Skin condition on legs? Any help

gemmah772 · Mar 18, 2015

I'm hoping someone can help?
I've had these large red patches on my legs for years and the doctors keep saying it's either necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum or diabetic dermopathy. They can't tell me any information and can't tell me how to try to get rid of it?

I haven't worn shorts for two years as its so embarrassing only being 21 years old.

Can anyone suggest what I can do to lighten the redness or even get rid? Or even who would be good to speak to about other treatments as my GP is not helpful.

Thanks

Bebo321 · Mar 18, 2015

Sorry you've got this condition
I had never heard of it, but just doing a search with professor Google and as far as necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum goes, it sounds as though nobody actually knows quite how it comes about or how best to manage it.
http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/necrobiosis-lipoidica-pro

I found this link: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1103467-treatment
It suggests therapies to help - the non-invasive methods using topically applied Bovine Collagen or topical psoralen combined with UV could be something to research and consider speaking to your HCP about?
You would probably have an idea yourself if it was diabetic dermopathy, because it goes hand in hand with erratic blood glucose control. It's a more common condition for older (so 50yrs plus) people though - seems a bit doubtful that you've got it.

I am guessing that maintaining stable BGs within the normal range will help your body heal, so stay positive and good luck with getting things cleared up ready for summer.

noblehead · Mar 18, 2015

Have you had a referral to a dermatologist?

If you've only been seeing your gp for this skin condition then do ask fro a referral over to the dermatology clinic.

DavideB · Mar 18, 2015

Hello. I had something similar and the doc gave me a double base gel and like an antiseptic cream and it has now gone. Occasionally i get a itch touch wood it's ok now

gemmah772 · Mar 18, 2015

noblehead said:
Have you had a referral to a dermatologist?

If you've only been seeing your gp for this skin condition then do ask fro a referral over to the dermatology clinic.

I haven't been referred, would they be able to help as I've never heard of a dermatology clinic so don't know what they can do :S

gemmah772 · Mar 18, 2015

DavideB said:
Hello. I had something similar and the doc gave me a double base gel and like an antiseptic cream and it has now gone. Occasionally i get a itch touch wood it's ok now

Do you know what the creams where called so I can try to get some please?

rowan · Mar 18, 2015

noblehead said:
Have you had a referral to a dermatologist?

If you've only been seeing your gp for this skin condition then do ask fro a referral over to the dermatology clinic.

I agree with this, a GP is no expert on skin conditioins, there are so many. A dermatologist really is the best person to see and can rescribe the proper treatment, trying to self-treat when you don't know what it is probably wouldn't help much and could even make it worse.
Do you ever get it anywhere else?

rowan · Mar 18, 2015

gemmah772 said:
I haven't been referred, would they be able to help as I've never heard of a dermatology clinic so don't know what they can do :S

Dermatologists are the experts on skin conditions and diseases

gemmah772 · Mar 18, 2015

rowan said:
I agree with this, a GP is no expert on skin conditioins, there are so many. A dermatologist really is the best person to see and can rescribe the proper treatment, trying to self-treat when you don't know what it is probably wouldn't help much and could even make it worse.
Do you ever get it anywhere else?

No just on my legs, been there for two years and still no one knows anything, thanks though will look at seeing one

rowan · Mar 18, 2015

gemmah772 said:
No just on my legs, been there for two years and still no one knows anything, thanks though will look at seeing one

You'll need a referral from your GP, they shouldn't refuse especially after not doing anything to help for two years!
It might be something not connected to diabetes, it could be eczema or psoriasis for instance, just because you're diabetic doesn't mean there can't be anything else going on

wb19 · Mar 18, 2015

After I had had type 1 diabetes for about 10 years I developed a red patch on my instep. I went to the doctor who thought it was a ganglion and suggested that I hit it! I eventually saw a dermatologist who told me that it was necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum and I was prescribed steroid creams which did not help at all and made it worse. I eventually needed surgery to remove a growth. Six months after Surgery another Mark appeared on my calf. I left this alone, stopped seeing doctors and it eventually faded. I feel that the best thing to do is leave well alone and eventually it will fade.

rowan · Mar 18, 2015

wb19 said:
After I had had type 1 diabetes for about 10 years I developed a red patch on my instep. I went to the doctor who thought it was a ganglion and suggested that I hit it! I eventually saw a dermatologist who told me that it was necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum and I was prescribed steroid creams which did not help at all and made it worse. I eventually needed surgery to remove a growth. Six months after Surgery another Mark appeared on my calf. I left this alone, stopped seeing doctors and it eventually faded. I feel that the best thing to do is leave well alone and eventually it will fade.

And if it doesn't just fade away she has to put up with a few more years of it? Are you medically trained to be able to give a diagnosis like that?
It's obviously a worry so nothing at all wrong with getting some help and hopefully getting it clear by tth esummer so she can wear what she likes again.

noblehead · Mar 18, 2015

gemmah772 said:
I haven't been referred, would they be able to help as I've never heard of a dermatology clinic so don't know what they can do :S

As Rowan says they deal in skin conditions, as your gp has no idea how to treat the problem it would be best that you were referred over to see a dermatologist, there you should receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Good luck.

collectingrocks · Mar 20, 2015

+1 for seeing a dermatologist.

A young lady shouldn't have to put up with this (or anyone of any age for that matter)

WWilson · Mar 21, 2015

I had this about 20 years ago. Saw a dermatologist whos only solution was make up to cover the red patches. Thankfully it disappeared with time so I would not worry about it.

lessci · Mar 21, 2015

This may sound like an odd question but are you taking the contraceptive pill? I had something similar when I was on it. This went once I stopped taking it.

gemmah772 · Mar 21, 2015

lessci said:
This may sound like an odd question but are you taking the contraceptive pill? I had something similar when I was on it. This went once I stopped taking it.

Yes I'm taking it, did you try any other ones or just stop all together?

I've got make up but its to difficult to match and takes to long

rowan · Mar 21, 2015

Has your doctor referred you yet?

gemmah772 · Mar 21, 2015

rowan said:
Has your doctor referred you yet?

Not yet, have to wait to see them first as my doctors recently left so the new one want to see first

rowan · Mar 21, 2015

gemmah772 said:
Not yet, have to wait to see them first as my doctors recently left so the new one want to see first

Good luck with it. I know how miserable I felt when i had erythrodermic psoriasis over my legs, lived in trousers or maxi skirts even in summer.

Skin condition on legs? Any help

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