis nigricans is generally ineffective. Topical treatment with calcipotriol, salicylic acid, urea, systemic and topical retinoids have all been used with anecdotal success.⁸²

Onychodystrophy

Onychodystrophies are frequent in DM patients, although none are specific for DM.⁸³ They include Beau’s lines, onycholysis, yellowish discoloration, and splinter blood suffusions. The lesions are possibly more severe in winter, reflecting functional changes associated with the micro- and macroangiopathy.⁸³

Compared to non-DM subjects with nail alterations, DM patients show a higher proportion of onychomycosis relative to noninfectious onychodystrophies.⁸⁴ DM men suffer more frequently from onychomycosis and onychodystrophy than DM women. DM patients with compromised lower extremities and severe neuropathy are at increased risk for developing complications from onychomycosis. Thus, there is an important clinical rationale for early identification and for adequately treating DM patients with nail alterations.

Reduced hair fullness

Hair is thinned, fragile and sparse on the scalp of DM patients.⁸⁵ Corporal vellus hairs are possibly affected as well.

Altered sweating

Sweating is reduced on the lower extremities of DM patients. This condition results from the peripheral neuropathy. There is some compensatory hyperhidrosis on the upper part of the body.^86–95 In areas with excessive sweating, a gentle antiperspirant or deodorant dedicated to these patients may be of interest.⁹⁴

Pruritus

Pruritus is frequently present in DM patients.⁹⁶ Occasionally, this predominates on the genital areas.

Membranous lipodystrophy

Membranous lipodystrophy refers to pseudocystic cavities located in the hypodermis following the focal necrosis of lobules of adipose cells. A hyaline shell is commonly present at the periphery of the lesions.

There is no preventive and treating procedure recognized for membranous lipodystrophy.

Indirect skin modifications

Infectious complications

It is not clearly established that patients with poor glycemic control are more susceptible to common bacterial skin infections than the normal population. However, the response to infection is commonly weakened. It is important that DM patients maintain an intact mucocutaneous barrier. Dermatophytoses are not more prevalent in DM but open the way to other common pathogens. In such instance, erysipela frequently ensues.

Mucocutaneous infections with Candida spp. are an early indicator of an undiagnosed DM or an inadequately controlled glycemia. They exhibit various clinical presentations. The adhesion of Candida yeasts to the SC is possibly increased in DM patients compared with the normal population.⁹⁷

It is important to pay attention to rare but severe skin infections, including the malignant external otitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the necrotizing soft tissue infections. Hyperglycemia favors some other opportunistic diseases, such as the devastating infections caused by Mucorales zygomycetes. Facial rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a typical example.

Secondary metabolic changes

Xanthochromia responsible for a yellowish hue is in part linked to the xerotic process. Carotenemia is occasionally present in DM patients and confers an orange hue to the skin.

Eruptive xanthomas can onset rapidly as a result of major hypertriglyceridemia, in poorly controlled DM. They occur as crops of yellowish tiny papules surrounded by an erythematous halo, grouped on the extensor aspects the limbs. The lesions are due to a lipidic load in the perivascular dendrocytes.⁹⁸

Associated diseases

The increased prevalence of type 1 DM is associated with a series of immune-mediated disorders, including vitiligo, alopecia areata, dermatitis herpetiformis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and Biermer’s anemia.⁹⁹ Generalized eruptive clear cell syringomas are particularly associated with DM.

Migratory necrolytic erythema is a rare disorder in the glucagonoma syndrome spectrum. This latter neoplasm is issued from the alpha cells in the Langerhans islets of the pancreas.

Complications of DM treatments

Drug reactions rarely occur following oral DM therapy. However, a maculopapular rash may develop during the first months of treatment. Urticaria, lichenoid eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have all been reported.¹⁰⁰ Adverse reactions to insulin are rare.¹⁰¹ Nevertheless, lipohypertrophic lesions, mainly in the abdominal wall, are still quite commonly observed in patients chronically treated with a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, even with ultrashort insulin analogs.¹⁰²

Conclusion

Metabolic changes associated with DM exert a major impact on the skin. The microvascular network is particularly altered. The nonenzymatic glycation of diverse macromolecules is a major biologic factor, as is the peripheral neuropathy. Cutaneous disorders associated with DM commonly bother and cause pain to DM patients, and impact their quality of life, including interpersonal relationships. Cosmetics and appropriate skin care management contribute to a feeling of well-being and comfort.⁷⁹ Unsurprisingly, they have been shown to objectively improve the quality of life of DM patients.⁵⁰ Clearly skin care with moisturizers, low-irritant cleansers, and make-up may be effective in improving skin physiology and controlling or covering up some dermatoses associated with DM.

Some recommendations are expressed:

• There is evidence suggesting that daily applications of a moisturizing formulation on the body, particularly on compromised lower extremities, often control both pruritus and xerosis. Emollients containing urea, with or without antiglycation agents and antioxidants, may be indicated.

• The prevention and removal of callus remain essential.

• Products containing phthalate should be discarded, although further studies are needed to determine whether phthalate exposure alters glucose metabolism and increases the risk of insulin resistance and DM.¹⁰³

• Applications of a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the face and other sun-exposed areas (ie, neck and arms) should limit any enhancement of skin glycation related to sun exposure.

• The covering of pigmented lesions is likely to improve well-being.

These recommendations are intended to prevent and/or optimize the therapeutic management of DM-associated dermatoses, which become more prevalent with aging.¹⁰⁴ Hence, they will improve the quality of life of DM patients, allowing them to better enjoy their lives.