What Is Bullosis Diabeticorum?
Bullosis diabeticorum, also known as bullae diabeticorum or diabetic bullae, is an uncommon, spontaneous, non-inflammatory blistering skin condition typically found in people with a long history of diabetes and poor control over their glucose levels. These blisters are rare and their cause is unclear. Due to its rarity and presentation, the appearance of bullosis diabeticorum can be mistaken for other disorders, making it often underdiagnosed. Blisters developed from bullosis diabeticorum are painless and may heal on their own over time.
What Do Diabetic Blisters Look Like?
Bullosis diabeticorum diabetic blisters are rare. However, people with diabetes may suddenly see blisters appear on their skin. They may develop one large blister or group of blisters, often on their legs, feet, and toes, though they may also occur on the hands, fingers, and arms. Diabetic blisters can be small or as large as 6 inches in diameter, and they are often described as having a similar appearance to blisters from a burn but without pain. Though they can develop as single blisters, they more commonly present as bilateral or clusters of lesions. The skin that surrounds the blisters is typically normal and unaffected. Diabetic blisters are filled with clear, sterile liquid, and they may feel itchy.
Diabetic Blisters Symptoms
Diabetic blisters develop in people who do not control their diabetes adequately for several years or over an extended period of time. Some individuals find that they develop diabetic blisters as the first sign indicating they have diabetes or prediabetes. Blisters typically appear as clear bumps, often on the legs, toes, feet, hands, arms, and fingers.
Diabetic blisters might be irregular in shape, large (up to 6 inches across), cluster or form as a single lesion, fill with clear fluid, and cause itchiness to the affected area. In most cases, the skin surrounding the lesions appears healthy and unaffected. If the skin surrounding your blisters is red or swollen, contact your provider immediately to discuss diabetes and skin complications.
What Is The Cause Of Diabetic Bullae?
The exact cause of diabetic blisters is unknown. However, several factors may play a role in their development. Diabetic blisters can occur due to wearing shoes that do not fit properly, poor or reduced circulation, a fungal infection (Candida albicans), or other injuries or irritations to the feet or hands. Certain individuals with diabetes may have an increased risk of developing diabetic blisters. These include people with the following. Additionally, men are more likely to have diabetic blisters than women.
- Poor control over their blood sugar levels
- Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar
- Peripheral artery disease
- Sensitivity or intolerance to UV (ultraviolet) light
Are Diabetic Blisters Serious?
Generally, diabetic blisters are not a serious threat to health, but you should contact your doctor if you develop them. Most blisters heal independently, but there is a risk that you will develop a secondary infection from the blisters. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away.
- Redness or irritation of the skin surrounding the blister
- Swelling and inflammation
- Lesions that feel warm or hot
- Painful lesions
- The aforementioned symptoms with a fever
How Is Bullosis Diabeticorum Diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for diagnosing diabetic blisters. Bullosis diabeticorum is diagnosed by your doctor based on clinical findings, such as the spontaneous formation of lesions with no previous history of trauma, healing without scarring, and any other possible diagnoses. If you believe you have diabetic blisters or blisters that appear on your body, contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer to schedule an appointment with our dermatologists.
How Do You Treat Diabetic Blisters?
In many cases, diabetic blisters heal independently in 2—5 weeks or so after they first develop. Bullosis diabeticorum treatment focuses on preventing the risk of secondary infections following diabetic blisters. The heightened risk of infection and ulceration in people with diabetes makes it necessary for individuals to seek diabetic bullae treatment from a dermatologist in order to rule out more severe skin conditions. Patients are advised against puncturing the blisters themselves, though if they have very large blisters, their dermatologist may recommend draining the fluid.
Draining the fluid from the blister keeps the skin intact while reducing the likelihood that the lesion will accidentally rupture and leave behind an open wound susceptible to secondary infection. Diabetic blisters may be treated with antibiotic creams or ointments and subsequently bandaged to minimize the likelihood of further injury or infection. A steroidal cream may be prescribed if the patient experiences severe itching. Patients seeking to prevent the development of diabetic blisters and those who desire speedy healing of current diabetic blisters must maintain vigilant control over their blood sugar levels.
What Happens If Diabetic Blisters Pop?
Do not try to pop or break open diabetic blisters. The skin covering a blister protects it from bacteria and infection. If the blister pops or breaks open, it is called an open ulcer or ulceration. If open ulcers are left untreated, they can be difficult to heal and result in further complications, such as secondary infections.
In certain cases involving diabetic foot blisters, there is a need for amputations. In addition to infection and ulcers, other complications can include cellulitis and gangrene. It's important to seek prompt medical care if you develop diabetic blisters or any signs of infection or irregularities in your skin. Contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today.
How To Prevent Diabetic Blisters
It is important that patients maintain a high degree of vigilance of the condition of their skin, particularly if they have diabetes. The most important thing a person can do to prevent bullosis diabeticorum is to maintain control over their blood sugar levels. Taking the correct medications, as instructed by your provider, and implementing any necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet are all important for effectively controlling your blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, you should monitor your skin closely and inspect it regularly for blisters, changes to your skin, and other skin conditions. You can help avoid developing diabetic blisters by doing the following.
- Inspect your arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes regularly and thoroughly, noting any changes or concerning features.
- Wear shoes that fit properly, and avoid wearing footwear that irritates your skin or causes chafing.
- Avoid walking barefoot to avoid injuries to your feet.
- Wear gloves while handling anything that could cause injury or blisters, such as tools, scissors, and other items.
- Limit your exposure to UV light and apply sunscreen liberally while outdoors.
- Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience blisters or other changes to your skin.