A violet-colored area of thinned skin 1inch or more in diameter on the front of the lower part of the leg, called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD), may occur in some people with diabetes. At times, an ulcer (open sore) may appear in its center. No effective treatment is currently available for NLD. The condition looks alarming, but it is not particularly harmful unless the affected skin becomes infected. People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections. Another characteristic skin change in diabetes is the "shin spot," a dark-colored round lesion about half an inch in diameter. In addition, either a loss or an overgrowth of fat tissue lying under the skin may occur at sites of insulin injection. Last Updated: 7/7/2003
The Johns Hopkins University 1996-2003. All rights reserved. This information is not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consultation. | 
