Diabetic dermopathy is most commonly found on the lower legs and feet, but can sometimes appear on the thighs, buttocks, and chest.
Diabetic dermopathy usually presents as brown or black spots that may have some scaling or crusting on the surface. These spots can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and the edges are usually well-defined.
The skin in the areas affected by diabetic dermopathy may become rough, and sometimes there may be hyperpigmentation, causing the spots to darken in color.
The exact cause of diabetic dermopathy is not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be related to microvascular and neuropathic complications of diabetes. High blood sugar levels may damage the skin's microvessels, affecting their normal function and leading to the formation of diabetic dermopathy.
Diabetic dermopathy is one of the chronic complications of diabetes and is more common in patients with long-term diabetes. It is usually related to the severity of diabetes and may sometimes improve when blood sugar control is improved.