Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum - Symptoms & Treatment

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a rash which usually occurs on the legs. It is frequently associated with patients with diabetes mellitus but it is a rare complication. It may start as small red spots or raised areas, which develop a shiny, porcelain-like appearance. It is characterized by the development of erythematous papules or nodules in the pretibial area. The plaques often turn a light color due to extra cellular fat (the "lipoidica"). They are often itchy or painful. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a rash, which is more common in women. A skin condition Lesions can be small or extend over a large area. Treatment of NLD is difficult. Sometimes it responds to topical cortisone creams, especially if covered ("occluded") with an airtight dressing. Cortisone injections can also be used to treat NLD. These are more effective than cortisone creams. NLD usually goes through stages of activity and inactivity. One is not able to predict when the condition will flare. Ultraviolet light treatment has been found to control this condition when it is flaring. A baby aspirin each day, and other medications that thin the blood, such as Trental, may help NLD. Other medications, including prednisone pills (steroids) are used in difficult or severe cases.

Causes of Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Find common causes and risk factors of Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum :

• The main cause of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is diabitic microangiopathy .
• Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, may be caused by trauma , inflammatory and metabolic changes.
• The deposition of immunoglobulins and fibrinogen in the blood vessel walls are also the main cause of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.

Signs and Symptoms of Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Skin lesions
• Burning and painful
• The centre of the rash will usually be yellow .
• The lesions may ulcerate with the risk of infection .

Treatment for Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Treatment may include:

• The topical cortisone injections into the lesion are found very effective in the treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.
• Many medications have been tried, including aspirin, fibrinolytic agents, nicotinamide, pentoxifylline, heparin, antiplatelet agents, ticlopidine, tretinoin, and cyclosporine.
• The cortisone creams , can be apply over the affected area of the skin.
• Ultraviolet light treatment has been found to control this condition when it is flaring. This treatment is availiable in our office.
• A baby aspirin each day may help necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.
• It can be treated by applying ultraviolet light therapy, when it is flaring.