eczema and diabetes

[pips]

Hi

my husband has had type 1 diabetes for 55 years. He is normally quite well but last week he developed really bad eczema all over his body except his face and neck. He had real trouble keeping his blood sugars down but they are under control again now that the rash is clearing up. We are obviously looking for possible causes and I wondered if anyone knows if this is common in diabetics or has any ideas how he can manage both conditions together.

Many thanks

Pip

 

[scoots]

Hi Pip,

I have had T1 diabetes only for the past 2 years, however I have had skin problems for considerably longer, starting out as psoraisis as a 17 year old taking A levels and now eczema with psoraisis tendencies. I haven't seen any link between diabetes and eczema, however it is an auto-immune/allergic response and I can see that a flare up could be made worse by the diabetes which can affect healing and would also throw out BG levels. I would love to know if there was a link between diabetes and eczema, and will be interested to see other responses.

An all-over acute episode of eczema would seem bizarre. Had your hubby been on any new medication? Or anything else that he may be sensitive to?

In terms of management, the key for me is keeping the skin as moisturised as possible, using simple creams/emollients.

I hope it resolves quickly,

Jen

 

[cugila]

Hi

my husband has had type 1 diabetes for 55 years. He is normally quite well but last week he developed really bad eczema all over his body except his face and neck. He had real trouble keeping his blood sugars down but they are under control again now that the rash is clearing up. We are obviously looking for possible causes and I wondered if anyone knows if this is common in diabetics or has any ideas how he can manage both conditions together.

Many thanks

Pip

Eczema as far as I am aware can just flare up at any time and according to this Medical website the causes are not completely understood. Have a read of the information here, there is much information about all types:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/ec ... ?tab_id=86

The cause of eczema is not completely understood but the most common type, atopic, does seem to have a genetic component – in other words, it runs in families.

Flare-ups can be caused by certain triggers – like stress, humid temperatures or just happen for no reason at all.

Other types of eczema are allergic contact eczema and seborrhoeic eczema, which is caused by a yeast that normally lives on the skin.

There is a link with Seborrhoeic Eczema and and Diabetes especially when BG levels are high which may be something to look into.

Increased sensitivity to a yeast called Pityrosporum, a normal organism living on the skin, is thought to play a part in seborrhoeic eczema

You really need to discuss all of this with a Dermatologist who could no doubt give you a more educated response.........

Hope that helps.

 

[pips]

Thank you so much everyone for your comments,

I have looked at the suggested site and particularly what it says about seborrhoeic eczema. As suggested there, the worst parts were the groin and armpits and these were the first places to be affected. Our doctor did not recognize it as eczema and was treating him for other problems for a week before he saw a skin specialist within the practice. By that time it was almost everywhere and weeping badly. He now also has what appears to be dyshidrotic excema on his feet (like friction blisters).

The skin specialist (who was brilliant!) prescribed Dermovate-NN Cream, Atarax tablets, Double Base shower gel and Double Base moisturiser (Friday evening). His skin improved massively straight away and it appears now to be just a case of healing, although new blisters keep appearing on his feet.

It was really useful also to hear about seborrhoeic eczema and high BG levels. The night before the rash he was shivering but very hot to the touch and had cold-like symptoms so I wonder if his sugars were high (he can't remeber off hand). His sugars have been very high all this week though.

Many, many thanks everyone. I really feel we are getting a bit closer to stopping it happening again. I will keep you posted on what happens.

Pip

 

[Hobs]

As someone who suffers with cyclic Pityriasis Rosea, I cannot speak highly enough for Dermovate Ointment. Its the only preparation that will banish the patches I get on my back and arms until it decides to strike again.
I get something similar in my (now thinning) hair for which I am prescribed Polytar Plus shampoo and that too works wonders.

I think with skin conditions its all about getting the right diagnosis with the right treatment before the condition becomes too bad.

I wish your husband well with his problem and please return form time to time to let us know how he is progressing.

 

[0neMed]

You have to consult a dermatologist to get an explanation to this kind of medical condition. I think eczema and diabetes have a strong relationship. Above all these, make sure that a healthy diet is properly given to him.