Skin condition on legs? Any help

[Sumobabe]

Another vote for insisting on a referral to a dermatologist.

And as far as wearing shorts, you're probably much more self-conscious than you need to be. You deserve to be comfortable, so wear shorts if you like.

 

[lessci]

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

As mine wasn't causing me any physical problems I just ignored it, rather have blotchy legs than an unwanted pregnancy. If my legs offended other people that was their problem not mine, but I understand you being self conscious. When I went on the pop it was better but still there.

 

[Kaylie]

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

Hi. It his looks like my legs. I had similar marks on my legs for three years before I was even diagnosed with diabetes. I am told my condition necrobiosis lipoidica. I was 16 when it appeared and 19 when diagnosed with diabetes. I find my legs ulcerate if they get knocked even slightly. And I am certain you should be receiving care via the dermatologist at your local hospital once referred by your GP. It is a very unknown an dun understood condition. I have been offered many different kinds of treatment, some help a little for a while others make it worse. There is no cure. But good BG control help to stop it growing. Wearing support stocking is helpful but not an attractive look. I did not wear shorts for a long time, but fortunately after 10 years of the necrobiosis I have except it and don't worry about the looks. Until you can get a referral from your GP I highly suggest you moisturise your legs every day with a thick moisturisure. Sorry to drag on but I felt like you in this situation and found no one who could advise me. I don't often use this forum, but please feel free to fb me I'm kaylie Woollard. If I can help at all or give you any further advise at all please let me know on fb. X

 

[Wendringham]

I have suffered with Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum for 10-15 years. Apparently it is extremely rare and it was only by chance I was diagnosed as I changed GP and she had seen it before. To confirm the diagnosis they took a biopsy. Suggest a biopsy to your GP so you know what you are dealing with.

I am currently seeing a dermatologist who wants me to attend some of his sessions with students because of it's rarity and I have kept a photographic record of it's progress. The bright pink areas have healed and are slowly fading but the brown tinged areas are still active and these are the areas I have to be careful with. I keep mine well moisturised (GP gives me Epaderm ointment and Zerobase Cream) which stops it drying out and cracking. I also have to wear knee high surgical stockings to help my circulation. I try to be very careful not to injure my legs as when I do the active areas ulcerate which takes about 6 months to heal over. The treatment for the ulcers is biweekly Potassium Permanganate soaks, Fucibet cream and compression bandaging done by a qualified nurse. To prevent ulcers, if I find an area of skin the seems to be damaged in some way (even if it has only gone a little dry) I start using the Fucibet cream once a day until it clears up. They are reluctant to try any other treatments such as light therapy as they are unproven and, because of the ulcers, they don't want to make it worse. My dermatologist, her superior and the head of the department have all told me that there is no cure but the inactive pink 'scarring' should fade with time (which it is - slowly!).

I am so sorry you are going through this at your age, I was in my thirties when mine started. Keep wearing the shorts, I did even when I was in compression bandaging, most people don't notice, I only changed to maxi dresses when I was told I had to wear the surgical stockings because it looks so silly wearing knee highs with shorts and sandals.

Apologies for the long reply but hopefully you will find my experiences useful as it is so difficult to get accurate information on this condition.

 

[Kaylie]

I find mine take six months to heal. I have tried light therapy which certainly helped. If ur specialist is interested I would be willing to get in contact and help with research training ect. Mine is not quite as large as yours both legs are affected. I have had mine medical photographed.

 

[jen.mclean]

Hi, i was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at tge age of 12, when i was 15 i got red marks on my shins which grew and spread. I was told it is necrobiosis and its so rare theres not much research or treatment i tried a treatment called dermojet where a steroid is 'blasted' into the lesion. Its painful and causes ulceration where the skin is broken so i deceided to stop having it done it wasnt improving either.... I hate getting my legs out in summer. I have camouflage make up provided by the changing faces charity. I use it for special occasions and on holiday but not every day. Im now 28 married with a son so to be honest im quite content with life and my body now. My husband accepted my scars so i did too!

 

[beke814]

I was diagnosed with Necrobiosis in 2006, aged 18 by a biopsy. I have been treated with topical steroids, various different creams, PUVA light treatment, Asprin and Hydroxychloroquine. None of this has made much difference. My necrobiosis started as a spot on my ankle but has spread right up to just below my knee. From what I have read and spoke to people about (other sufferers) the biopsy itself can actually worsen the condition and make it spread. In my own personal experience if I damage my leg, the necrobiosis spread, for example I stupidly shut my leg in the car door and bang another patch shortly appeared. I have also found that keeping the area moisturised is a must. In the last four years my leg has been ulcerated more often than not and it typically takes around 15 months to heal, with a minor knock opeining it again soon after. On the ulcers I have tried MediHoney, Aquacel, Aquacel Ag, Bactroban, Autraman and other things I cannot remember. At the moment my leg has been open for about 9 months, has anyone had anything that has worked on ulcers, as my nurses and dermatologist are stumped?? I wont put pics up as it is pretty gruesome at the moment.

 

[Wendringham]

I was diagnosed with Necrobiosis in 2006, aged 18 by a biopsy. I have been treated with topical steroids, various different creams, PUVA light treatment, Asprin and Hydroxychloroquine. None of this has made much difference. My necrobiosis started as a spot on my ankle but has spread right up to just below my knee. From what I have read and spoke to people about (other sufferers) the biopsy itself can actually worsen the condition and make it spread. In my own personal experience if I damage my leg, the necrobiosis spread, for example I stupidly shut my leg in the car door and bang another patch shortly appeared. I have also found that keeping the area moisturised is a must. In the last four years my leg has been ulcerated more often than not and it typically takes around 15 months to heal, with a minor knock opeining it again soon after. On the ulcers I have tried MediHoney, Aquacel, Aquacel Ag, Bactroban, Autraman and other things I cannot remember. At the moment my leg has been open for about 9 months, has anyone had anything that has worked on ulcers, as my nurses and dermatologist are stumped?? I wont put pics up as it is pretty gruesome at the moment.

Hi Beke814.

The best treatment I have had so far was the biweekly Potassium Permanganate soaks and compression bandaging done by a qualified nurse. Nobody expected it to work as it is such an old-fashioned treatment. We noticed the ulcers starting to heal after about 3-4 soaks. The ulcers (which had left the entire front of my calf open) were completely healed 4-5 months later. I have weekly photos if you would like to see. My legs have been ulcer free for over a year now. To prevent ulcers, if I find an area of skin the seems to be damaged in some way (even if it has only gone a little dry) I start using the Fucibet cream once a day until it clears up.

 

[livingwithanitch]

My friend had a similar condition and visited a Dermatologist in London. I'm not sure exactly what they did to help with the rashes but it's started to help her feel more confident as the skin has started to clear and my friend seems extremely happy with the result.






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[anna29]

Alternative to shorts if very self conscious of legs on show .
There are some fabulous capri pants around .
These look so smart and trendy too .
Just an extra idea for you - @gemmah772

 

[emilydrawlins]

When I got diagnosed with diabetes (7 years ago) I noticed a similar condition on my shins, back and sides, I was referred to have a biopsy which came back as a condition called morphea, which is linked with diabetes. It's nothing to worry about, bio-oil helps to make it less visible but I forget about mine, whose looking?! Hope this helps x