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Diabetic rash.

B

Bedford 1

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Having problems with skin rashes on both feet, upper left leg and hand. Very itchy and sore. Looks like a shingles type rash. I am aware that diabetes can cause skin problems. Does anyone have any advice on how to treat them. Difficult to get any appointments with the doctor.
 
Could you get to a pharmacy today and show them @Bedford 1 ? Could it be eczema? If so, then something moisturising and maybe some weak steroid cream might help (you can buy that OTC). I thought shingles was more in one area?

I think you need to find out what it is so you can get the right treatment. You could also try your GP if they have callback or an online triage thing.
 
I think it is unlikely to be shingles because shingles is only ever on one side of the body.
In my experience, it also feels very different to other rashes - it doesn't itch, it is more "prickly".
The suggestion from @Inka to visit a pharmacist is a good one if you cannot get to a doctor. Skin problems could be many things do you need to know what you are treating.

@Bedford 1 what are your BG levels like? High BG can exaggerate any other symptoms do bringing that down may help with the itching.
 
Yes I get itchy with high levels, so check that.

With rashes it could be anything actually. From allergy to something or nothing at all. I had hand, foot and mouth when my daughter was little, it is common childhood type cold with a rush, not serious at all but I was spotty.

Get it checked out. My GP allow photos to be submitted with the request for support, that saves time and they can then get you in, in person if needed. But yes try a pharmacist as they can help with this.
 
Bedford 1 said:
Having problems with skin rashes on both feet, upper left leg and hand. Very itchy and sore. Looks like a shingles type rash. I am aware that diabetes can cause skin problems. Does anyone have any advice on how to treat them. Difficult to get any appointments with the doctor.
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Hi Bedford,
Agree with others as Shingles is usually only on one side but can occur in various parts of body often abdomen but also head and scalp.As you possibly are aware it is a Herpes Virus ( think Zoster) which follows on from having had Chickenpox ( most have had as a Child) and then lies dormant and then flares up often at periods of stress.
As others have said it effects the nerve endings which become very sensitive and is a very distinctive rash but a trip to pharmacist is a good call.
It is important to recognise what kind of rash it maybe from an infectious control point of view if say Shingles but GPs can’t really do much apart from prescribe an anti viral ( antibiotics of course do not work on virus’s) and that will only help alleviate the clinical signs ( by the time you see the GP you are probably over the worst).
 
@Bedford 1 - Do you take Metformin at all? Rash/itching is something experienced for some users, but like all side effects not all folks experience it.

If you do take Metformin, has the brand changed reently? I know with my thyroid meds one license (which in reality means a handful of brands), is really unpleasant for me, so, with my Consultant's support, my prescriptions state those brands should not be dispensed to me.

Just a thought.
 
I am wondering if it could be Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum? A member of another forum I was on had it and I had two patches which mysteriously arrived and then just faded and went. I did not get the ulcers. I am not 100% sure but I think @everydayupsanddowns might have had a small patch or two. If it is then your GP might not be familiar with it.
 
Accepting what others have said, E45 moisturising cream works wonders on most common rashes or irritations.
 
Hope you can get to the bottom of what’s behind it @Bedford 1

I don’t think it’s anything I’ve had @PattiEvans
 
Only recommend some calamine lotion. Virtually impossible to get a gp appointment.
 
Bedford 1 said:
Only recommend some calamine lotion. Virtually impossible to get a gp appointment.
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Whilst I'd urge you to have a chat with your GP/pharmacist first, in your shoes, I would seriously consider an over the counter anti-histamine tablet for a few days and see what happened.

Your pharmacist should be able to advise of any potential issues with an anti-histamine, but something non-drowsy would be my personal choice.
 
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