Skin - Allpresan
Transcription
Skin - Allpresan
Clinical Guidelines Diabetes and the Skin A Handbook for the Clinic June 2011 511011 Authors: Dr Rainer Thiede, Dr Martin Lederle, Prof Rolf Daniels 2nd edition with 8 extra pages on skin care Clinical Guidelines: Diabetes and the Skin Page 3 Skin Disorders in Diabetes Page 4 Infections of the Skin Good Skin at a Glance Page 10 Skin Disorders Associated with Diabetes Page 18 Acute Diabetic Foot Syndrome Page 27 Clinical Photographs Cleansing of the skin in people with diabetes should be carried out using pH-neutral preparations. Products containing artificial fragrances, colours and preservatives should be avoided as far as possible. Page 33 Complications with Diabetes Therapy Page 35 Skin Care and Diabetes Page 43 Useful Facts on Cosmetic Ingredients Page 51 Useful Addresses Diabetes is not only one of the most common diseases of our time, but one of the most costly to treat. It belongs to the group of so-called diseases of modern civilization (cardiovascular disease, obesity, etc.), better known as Syndrome X, that are considered to be holding our society hostage — their prevalence having reached epidemic proportions. Nearly every diabetic experiences characteristic skin problems at some time during the course of the disease. Quite commonly, skin manifestations represent the first indications of the presence of diabetes. This manual introduces the reader to some of the most important skin problems typical to diabetes, with emphasis on the clinical environment, including many informative illustrations. Contained in this book is also a descriptive list of the main ingredients of skin care products to serve as an easy reference for the reader. With this handbook, we wish you pleasant reading and hope to provide you with a practical guide to your daily work in the clinic. Bathing should be limited, and the ideal water temperature should lie between 30° and 35° C. Very hot water should be avoided. Also, showers should be short, using cool water. A soft towel should be used for drying the skin. Wrinkles should be dabbed and not wiped, and skin in crevaces must be dried meticulously. A linen cloth should be placed under skin folds, such as under the breasts, to prevent the build up of moisture. In order to avoid mycotic infections, socks should be changed daily, and always washed at a temperature of 60° C. Studies have shown that boiling the wash ing is deemed unnecessary as certain fungi are effectively destroyed at a temperature of 60° C. Nylon stockings are a breeding ground for fungi. As nylon stockings cannot usually be washed in hot water, spores can remain in the stockings over a matter of weeks. Going barefoot should also be avoided. In principle, adequate physical exercise and all-round good metabolic control should be aimed for. The Authors Impressum: © Kirchheim Dr Rainer Thiede, Dermatologist, Kevelaer, Germany. Kirchheim Publishers, Mainz (2011), 2nd edition People with diabetes should regularly examine their feet for any problem signs. Authors: Dr Rainer Thiede, Dr Martin Lederle, Prof Rolf Daniels In order to avoid mycotic infections, socks should be changed daily, and always washed at a temperature of 60° C. Coordination: Matthias Heinz; Production: Reiner Wolf; Print: Hofmann Infocom, 90411 Nürnberg Kirchheim + Co GmbH Kaiserstrasse 41 D-55116 Mainz Dr Martin Lederle, Diabetologist, Stadtlohn, Germany. Courtesy of neubourg skin care GmbH & Co. KG. A moisturizer should be applied regularly with a cream or lotion free of fragrances, colours and preservatives. The feet need special care and daily inspection. If the mobility of the patient is limited, a telescopic mirror can be used. Care of the feet and toenails is indispensible, and should be carried out by an experienced podiatrist. The shoes should also be regularly checked for foreign particles or defects. Skin Skin Disorders in Diabetes The skin of people with diabetes tends to have a soft and withered consistency. The skin of diabetics ages and develops wrinkles more rapidly. The skin of diabetics is, per se, quite dry and flakes easily. The causes of specific skin disorders lie in circulatory problems due to micro- and macroangio pathy, diabetic polyneuropathy with neurolo gical changes such as sensory disorders, and a weakened immune system. What it is about the diabetic metabolic state that causes skin disorders is still being debated. It is established, however, that premature ageing is caused by a slowed function of the sweat and sebaceous glands, a reduction in the skin’s ability to retain moisture, under-developed keratinocytes1 (due to lack of insulin), and reduced cutaneous immunity. Skin disorders in people with diabetes are usually categorized into three groups: 1. skin infections, 2. skin afflictions typical to diabetes, and 3. the diabetic foot. 1 Keratinocyte = epidermal cell The skin of people with diabetes is considerably dry. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 3 Skin Infections of the Skin Due to their weakened immunity (reduced function of the defence cells and antibody production), diabetics are considerably more vulnerable to mycotic and bacterial infections. Hyperglycaemia (the epidermal glucose content is 3565% that of the blood glucose level), neuro pathy and dry skin also contribute to the skin’s susceptibility. In this way, the diabetic metabolic state is an absolute hotbed for the building of local infections. Lesions are more common and more severe in diabetics than in non-diabetics, and are much harder to heal. Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Fortunately, diabetics with well controlled metabolic states are at no higher risk of contracting such skin infections as mentioned here than their non-diabetic peers. Tinea pedis. 4 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Onychomycoses. Fungal Infections of the Skin Dermatophytes Pathogenic fungi can generally be divided up into three groups according to the DYM s ystem (dermatophytes, yeasts, moulds, see page 7). Dermatophytes are mainly responsible for fungal infections on the feet and legs, as well as on the body, and are mostly made up of microbes called trichophyton rubrum and trichophyton mentagrophytes. It usually manifests first and foremost between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth (interdigital mycosis). Whitecoloured fissures or fine lamellar scaling first appear that can eventually spread across the whole foot (tinea pedis). From its focal point, tinea develops centrifugally as a sharply demarcated area of flaky skin. The difference between an outbreak of tinea pedis Moist, macerated areas must be kept dry. An association between a poor diabetes control and the development of mycoses has long been established. A well controlled metabolic state is, therefore, the best prophylaxis. Tinea corporis. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 5 Skin Candida infections. and extremely dry skin is often not possible without the help of a mycological diagnosis. Mycosis is not to be taken lightly in the case of diabetics. On the one hand, the tiny fissures in the skin provide an opening for streptococci, that can lead to erysepelas. On the other hand, interdigital mycosis, if left untreated, can spread to the toenails (onychomycosis). This condition can also form a reservoir for pathogens which can be scattered around with every change of socks or stockings. Hence, tinea corporis can spread across the entire integumentary system. Antimycotic creams must not be used prior to a clinical diagnosis of fungal infections. This applies also to the nails, as many people can buy an array of antimycotics over-the-counter and try home treatment prior to seeing a physician. A six-week time lapse without therapy must be 6 adhered to before a sample is taken for examination. The sample should be taken towards the outer edge of the skin or nail infection. With mycosis of the nails, the sample should be taken subungual, i.e., from under the nail. Because the dermatophytes grow very slowly, it can take as long as six weeks for a conclusive result to be obtained from the culture. Treatment of fungal infections usually consists of topical administration of antimycotics. If the infection is particularly therapy resistant, or afflicts the whole body, systemic treatments are preferred. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Tinea corporis. Perleche. Yeasts Yeast colonies are usually found on areas of the body where skin meets skin, leading to an occlusive effect. It is in such moist environments that yeasts thrive. Ideal locations are, for example, under the breasts, under the arms, the groin region, the corners of the mouth (perleche), inside the mouth, and genitals. It is important that the fungal infection is not treated with any antimycotic applications before being d iagnosed. This applies also to the nails, as many patients treat their skin and nails with an array of over-the-counter medications beforehand. DYM: Dermatophytes – Yeasts – Moulds DYM is one of the most commonly accepted systems of categorization used in medical mycology for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of mycoses. This table presents a sample of pathological fungi using the DYM system. D Y M Trichophyton Candida albicans Aspergillus fumigatus T. mentagrophytes C. tropicalis A. niger T. verrucosium C. glabrata Scopulatiopsis species Microsporum canis Trichosporon species Cephalosporium species M. gypseum Rhodotorula species M. audouinii Cryptococcus species Epidermophyton floccosum Pitrosporum species © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 7 Skin Bacterial Infections Erysipelas Erysipelas appears as an extensive rash. The point of outbreak is usually some kind of skin defect such as a discreet case of interdigital mycosis between the toes that serves as point of entry for streptococcal bacteria. The streptococci penetrate the injury and spread across the skin, manifesting in the classic clinical symptoms of an area of sharply demarcated redness. Fur- ther to this, the patients often complain of fever and chills. It is more difficult to diagnose recurring erysipelas, as the clinical symptoms are less obvious; fever and chills are hardly discernable. It is best to avoid a recurrence of erysipelas if at all possible, as repeated infections in the vessels can cause adhesions which can lead to lymphoedema. Penicillin is and always has been the preferred treatment for erysipelas. The affected region should be rested. Sanitization of the point of entry contributes considerably to therapeutical success and helps to prevent recurrence. Erysipelas associated with the diabetic foot. 8 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Abscesses, furuncles, carbuncles These bacterial skin infections are fluctuant, caused mainly by staphylococci, and usually start out in a hair follicle. They can be treated operatively (according to the adage often cited in medicine, “ubi pus ibi evacua” = “where there is pus, there evacuate it”), or systemically with antibiotics on the basis of an antibiogram. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin A rarity, but exclusive to people with diabetes, is malignant otitis externa. It is triggered by pseudomonas aeruginosa. The diagnosis is reached by means of bacterial culture. It is treated systemically--according to the results of an antibiogram--with antibiotics. 9 Skin Skin Disorders Associated with Diabetes Necrobiosis lipoidica Necrobiosis lipoidica is an inflammatory reaction that tends to appear on the shins. In rare cases, the arch of the foot is afflicted. Cases have been reported on other parts of the body, but this is considered exceptional. It appears as a pretibial2, sharply demarcated, rough, yellowy-red efflorescence3, that can spread centrifugally to saucer size. In its centre, the skin becomes thin and tiny blood vessels appear (teleangiectasia). The skin in the centre becomes more and more fragile until--as occurs in around one-third of the cases--ulceration appears within the necrobiosis lipoidica. Some sort of injury to the area is usually responsible for triggering the ulceration. Necrobiosis lipoidica is treated mainly with compression therapy, nicotine abstinence, protection from injury, as well as a stage-adapted wound care. Steroids administered locally or intrafocal- Necrobiosis lipoidica. Pruritus diabeticorum Necrobiosis lipoidica occurs three times more frequently in women than in men. ly4 offer a further mode of treatment. In general, necrobiosis lipoidica is difficult to treat, even when there is no connection to diabetes. 10 2 pretibial = on the shin 3 efflorescence = skin eruption 4 intrafocal = within a wound Itching is a common symptom amongst diabetics, especially on the feet, lower limbs, as well as on the back. Even in non-diabetics, increasing age causes a physiological regression of the gland function in the lower limbs, causing dry skin. This leads to the development of asteatotic eczema. The flakey scales on the surface of the skin, that look like badly laid paving stones, irritate the underlying nerve endings. This triggers itching, the patient scratches himself, and so a vicious cycle begins. Being so therapy resistant, vulvovaginal itching is a case in itself where the patient is often sent on a lengthy odyssey that can end up in the diagnosis of diabetes. In this way, insistent vulvo- © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Pruritus with eczema. vaginal itching can actually be an indication of undiagnosed diabetes. Prurigo diabeticorum If the aforementioned pruritus diabeticorum is left unattended, it can cause the patient to have severe scratching attacks. This scratching leads to the development of pruritic nodules (prurigo nodularis), which can become as big as a pea, and are found in the areas of the body accessible to the patient. This observation is important in the clinical diagnosis of this condition, as the symptoms are very similar to the everincreasing disease of scabies, the only difference being that in scabies, the symptoms appear also in bodily areas that are not accessible to the patient. A correlation between pruritus diabeticorum and the diabetic metabolic state has not been established. Optimal diabetes control does not necessarily accelerate the healing process. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Pruritus diabeticorum. Perforating dermatosis In this condition, hyperkeratosic papules and nodules appear, partly umbilicated and, as a rule, lineally arranged. This skin disorder is found mainly on the extensor sides of the lower extremities. It is often accompanied by itching. Diabetic dermopathy Diabetic dermopathy (shin spots) appears in around 15% of diabetics. These reddish-brown spots are asymptomatic and slightly atrophic. They usually heal after a few years without leaving scars. Acanthosis nigricans benigna Acanthosis nigricans benigna manifests as a patch of hyperkeratotic, velvety brown, which appears on the neck, the armpits, or the groin. It normally neither hurts nor itches. As it appears like a patch of dirt, the patients sometimes find their way into the clinic because they were unable to ‘wash’ this patch of dirt off. This condition is present in around 90% of young type 2 11 Skin Acanthosis nigricans. diabetics, and also in overweight youths. Clinically, it is important to eliminate the presence of acanthosis nigricans maligna, which can be an indication of stomach tumour, namely, adenocarcinoma of the bowel. This form is identifiable by the rapid proliferation of the skin anomaly, as well as a palmoplantar and/or mucocutaneous manifestation. Topical therapy with retinoic acid is worth trying in the treatment of acanthosis nigricans. However, losing and maintaining normal weight has proven to be the most effective approach. Diabetic dermopathy. 12 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Cheiroarthropathy diabeticorum Cheiroarthropathy diabeticorum is characterized by a painless stiffening of the hands and fingers, limiting their movement. Usually, both hands are afflicted at the same time, and the symptoms symmetrical. Due to the stiffness, the hands can no longer be stretched out flat. This is why this condition is sometimes named as the ‘prayer sign’ or ‘table top sign’. A specific therapy for this disorder is not known. Physiotherapy is usually prescribed. fects mostly elderly diabetics who have had diabetes over a long period of time. However, in severe cases, a hardening of the thorax can occur, whereby the patient has massive trouble breathing. Hence, it is important that physiotherapy be prescribed early on. Other forms of scleroedema diabeticorum should be eliminated that, for example, occur as a result of acute infection (scleroedema adultorum of Buschke). Bullosis diabeticorum Scleroedema adultorum Scleroedema adultorum is known as a condition where non-itching, painless swelling and indurations appear on the neck, as well as on the back. In time, this efflorescence can spread to the face and chest, and to the entire back. The skin appears as orange peel. This condition af- These diabetic non-itching and painless blisters appear spontaneously and mostly on the wrists and arches of the feet. They are filled with clear fluid. Typically, the surrounding skin is healthy and unaffected. Recommended treatment is to aspire the blisters using a sterile technique, whilst keeping the blister intact as a natural protective cover. Specific therapy is unnecessary, as Patients with the ‘prayer sign’ are 10 times as likely to suffer from retino pathy, cardiovascular disease and ne phropathy. Bullosis diabeticorum. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 13 Skin the condition is self-limiting and heals usually within a matter of weeks, scar free. An association between bullosis diabeticorum and the metabolic state has not been able to be detected. It may be triggered by microinjury, or by light. As bullosis diabeticorum is diagnosed by exclusion, it is important to eliminate other blister-forming diseases, especially if they appear on parts of the body other than the hands and feet, as this is where bullosis diabeticorum tends to localize. Eruptive xanthomas Eruptive xanthomas are crops of millimetric, yellowish-red, soft, fatty deposits in the skin. They usually appear symmetrically on the extensor sides of the extremities. Itching is rare. Their appearance seems to correlate with hyperlipidaemia. Treatment of eruptive xanthomas involves stabilizing the underlying diabetic hyperlipidaemic state either with dietary measures or medicinally. In this way, the depositions should disappear within a matter of months. If the eruptions fail to heal, or are cosmetically disturbing, operative treatment should be considered. Very favourable results have been achieved using ablative lasers such as CO2 or Erbium-Yag laser devices. Rubeosis faciei Appearing frequently in diabetics, but not diabetes-specific, is rubeosis faciei, which manifests as flushing on the face which can, under certain circumstances, spread to the shoulders and arms. The flushing can also be accompanied by oedematous swelling. 14 Palmar erythaema Palmar erythaema appears similar to rubeosis faciei, except that the flushing occurs on the inside of the hands instead of on the face. The flushing appears mainly on the thumbs and pads of the little fingers. Although this anomaly appears frequently in people with diabetes, it is also associated with an array of other underlying conditions such as heart failure, hepatopathy, hyperthyreosis, pregnancy, malnutrition, colitis ulcerosa, etc., and is therefore not considered diabetes-specific. Psoriasis vulgaris Recent studies emanating from England have found that psoriasis vulgaris manifests two-tothree times more frequently in diabetics than in their non-diabetic peers. The correlation was more pronounced with increased severity. It has been established, in recent years, that psoriasis vulgaris represents an inflammatory disease. Patients with this condition tend to suffer from the classic risk factors such as lipidaemia, high blood pressure and overweight. These risk factors are known as syndrome X, and are considered to be the main contributors in the development of arteriosclerosis. This inflammatory process triggers the release of substances that hinder the insulin effect on the cells. Thus, with time, this insulin resistance develops into fullyfledged diabetes. Psoriasis vulgaris is characterized by well defined, flaky, silvery plaques, that appear on the scalp and behind the ears, on the elbows, on the knees, under the breasts and around the anus (on these atypical places, the psoriasis is named psoriasis inversa). The diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris is usually carried out by anamneses and clinical findings. The condition is genetic. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Palmar erythaema. Fibroma pendulans Individual studies have shown a correlation between the presence of fibroma pendulans and diabetes. This condition describes skin-coloured, shaft-like or wart-like skin tags that mainly ap- Patients with psoriasis vulgaris tend to suffer from the classic risk factors: lipidaemia, high blood pressure, overweight. pear on the eyelids, the neck, under the arms, and in the groin region. These growths are completely harmless, but are considered a nuisance by most patients. They can be removed by a simple surgical procedure. Erythromelalgia Erythromelalgia is an incidental condition, characterized by areas of red, painful, and burning skin. Besides cooling, there is no specific therapy. Psoriasis vulgaris. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 15 Skin Fibroma pendulans. Granuloma annulare disseminatum Granuloma annulare disseminatum is a ringed, mostly skin-coloured group of nodules with sunken centres. This condition is asymptomatic, and mainly appears on the back of the hands and feet. In diabetics, one usually finds several outbreaks. 16 In 75% of the cases, the condition heals by itself within two years. Further therapeutical options are topical steroids as well as phototherapy (PUVA-psoralen and UVA therapy). © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Granuloma annulare. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 17 Diabetic Foot Syndrome Acute Diabetic Foot Syndrome Causes, Diagnosis and Therapy Diabetes: A Disease of Modern Civilization In 2006, an estimated 7.1 million people were living in Germany with diagnosed diabetes. Not all people with diabetes suffer from diabetic foot. This figure lies somewhere between 2% and 7%. What is Diabetic Foot? Diabetic foot refers to a lesion, injury, or disor der that occurs beneath the knee joint in peo ple with diabetes, which can take the follow ing forms: –– an acute lesion (pressure ulcer, infected wound, callus haematoma), –– a chronic wound (over six weeks) with no hea ling tendency, Incidence of diabetes-related conditions that can lead to the diabetic foot syndrome: Diabetic Neuropathy approx. 50 % Arterial Insufficiency approx. 15 % Combination approx. 35 % Diabetic Microangiopathy5 plays no role in the development of foot lesions. 5 Diabetic microangiopathy = changes of the small arteries, which are clearly revealed by histological examination. Diabetic microangiopathy is responsible for diabetic retinopathy = changes in the retina, and diabetic nephropathy = changes in the kidneys. 18 –– a diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) with at least two clinical signs (heat, swelling, pain, redness) or a radiological fin ding, or –– a post-amputative condition with vulnerable stump or extremely tender scar from a healed ulcer. Diabetic foot syndrome appears amid the context of diabetic neuropathy and/or venous insufficiency in the legs. According to a Statuary Health Insureancefund report (Wissenschaftliches Institut der Ortskran kenkassen), 32,000 people with diabetes under went minor amputations (below the ankle) and major amputations (above the ankle) in Germa ny in the year 2003. People with diabetes are highly vulnerable for the following reasons: –– The rate of recurrence for a foot lesion is ve ry high: Around 70% of patients suffer from a new foot lesion within five years. –– Around 50% of patients that have undergone an amputation due to the diabetic foot syn drome will require another one on the other limb within four years. –– Over 70% of patients are unable to return home after having undergone a foot ampu tation. –– Around 50% of patients die within three y ears of undergoing an amputation. Despite the above, it has also been establish ed that, with early intervention and proper treatment, at least 50% of amputations can be prevented. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Diabetic Foot Syndrome ▶▶An additional amputation on the right foot After the patient had already lost part of the right foot due to diabetic foot syndrome, the appearance of another deep lesion on the sole in the presence of diabetic neuropathy led to a complete foot amputation. Diabetic neuropathy ▶▶Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy is the result of long-term (over months to years), chronic hyperglycaemia which, over time, leads to nerve damage. In the foot, all nerve types (motor, sensory, autonomic) can be affected. Types of Podiatric Diabetic Neuropathy: Motoric Neuropathy: atrophy of the small muscles of the feet; plantar subluxation of the heads of the metatarsal bones; the toes are drawn towards the arch of the foot Sensory Neuropathy: reduced sensitivity to pain Autonomic Neuropathy: reduced perspiration © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin A typical feature of diabetic neuropathy: The heads of the metatarsal bones subluxate towards the sole, drawing the toes toward the arch of the foot. 19 Diabetic Foot Syndrome ▶▶Hyperkeratosis on the tip of the left big toe. The left foot of the patient is longer than the right foot. If the shoes are the same size, the tip of the left big toe chafes on the inner lining of the left shoe, resulting in adaptive hyperkeratosis. The changes that occur due to diabetic neuropathy can alter its gait on walking, that is, the way the foot rolls6. The balls of the big toe and the little toe bear more of the burden, and the middle toes less. Due to this increase in load, the affected areas develop a thickening and hardening of the outer skin layer (hyperkeratosis7). In the above illustrations, one can see that the claw toe on the right foot extends plantarically beyond the other toes. The constant pressu- Limited joint mobility Due to the build-up of glucose in the podiatric connective tissue, it becomes thickened and hardened, the result of which is a phenomenon called claw toe. Due to the extra pressure with each step, this condition can cause hyperkeratosis on the tip of the affected toe. Hooked toe with hyperkeratosis. re on the tip of this toe, with each step, has led to hyperkeratosis with a central lesion. Neuropathic complaints A hooked big toe. 6 Normal rolling of the foot = When walking, the foot rolls from the heel to the metatarsal bones and kicks off with the toes. 7 Normal skin always reacts to increased pressure and constant chafing in the same manner: it forms localized hyperkeratosis. 20 Some people with nerve damage in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy do not feel any symptoms. Others may have symptoms such as tingling, pins and needles, burning, pain, etc. or numbness--loss of feeling--in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, which are more pronounced during the night. This affects the patient significantly and greatly disrupts well-being. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Diabetic Foot Syndrome Special Manifestations of Diabetic Neuropathy Septic thrombosis If a neuropathic lesion forms under the head of the first os metatarsale8, bacteria can make their way in to the soft tissue and spread until they reach the digital artery of the big toe. Infections in this region can lead to a thrombo- sis which blocks the artery. As a result, the surrounding tissue cannot be adequately supplied with oxygen, and it becomes necrotic. The toe blackens, even though the blood supply to the rest of the foot is normal. Septic thrombosis, with subsequent tissue necrosis, is caused by diabetic neuropathy. If the 8 Os metatarsale = metatarsal bone ▶▶Diabetic foot syndrome: from hyperkeratosis to ulcers 1. Keratosis develops at the location on the sole of the foot that is exposed to excess pressure. A callus is formed. 2. The callus presses into the sensitive connective tissue underneath like a small stone and causes a haemorrhage. to the connective tissue. The callus opens up, forming an ulcer. 4. The bacteria can enter the deep lying tissue via the lesion, resulting in ostitis that can involve the joint. 3. The hyperkeratosis becomes brittle and splits. Bacteria are able to penetrate in- 1. A callus is formed 2. Subcutaneous haemorrhaging 3. Ulceration of the skin 4. Deep infection with osteomyelitis Illustration of ulcer formation due to excess pressure. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 21 Diabetic Foot Syndrome ▶▶Stages of septic thrombosis 22 Photo 1: The patient, by wearing shoes that were too small, contracted a lesion on the medial side of the left 2nd toe. Photo 2: The infection spreads until it reaches the toe’s digital artery. Necrosis of the tissue results, leaving the bone exposed. Photo 3: The ischaemic tissue mummifies; the toe is unsalvable. Photo 4: Situation following resection of the 2nd toe. In the presence of good arterial perfusion, the amputation bed heals flawlessly. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Diabetic Foot Syndrome background of such a condition is not considered carefully enough, it may be mistakenly seen as an indication for too high an amputation, as the arterial perfusion is otherwise quite normal. ▶▶Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) Diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy (DNOAP) or Charcot Joint Disease DNOAP is a non-bacterial inflammatory condition located in the vicinity of the tarsal bone and the surrounding soft tissue. The affected foot swells and becomes considerably over-heated. This condition is not usually accompanied by a cutaneous wound. Unless the foot is disencumbered, microfractures in the bone can result, leading to a permanently and fully deformed arch of the foot. Treating acute DNOAP The patient was suffering from painful swelling and overheating of the right foot. Lymph drainage was carried out to alleviate the lymphoedema. The patient continued to burden the right foot. After a period of six weeks, the arch of the foot had considerably altered. The affected foot must be placed in a lowerleg orthesis until the inflammation has completely subsided. The clinical picture of DNOAP is unfamiliar to many doctors and is thus falsely treated--even to the point of recommending amputation. The right arch of the foot had completely flattened. Arterial insufficiency Orthesis of the lower leg. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Patients with diabetes tend to develop clogging of the arteries in the lower leg, reducing the blood flow in that area. A typical example of the symptoms of a severe case is a condition named Claudicatio intermittens--otherwise known as the window-shopping-disease. 23 Diabetic Foot Syndrome ▶▶Arterial insufficiency In the presence of arterial insufficiency, the visible lesion on the surface of the skin often represents just the ’tip of the iceberg‘. The regions suffering from lack of blood supply (mainly the toes and heels) are particularly vulnerable to pressure, whereby lesions can appear at the slightest injury, which are difficult to heal. However, these particular wounds can only heal when the blood supply in the surrounding area is enhanced. Hence, local treatment for this condition is pointless. As these ischaemic ulcerations usually start very small, their severity is often underestimated. ▶▶Hyperkeratosis Hyperkeratosis on the outer side of the little toe (Os metatarsale 5). 24 After debriding the surface of the callus, one can see that the underlying lesion has reached as far as the bone. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Diabetic Foot Syndrome Conclusion In the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome, the underlying cause of the disease should be clarified before initiating any therapeutical measures. First and foremost, the presence of arterial insufficiency must either be conclusively confirmed or ruled out. The type of therapy will depend upon this important diagnostic step. Differentiating between diabetic neuropathy and arterial insufficiency The main feature of the presence of both diabetic neuropathy and arterial insufficiency is the absence of sensation. Due to the nerve damage, even a severe ischaemic wound causes no pain in the affected muscle. As a result, the severity of the arterial insufficiency is easily overlooked. The discernment between diabetic neuropathy and arterial insufficiency, which often needs to be done using technical diagnostics, is of utmost importance. skin Further factors that exacerbate diabetic foot syndrome are: –– chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins –– lymphoedema –– visual impairment –– neurological disorders such as paresis of foot elevation following apoplexy Treating a diabetic neuropathic foot lesion involves: –– complete pressure relief for the affected area –– systemic antibiotics (depending on the size of the lesion) –– optimization of blood glucose levels Treatment of arterially insufficient lesions First: –– carry out interventional measures to correct the arterial insufficiency Then: –– completely relieve the affected area of pressure –– administer systemic antibiotics (depending on the size of the lesion) –– optimize blood glucose levels Neuropathy PAD dry, warm, pink, varicosis even at 30°C and raised, with no change of colour atrophic, thin, cool, pallid, and relief when forefoot is raised tissue oedema frequently detectable oedema rare hyperkeratosis pronounced on pressure points, splits on the heels slowed growth, sand-papery hyperkeratosis nails mycosis, subungual bleeding thickened, hyperonychia toes clawed/hammer toes, corns no hair, pallid, acral lesions arch of the foot atrophy of the Mm. interossei general atrophy sole hyperkeratosis, rhagades, pressure ulcers skin removable in folds How to differentiate between neuropathy and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 25 Diabetic Foot Syndrome In planning for a stage-oriented mode of treatment, the size of the lesion must be accurately determined. The Wagner-Armstrong wound classification method is designed for this purpose (see Table). The most common cause of foot lesions is the wearing of shoes that are too small. Wagner-Stage ▶ 0 1 2 A pre- or postulcerated foot shallow wound wound reaches tendon or capsule B w/ infection w/ infection w/ infection C w/ ischaemia w/ ischaemia w/ ischaemia w/ ischaemia w/ ischaemia w/ ischaemia Armstrong- Stage ▼ D infection and ischaemia infection and ischaemia infection and ischaemia 3 4 5 deep wound necrosis on reaching bo- parts of foot ne and joint necrosis on entire foot w/ infection w/ infection infection and ischaemia w/ infection infection and ischaemia infection and ischaemia Descriptions of the diabetic foot syndrome using the Wagner-Armstrong method of classification. 26 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin The Specialized Diabetes Practice The Specialized Diabetes Practice: Clinical Photographs Skin Disorders in Diabetes When treating people with the diabetic foot, I am often confronted with skin disorders not necessarily directly related to the condition. Time and again I see conditions that are not able to be deciphered with diabetological competence alone. In cases such as these, I confer with a dermatologist. 1. Patient with mycosis of the toenails Patients with badly controlled diabetes often suffer from mycosis of the toenails. Treatment can only be successful when the blood glucose is stabilized. The use of local therapeutical measures such as nail polishes containing antimycotic substances are usually ineffective. 2. Patient with mycosis on the soles of the feet Fairly typical of mycosis of the sole is the relatively sharply defined redness under the foot (‘moccassin‘ disorder). Effective treatment of this condition must include the socks and shoes. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 27 The Specialized Diabetes Practice 3. Ingrown toenails The pressure of the brittle toenail in the nail wall can cause a very painful infection of the nail bed = panaritium. 4. Severe infection of the nail bed with protruding granulatory tissue Nail bed infections of the big toes on both feet. 5. Neglect Protruding, brittle toenails can injure neighbour ing toes. 28 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin The Specialized Diabetes Practice 6. Oedema of the lower leg: danger of injury due to tight socks 7. Skin disorders with chronic venous insufficiency On the right lower leg of this patient, one can see a severe trophic skin disorder with postthrombotic syndrome. The skin is so fragile that even the constant contact with the inside of the trousers can cause a lesion to appear on the surface of the skin. 8. Patient with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome is a congenital abnormality affecting the soft tissues and blood vessels. Here, the patient’s left lower leg and foot is seriously afflicted. She eventually decided to have the lower limb amputated. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 29 The Specialized Diabetes Practice 9. Varicose Ulcer Cruris Due to venous insufficiency, the skin and the underlying tissue become frail and liable to develop deep chronic wounds. 10. Plantar Warts A plantar wart on the ball of the foot. 30 A large plantar wart under the heel following many attempts at healing. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin The Specialized Diabetes Practice 11. Petechiae skin purpura Petechiae describes round spots that appear on the skin as a result of subcutaneous bleeding. This picture illustrates a case on the lower leg. The abdomen of the same patient. Explanation: This patient was treated with antibiotics because of diabetic foot. As a result, bacterial colitis developed manifesting as petechiae. 12. Foreign body following surgery On the medial side of the left head of the 1st metatarsal bone of this patient, a lesion developed containing a hard object. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin The object was removed with tweezers. Years before, the patient had undergone surgery on the left foot. The surgeon had implanted an antibiotic chain. With time, one of the links of this chain had made its way to the surface. 31 The Specialized Diabetes Practice 13. Venostatis dermatosis on the lower leg 14. Widespread hyperkeratosis on the sole This patient was operated on the forefoot, after he wore shoes whose inlays were no longer effective. 32 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Complications Complications with Diabetes Therapy Adverse Reactions to Medication Oral antidiabetics rarely trigger allergic reactions. The reaction shown here involved maculopapular efflorescence which spread over the whole body, especially on the trunk. Reactions such as these appear somewhat like measles or chickenpox and are usually accompanied by a general feeling of ill-being. The patient recovers as soon as the medication in question is stopped. Sulfonylureas (not to be confused with urea) tend to be associated with increased photosensitivity. Hence, patients taking such medications are more vulnerable to getting burnt when out in the sun. This is particularly true as people with diabetes tend to prefer sugar substitutes, such as cyclamate or aspartame, which also raise the skin’s sensitivity to light. Insulin Allergy There are two different types of insulin allergy. One involves a local allergic reaction, and the other involves a generalized reaction which takes the form of exanthema (sudden rash), or other unspecific symptoms such as itching, wheals, or erythema. Local infections involve redness, wheals and/or nodules that appear around the injection site. Whether or not one is at risk for developing Adverse reaction to medication. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 33 Complications an allergy is usually genetic. Patients known to have an allergy to penicillin are statistically more likely to develop an allergy to insulin. Generalized allergic reactions are rare indeed. This usually manifests as exanthema, but urticaria with angiooedema has also been known to occur. If you have cause to suspect the development of an insulin allergy, an allergologist should be consulted to carry out a conclusive diagnosis. 34 Insulin Lipodystrophy Insulin lipodystrophy. Insulin lipodystrophy is a rare side effect of insulin administration, whereby the skin and the underlying tissue thins out or granulates at the injection site. This condition affects mostly women and children, and usually appears six months to two years after commencement of therapy. Fortunately, this anomaly tends to disappear by itself. In any case, the injection site should be changed. Local complications such as this tend to appear more often with animal insulin of sub-quality. However, due to the modern-day usage of genetically engineered insulins, this problem has lessened considerably. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Care Skin Care and Diabetes Approximately 80% of people with diabetes suffer from some kind of skin problem as a consequence of high blood sugar levels. Typical symptoms are extreme dryness (xerosis, xerodermatitis), calluses, pressure ulcers and cracks on the feet, itchiness, skin infections and sores. The sweat and subaceous glands often fail to work properly, leaving the skin without an adequate supply of oil and moisture. Thus, the skin rapidly becomes rough and scaly. This problem is most visible on the legs and the feet, and is usually accompanied by itching. Dry skin reacts to external chemical and physical hazards more easily than normal skin. Bacteria, moulds, allergens and poisons can enter the skin more easily and cause irritations. In addition, the dry skin is exacerbated by the fact that lack of insulin disrupts the differentiation of the keratinocytes, damaging the skin barrier. Diabetes therapy must, therefore, include an appropriate skin care regimen. The purpose of skin care products is to replenish the skin’s moisture and fat content, as well as to create a protective layer against the outside environment. Extra-cellular lipids in the keratinous layer Corneocyte Living Epidermis Fig.1: Schematic diagram of the skin barrier. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) Transpiration Fig. 1a: Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is a method for assessing the barrier function by measuring the skin’s rate of transpiration. A Defensive Shield The most important function of the skin is to create an effective barrier between the organism and the environment. The outer layer (epidermis) forms a physical, chemical/biological and an adaptive immunological line of defence. The physical barrier function is carried out by the horny layer of the skin (Stratum corneum), the outermost layer of the epidermis, made up of a physical and molecular weaving of the cells (corneocytes) as well as the double layered sheet of stratum-corneum lipids (see Fig. 1). A method of assessing the health of the outer layer of the skin and the effectiveness skin care products have had, is the measurement of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Here, the evaporation of the water that passes through the epidermis is measured on a particular area of the 35 Skin Care Liquid O/W-Emulsion W/O-Emulsion Oil Water Alcohol, water, aqueous solutions Hydrogel Lotion Cream CreSa Ointment Fatty cream Suspension (Lotion) Powder Pastes Talcum, Zinc oxide Fats, Oils, Waxes type of product used, this can inflict further damage to the skin barrier. Fig. 2: Triangle illustrating the various combinations of bases. Most products used in the care of dry skin are manufactured as liquid or spreadable emulsions. These can be divided up into four different bases (Fig. 2a): skin over a particular time. The rate of TEWL increases in proportion to the level of damage to the cutaneous barrier. Hence, a reduction in TEWL signifies a reconstitution (Fig. 1a). • • • • Hydrolotions: liquid oil-in-water emulsions Lipolotions: liquid water-in-oil emulsions Creams: spreadable oil-in-water emulsions Fatty creams: spreadable water-in-oil emulsions The ways in which these traditional formulas affect the skin is summarized in Table 1. Systematics of External Preparations Caring for dry skin can be done using different kinds of external formulas. A systematic categorization can be taken from the phase-triangle used in dermatology to illustrate the effect different types of formulas have on the skin and how they are absorbed (Fig. 2). In order to keep the lotions and creams stable, an emulsifier is added that not only lengthens the shelf-life of the product but also improves its texture. These emulsifiers belong, in their physical attributes and chemical behaviour, to the class of surfactants. They are built like an The type of formula used depends on the severity of the dermatosis, and the severity of the damage to the skin. A general rule of thumb: wet-on-wet and fat-on-dry. If this guideline is overlooked, and the wrong type of formulation Oil Fig. 2a: The two different kinds of emulsions: oil-inwater to form lotions and creams, and water-in-oil to form lipolotions, fatty creams and ointments. Fat Pasten Water cooling greasy hydrative occlusive rinses off + + +(+) - + lipolotions - ++(+) ++ ++ - creams + + +(+) + + thick creams/ointments - ++(+) ++ ++ -(-) hydrolotions Table 1: Skin care products and their intended effects. 36 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Care (b) (a) Fig. 3: Lipid structure of the skin barrier; (a) proper lamellar formation, (b) structural disorder and emulsification through hydrophilic surfactants. amphiphile with a hyprophile and lipophile molecular structure, and form bonds, for example, micelles or lamellar liquid crystals (Fig. 4). Due to their surface-active properties, emulsifiers interact in many different ways with the skin barrier, especially with the lipids in the horny layer. In particular, the water-soluble, hydrophile surfactants, responsible for stabilizing oil-in-water bases, can actually emulsify the lipids on the skin and adversely affect its barrier function when applied in large amounts (Fig. 3). Classifying skin care products merely by their water and lipid content is, however, too simple. Only by knowing the types of emulsifiers contained in them can you ascertain whether they are based on a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water formular. For instance, a base with 60% water and comparable fat content can, with a hydrophilic emulsifier, become an oil-in-water formula, whereas if a lipophilic emulsifier is used, it becomes a more easily spreadable water-in-oil cream. In other words, bases with around the same content of water and oil can, depending on the type of emulsifier used, have a profound- © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin ly different effect on dry skin, even if they share similar consistencies. Mousses Mousses contain gas in a continuous-liquid or semi-liquid form. Depending on how the gas is dispersed, balls of foam or polyederfoam are formed, within which the single bubbles of gas are separated by microscopic lamelles (Fig. 6). Mousses are manufactured by compressing the liquid or semi-solid formula into a pressurized When treatments work best Care products work best directly after the skin has been washed. The skin should be dried, with no water remaining on the surface. In this way, skin care products are easier to apply and more easily absorbed. 37 Skin Care container and topping it up with aerosol. Due to this process, mousses are also named foam aerosols, to which the foam creams also belong. The latter is made with an oil-in-water emulsion combined with an oil-soluble aerosol. When used, the emulsion exits the container through a small valve at the top and, due to the sudden evaporation, forms a foam. In other words, the foam is formed only on applica- hydrophile tion (Fig. 5). The most commonly used aerosols in mousses are propane gas, butane and isobutane gas or, albeit very rarely, dinitrogen monoxide (laughing gas). Larger Surface Area, Better Evaporation The foaming action of an oil-in-water emulsion creates a very large surface area from which vol- lipophile Tenside molecule Micelle Lamellar liquid crystal Fig. 4: Schematic illustration of a tenside molecule, a micelle, and lamellar liquid crystal. Water state Water state Oil state Oil state + Aerosol (a) Aerosol (b) Fig. 5: Schematic illustration of the structure or mousse in a pressurized can before (a) and after (b) release. 38 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Care pure oil gas bubbles cream lamellas soluble bath oil Fig. 6: Microscopic view of mousse. atile substances, such as water, can evaporate much faster than from creams. When applied, the preparation of the mousse, once it’s on the skin, shows very little similarity to that which was in the container prior to application. In other words, the watery solution in the can turns into a fatty cream when applied to the skin. This makes it easy to apply whilst keeping the positive effects of a lipid-rich preparation once on the skin. Hygienically Dosed and Efficient Apart from the cosmetic aspects, mousses have other advantages over conventional forms of application such as lotions and creams. They can be hygienically and accurately dosed, and dispersing bath oil Fig. 7: Types of bath oils in comparison. are protected from contamination. In this way, the use of preservatives can often be spared. The air-tight aerosol container, impermeable to light, halts the effects of oxidation and protects light-sensitive substances. A foam can be applied evenly without having to touch the affected area, and is quickly absorbed. Thus, due to their ease of application, foams are suitable for wounds or infected skin, for babies and children, and difficult-to-access areas such as between the toes. Bath Oils Fig. 8: Pure oil in water produces an oily bath with fat globules that are unevenly dispersed onto the skin. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Also part of the skin care regime is the use of bath oils, which can be classified into two groups: dispersing bath oils and soluble bath oils (Figs. 7 and 8). Bath oils contain lipids (e.g., soy oil, olive oil, almond oil, paraffin) that remain as a thin film on the skin after you get out of the bath. The most effective substances for this purpose are dispersing bath oils. These differ from the soluble bath oils in that they contain very little or no emulsifying agents. The oil floats on the top of the bath, and clings to the skin as you get out (as well as on the bath tub). However, this fatty film may smear any clothing you put on afterwards. After such a bath, you 39 Skin Care should not dry your skin too vigorously, otherwise the beneficial effect is lost. Skin Care that ‘Breathes’ The skin is said to ‘breathe’ because it discharges vapour to the environment. If this process is hindered, an ‘occlusion’ occurs, which leads to over-heating. A complete occlusion, for instance, with a thick smear of petroleum jelly, causes a disruption in the renewal and development of the cells in the epidermis, as well as their metabolism. This damages the horny layer, that is, the skin barrier. When cosmetics are applied, the occlusive effect is only temporary, the length of which depends upon: • the type of base used (pure oils, pure fats, water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions) • the amount and type of lipids used • additives, such as dispersants or emulsifiers • the amount of product applied and whether is is rubbed in A partial occlusion can be effective when using skin care products, as this increases the moisture level of the skin. Skin care which allows your skin to breathe combines effective care and enables water vapour to escape at the same time. A measurement of Oily baths used after showering Oily baths are part of the skin care regimen, and should be used only after cleaning the skin. Therefore, bath oils may also be applied to the skin after showering and then briefly rinsed off. Afterwards the skin should not be dried too vigorously so that the oil does not rub off. 40 Target parameter Test method barrier function transepidermal water loss (TEWL) hydration of the skin corneometry lipid content sebumetry cutaneous pH value pH-metry skin elasticity cutometry epidermal structure profilometry cutaneous structure sonography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, confocal raman microscopy Table 2: Usual methods for proving the effectiveness of skin care products. the TEWL under controlled conditions is the only way to conclusively assess how occlusive a product really is. A test such as this will show exactly how much water vapour is lost shortly after applying a product. Additional Ingredients in Skin Care Products To enhance the effect of skin care products for people with diabetes, certain substances are added in the manufacturing process to absorb water (humectants) or to enrich the skin’s natural lipid film (emollients). In addition, certain ingredients are added to creams for the feet to soften hard skin and calluses and to prevent invasions of bacteria. The most significant of these types of products is urea. This substance increases the skin’s ability to hold moisture and, in higher concentrations (over 10%), softens and reduces the hard skin layers. Thus, urea has a keratoplastic and keratolytic effect. Other ingredients used in cosmetic products for dry skin are glycerine, vitamin E, panthenol, lactic acid, sodium lactate, betulinic acid, N-palmitoylethanolamine, hyaluronic acid and St John’s wort extract. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Skin Care Lipids of various chemical classes such as triglycerides (vegetable or semisynthetic oils), solid and liquid wax esters (cetyl palmitate or isopropyl palmitate), fatty alcohols, fatty acids such as stearic acid, sterols (lanolin) and phytosterols, and partial glycerides (glycerol monostearate) are just some of the countless synthetic and natural products used in the making of emollients. Ingredients that are used as antiseptics are octenidine hydrochloride, polyhexanide and microsilver. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin The dry skin of a diabetic requires special attention. Suitable products need to impart sufficient fat and moisture to the skin. The various galenic forms of skin care products significantly influence their effectiveness and ease of application. Their recipes on paper only give a hint as to how they differ from each other. Conclusive data can only be collected in controlled studies. 41 Skin Care Effectiveness and Tolerability of Skin Care Products Just the recipe of a skin care product cannot determine the product’s effectiveness and tolerability from the outset. All this – the product’s moisture and fat-containing ability, as well as its barrier effect – has to be tested invivo under controlled conditions. The basic method used here is to compare somebody with treated skin to a control person with untreated dry skin (intraindividual comparison). The objective assessment is usually done by biophysical measurement along with spectroscopic and microscopic examination (Tab. 2). Not only the effectiveness of the product, but also its tolerability (irritation potential, sensitization potential, comedogenic effect) needs to be evaluated in-vivo on test persons or in-vitro under laboratory conditions. Detailed guidelines on these themes can be found, for example, in the Society of Dermopharmacy’s ‘Dermocosmetics for Cleansing and Caring for Dry Skin’ (www.gd-online.de). Author: Prof. Dr. Rolf Daniels Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen 42 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Ingredients Useful Facts on Cosmetic Ingredients In the daily work of dermatologists and podiatrists the question arises again and again as to what’s in cosmetic and skin care products. “What is the most suitable product for my skin type?” “Which creams do you recommend?” or “What do you think of such and such a product?” Reference for the clinic We would like to present an overview of the most important ingredients of skin care products and their effects. This may be used as a quick reference to be of assistance in the clinic. Principally, it is important to know that the words “dermatologically tested” is not protected. This means, there exists no standardized criteria of quality to control who carries out the dermatological tests or how they are done. The words “suitable for diabetics” doesn’t necessarily guarantee that product is indeed suitable for diabetics. This is why it is important to pay attention to the safety and benefit studies – something that can always be depended upon for pharmaceutical products. In the European Union, all contents of skin care products must be declared on the packaging, so that all ingredients of the product can be identified. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 43 Ingredients Alcohol Synonyms: ethyl alcohol, ethanol Origin/Production: Alcohols are organic hydrocarbon compounds whose hydrogen atoms are displaced by hydroxyl groups. They are categorized into one-, two-, three- or polyhydric alcohols, depending on the number of hydroxyl groups, and primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, depending on the connecting area, where the hydroxyl group binds to the hydrocarbon. The most important alcohols are, among others, ethanol, glycerine, isopropanol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol. Properties/Applications: Alcohol is used in cosmetics as a disinfectant, preservative, fragrance, and solvent. If used in high concentrations, it can have a drying effect on the skin. Allantoin Synonym: Allantoin Origin/Production: Allantoin is an endproduct of the oxidation of uric acid by purine catabolism. It is present in most mammals as well as in plants (wheat germ, comfrey root, the bark of the horse chestnut tree). Properties/Applications: Allantoin, in the form of clear, shiny leaflets or as a crystal powder, is used in the manufacturing of skin care products (clarifying lotions, moisturizers, sun care products, lip balms) as well as in pharmaceutical products used for dry skin. It is fragrance free, tasteless, fat-soluble, and anti-irritant. It is soothing, anti-inflammatory, promotes cell proliferation, keratolytic, smoothes rough skin, and increases the moisture content of the epidermis. Aloe Barbadensis Extract Synonyms: aloe vera Origin/Production: Aloe vera is the name given to a species of cactus from the lily family that thrives in the desert (over 200 types), with thick fleshy leaves. Only the gel-like flesh of the leaves 44 is used in cosmetic products. It is pressed, and the resulting slime extracted, filtered, and pasteurized. The gel is not only rich in minerals, but also contains numerous other substances such as enzymes, amino acids, sterols, vitamins, and mucopolysaccharides. Properties/Applications: Aloe vera has healing properties, imparts moisture, reduces pain, reduces inflammation, and cools. It is even said to protect against UV rays to a certain extent. Arnica Montana Extract Synonyms: leopard’s bane, wolf’s bane, mountain tobacco, mountain arnica, arnica , arnica fulgens, arnica sororia. Origin/Production: Arnica is a medicinal plant belonging to the daisy family. The petals contain a highly poisonous essential oil. It also produces bitters and tannins as well as secondary plant products (carotinoids, flavonoids). The essential oil of the plant is extracted from the flowers and the roots via steam distillation. Properties/Applications: The essential oil is used as fragrance in perfumes, or as a tincture in creams for the skin and feet. The substance is considered to be an irritant.* Benzoic Acid/Sodium Benzoate Synonyms: benzenecarboxylic acid, benzeneformic acid Origin/Production: Benzoic acid is found in berries, and in an Asian gum resin, but is now mostly manufactured synthetically. Properties/Applications: The weak acid is used, due to its antiseptic and antimycotic qualities, as a food preservative. Biotin Synonyms: vitamin B7, vitamin H Origin/Production: Biotin is a natural and commonly occuring water-soluble vitamin. In hu- © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Ingredients mans, it is responsible for, among other things, the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. Clinical manifestations of biotin deficiency are evident in the form of skin eruptions, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, and irritability. Properties/Applications: Due to its nurturing and antiseborrheic qualities, it is used in the care of hair and nails. Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Synonyms: shea tree butter, karité butter Origin/Production: The oil is extracted from the kernels of the shea fruit by cold pressing. Properties/Applications: Due to its caring, smoothing and moisturizing qualities, shea butter is used in cosmetics as an emollient. It is also used as a skin care product, especially for sun damage. Cera Alba Synonyms: beeswax Origin/Production: Beeswax is excreted by bees to build honey cone. Properties/Applications: Beeswax is produced as an ingredient in skin care products in the form of Cera flava (yellow wax) and Cera alba (white wax). It cares and protects sensitive skin. It is mainly used in natural cosmetics. and plays a role in the metabolism of all living things. It is extracted biotechnologically from the juice of citrus fruits. Once extracted, it forms clear and odourless crystals, or a sour crystalline powder. Properties/Applications: Citric acid has bleaching properties. It acts as an astringent, and positively influences the rate of cell regeneration. Thus, it is used as a buffer compound. It is also used in astringents and, due to its ability to chelate metals, in soaps. It may contain residues of allergenic material.* Dimethicone Synonyms: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicone oil Origin/Production: This silicone oil is a synthetic mix of fully methylated, linial siloxane polymers. Properties/Applications: It is anti-allergenic and makes the skin feel smooth. It is used as an emollient and anti-foaming agent. Not being very biodegradable, its use is environmentally questionable. Natural alternatives to this product are almond oil, avocado oil, and fats.* Glycerin Synonyms: cetostearyl alcohol Origin/Production: Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Properties/Applications: Cetearyl alcohol imparts a silky, emollient feel to the skin. It is used as an emulsion, and as an opacifying and viscosity-increasing agent. Synonyms: glycerol, glycerine Origin/Production: Glycerin is the simplest trivalent alcohol present in, depending on its fatty acid compound, vegetable and animal fat. It can be synthetically produced or extracted from plants. It is also a by-product in the making of soap. Properties/Applications: Due to its hygroscopic properties, it is used as a humectant in moisturizers. In high concentrations of over 30%, however, it dries and irritates the skin. Citric Acid Hyaluronic Acid Synonyms: hydrogen citrate Origin/Production: This organic acid is the most commonly occuring in the plant world, Synonyms: hyaluronan, hyaluronate Origin/Production: Hyaluronic acid is a highly viscous, naturally occuring mucopolysaccharide Cetearyl Alcohol © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 45 Ingredients found in the connective and lubricating tissues of the body. It is made up of glucuron acid and acetylchondrosamine or acetylglucosamine. Along with collagen, it makes up a significant part of the synovial fluid, that mobilizes the water-soluble substances between the cells. As one gets older, the amount of naturally occuring hyaluronic acid lessens, thus the skin loses its ability to hold moisture and its elasticity. Properties/Applications: Due to its ability to hold moisture, hyaluronic acid can transport water to matrix of the connective tissue. It also builds a film, permeable to air, protecting the stratum corneum from drying out. Hyaluronic acid is, therefore, used as an ingredient in moisturizers. Lanolin Synonyms: wool wax, lanoline, adeps lanae, cera lanae Origin/Production: Lanolin is produced in the sebaceous glands in the skin of the sheep, and extracted from its wool after being shorn. It contains a mixture of wool wax (65%), water (20%), and mineral or vegetable oil such as paraffin (15%). Properties/Applications: Due to its softening and moisturizing properties, this substance is widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, for instance, as a base for creams and ointments. In addition, it is used as an antistatic, an emollient, an emulsifier, a skin care product, and a surfactant. As lanolin can contain residues of pesticides, products containing lanolin used to have to state “contains lanolin” to warn consumers against a possible allergic reaction. Why this warning is no longer obligatory is unclear.* Myroxylon Pereirae Resin fragrance or active ingredient in cosmetic products. It contains, however, allergic potential.* Oenothera Biennis Oil Synonyms: primrose oil, evening primrose oil Origin/Production: The oil of the seeds of the primrose flower contains unsaturated fatty a cids (linoleic, linolenic, oleic acids). The primrose grows in north America, Europe, Turkey, New Zealand and Australia. Properties/Applications: It positively affects the epidermal barrier function in dermatitis and is used to moisturize dry skin. Primrose oil is soothing to the skin. Olea Europaea Oil Synonyms: olive oil Origin/Production: Olive oil, a yellowish-green oil, is obtained from the little fruits of the olive tree by cold pressing. The olive tree is native to the mediterranean regions. Olive oils is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids), vitamins A and E, as well as traces of minerals. Properties/Applications: Olive oil is smoothing to the skin. It acts as a lubricant and moisturizer. Panthenol Synonyms: D-panthenol, provitamin B5 Origin/Production: Panthenol is the precursor to pantothenic acid, the substance that is transformed enzymatically into the vitamin D-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It is present in all living cells. Properties/Applications: Panthenol has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It smoothes the skin, imparts moisture, and supports the wound-healing process. Synonyms: Peru balsam, balsamum peruvianum Origin/Production: Peru balsam is a substance in plants extracted by smoking the bark of trees. Properties/Applications: Peru balsam is used as a 46 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Ingredients Parabens Origin/Production: Parabens are a group of para-hydroxybenzoic acid esters such as methyl, ethyl, butyl, and propyl parabens. Properties/Applications: Parabens are used as preservatives, as they hinder the development of microorganisms (especially yeasts and moulds) in the manufacturing of cosmetics. compression from the kernels of the nuts of the sweet almond tree, native to Asia, north Africa, Israel, California and the mediterranean regions. The light yellow oil is almost odourless. It contains oleic and linoleic acids, but quickly becomes rancid. Properties/Applications: Almond oil replenishes the skin’s moisture and helps it in healing. It is used as an emollient and as a skin care product. Persea Gratissima Oil Retinol Synonyms: avocado oil, alligator pear oil Origin/Production: The edible fat of the dark green to brownish red avocado pear, originating in middle and south America. The oil is extracted from the flesh of the fruit through cold compression. The fruit contains high levels of antioxidants (vitamins A and E), vitamin D, B6, potassium, magnesium, phytosterols and lecithin. It is rich in unsaturated fats. Properties/Applications: Avocado oil is used in cosmetics as an emollient. Due to its replenishing, healing, softening and hydrating effects, avocado oil is used in products for dry, scaly and mature skin. Due to its high content of antioxidants, it takes longer to go rancid. Synonyms: vitamin A Origin/Production: A fat-soluble, essential vitamin. The provitamin, betacarotine, is converted to vitamin A in the human body. Products containing retinol must be protected with antioxidants and light. Properties/Applications: Retinol replenishes the skin’s moisture, and raises the mitosis activity of the cells and promotes cell proliferation. Propylene Glycol Synonyms: alpha-propylene glycol, methylethylene glycol Origin/Production: A clear, odourless liquid with a sweet taste, and is synthetically produced. It belongs to the class of alcohols that are derived from the alkanes. Properties/Applications: Propylene glycol is hygroscopic and is, therefore, used as a humectant in moisturizers and as a skin conditioner. It is also used as a solvent and viscosity controller. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil Synonyms: almond oil Origin/Production: The oil is extracted by cold © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Silver Synonyms: microsilver Origin/Production: Elemental silver, as well as its alloys, are used in products. The active substances, however, are its ions. Properties/Applications: Silver is used as an antimicrobial substance in skin care products. Saccharide Isomerate Synonyms: PentavitinTM Origin/Production: Saccharide isomerate is an acqueous solution of carbohydrates present in the epidermis. It is extracted from natural sugar. Properties/Applications: It improves the moisture-holding ability of the Stratum corneum. It binds with keratin so that the moisturizing particles on the surface of the skin cannot easily be washed away, neither with soaps nor with water. Thus, its moisturizing benefits remain over a long period of time. For this reason, it is known as the ‘moisture magnet’. 47 Ingredients Simmondsia Chinensis Oil Synonyms: jojoba oil Origin/Production: Jojoba oil is extracted using cold compression from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, a shrub native to the coastal desert areas of America. It is a light yellow, liquidy wax containing erucic, oleic and gadoleic acids. It resembles the fat mix in human skin. Properties/Applications: Jojoba oil is easily absorbed into the skin, hence it is used in products for all skin types, but mainly for dry skin. Jojoba oil is used as an emollient and feels very smooth on the skin. Apart from this, it has a very long shelf-life. Sodium Chloride Synonyms: salt Origin/Production: Salt is obtained from salt reserves, brine, salt lakes, and sea water, by mining rock salt. It is composed of chloride and sodium ions. Properties/Applications: Sodium Chloride is used to control viscosity and as a swelling agent. Sorbitol Synonyms: glucitol, sugar alcohol Origin/Production: Sorbitol is a white, crystalline, weakly hygroscopic, odourless, sweet-tasting powder present in many fruits (berries, cherries, apples, plums). It can also be manufactured from glucose with the help of certain enzymes. Properties/Applications: Sorbitol is used as a humectant and thickener in moisturizers. Stearic Acid Synonyms: octadecanoic acid Origin/Production: Stearic acid is saturated fatty acid found in plant and animal fats. It is white, solid, waxy and odourless. Properties/Applications: In cosmetics, stearic acid 48 is used as a cleanser and moisturizer, as emulsifier and stabilizer. Tocopherol/Tocopheryl Acetate Synonyms: vitamin E, vitamin E acetate Origin/Production: Vitamin E consists of all the tocopherol and tocotrienol derivatives, whose biological activity qualitatively belongs to the RRRalpha-tocopheral (or ddd-gamma-tocopherol) stereoisomers. Vegetable oils, such as wheatgerm oil and sunflower oil, as well as grains, seeds and nuts, contain considerable amounts of fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin E acetate is a more stable form of tocopherol. Tocopherols are obtained by chemical manufacturing, or through natural means. Properties/Applications: Tocopherol moisturizes the skin. Tocopherols are used in combination with antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Urea Synonyms: carbamide Origin/Production: Urea is a naturally occuring, non-allergenic substance involved in the meta bolism of amino acids. Nowadays, urea is synthetically manufactured. Properties/Applications: Urea is a natural water retainer. It belongs to one of the natural moisturizing factors (NMF) of the keratic outer skin layer (Stratum corneum), enhancing its moisturecontaining ability. Depending on the concentration, urea not only rehydrates the skin, it can also be used as a debriding agent, an anti-irritant, or as an antiseptic. Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Synonyms: grape seed oil Origin/Production: Grape seed oil is extracted from the pips of grapes that grow in the clima tically temperate subtropical regions. Above all, it contains linoleic and oleic acids, as well as vitamin E. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Ingredients Properties/Applications: Grape seed oil nourishes the skin, aids in skin repair, and is also used as an emollient and antioxidant in skin care products. Zinc Oxide Synonyms: zinc white, calamine Origin/Production: A white mineral powder. Properties/Applications: Zinc oxide is used in topical healing products. It has astringent and drying effects. It is also used as a swelling agent as well as a UV-filter. * As determined, among other sources, by the ÖKO-TESTKosmetik-Liste. © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 49 ▶▶The Diabetic Foot Syndrome The clinical guidelines entitled ‘The Diabetic Foot Syndrome’ appeared at the end of 2008. In this publication, the authors, Dr. Martin Lederle, Dr. Joachim Kersken and Prof. Maximilian Spraul, examine thoroughly the Type 2 Diabetes National Guidelines. In just under 30 pages, the reader can find everything that is crucial in the treatment of the diabetic foot. If interested, please contact: neubourg skin care Mergenthalerstr. 40 48268 Greven Telefon: 0 25 71 / 57 40 - 0 Telefax: 0 25 71 / 57 40 - 1 00 50 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Addresses Useful Addresses in Germany Associations and Institutions ABDA – Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände Jägerstr. 49/50 10117 Berlin Tel.: 0 30 / 4 00 04 - 0 Fax: 0 30 / 4 00 04 - 5 98 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.abda.de Bundesverband Niedergelassener Diabetologen e.V. (BVND) Geschäftsstelle c/o med info GmbH Hainenbachstr. 25 89522 Heidenheim Tel.: 0 73 21 / 94 99 19 Fax: 0 73 21 / 94 98 19 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bvnd.de Berufsverband Deutscher Diabetologen e.V. (BDD) Waldstraße 6 A 14548 Schwielowsee-Caputh Tel.: 0 33 / 2 09 22 99 - 70 Fax: 0 33 / 2 09 22 99 - 75 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bvdk-ev.de Deutsche Diabetes-Gesellschaft (DDG) Geschäftsstelle der DDG Reinhardtstraße 31 10117 Berlin Tel.: 030 / 311 6937 - 0 Fax: 030 / 311 693720 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ddg.info Bund Diabetischer Kinder u. Jugendlicher e.V. (BDKJ) Hahnbrunner Str. 46 67659 Kaiserslautern Tel.: 06 31 / 7 64 88 Fax: 06 31 / 9 72 22 E-Mail: [email protected] AG Fuß der Deutschen Diabetes-Gesellschaft Bettin Baumann Postfach 1182 67321 Speyer E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ag-fuss-ddg.de Bundesverband Klinischer Diabetes- Einrichtungen e.V. Bundesgeschäftsstelle Diabeteszentrum Bad Lauterberg Kirchberg 21 37431 Bad Lauterberg Tel.: 0 55 24 / 81 - 2 12 Fax: 0 55 24 / 81 - 7 77 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.bvkd.de © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Deutsche Diabetes-Stiftung (DDS) Staffelseestr. 6 81477 München Tel.: 0 89 / 57 95 79 - 0 Fax: 0 89 / 57 95 79 - 19 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.diabetesstiftung.de 51 Addresses diabetesDE Geschäftsstelle Reinhardtstraße 31 10117 Berlin Tel: 0 30 / 20 16 77 0 Fax: 0 30 / 20 16 77 20 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.diabetesde.org Stiftung „Der herzkranke Diabetiker“ in der DDS Georgstraße 11 32545 Bad Oeynhausen Fax: 0 57 31 / 97 21 22 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.stiftung-dhd.de Verband der Diabetes-Beratungs- und Schulungsberufe in Deutschland e.V. (VDBD) Am Eisenwald 16 66386 St. Ingbert Tel.: 0 68 94 / 5 90 83 13 Fax: 0 68 94 / 5 90 83 14 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.vdbd.de 52 Bundesverband und Landesverbände des Deutschen Diabetiker Bundes Deutscher Diabetiker Bund e. V. (DDB) Bundesverband Goethestr. 27 34119 Kassel Tel.: 0 5 61 / 70 34 77 0 Fax: 0 5 61 / 70 34 77 1 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.diabetikerbund.de Landesverbände LV Baden-Württemberg e. V. Elke Brückel Kriegsstr. 49 76133 Karlsruhe Tel.: 07 21 / 3 54 31 98 Fax: 07 21 / 3 54 31 99 [email protected] www.ddb-bw.de Verband Deutscher Podologen (VDP) Obere Wässere 3-7 D-72764 Reutlingen Tel.: +49 7121 / 33 09 42 Fax: +49 7121 / 31 00 89 E-Mail: [email protected] LV Bayern e. V. Bernd Franz Diabetikerbund Bayern e. V. Ludwigstr. 67 90402 Nürnberg Tel.: 0911 / 22 77 15 Fax: 0911 / 23 49 876 [email protected] www.diabetikerbund-bayern.de Zentralverband der Podologen und Fuss pfleger Deutschlands e.V. (ZFD) Schaumburgstraße 14-16 45657 Recklinghausen Tel.: 0 23 61 / 18 59 60 Fax: 0 23 61 / 18 59 61 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.zfd.de LV Berlin Reiner Tippel Schillingstr. 12 10179 Berlin Tel.: 0 30 / 2 78 67 37 Fax: 0 30 / 2 75 91 657 [email protected] www.diabetikerbund-berlin.de © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin Addresses LV Brandenburg e. V. Eberhard Nowotnik Schopenhauerstr. 37 14467 Potsdam Tel.: 03 31 / 9 51 05 88 Fax: 03 31 / 9 51 05 90 [email protected] www.diabetikerbund-brandenburg.de LV Niedersachsen e.V. Almut Suchowerskyj Am Nottbohm 46a 31141 Hildesheim Tel.: 0 51 21 / 87 61 73 Fax: 0 51 21 / 87 61 81 [email protected] www.ddb-niedersachsen.de LV Bremen e.V. Hartmut Steinbeck Am Wall 102 28195 Bremen Tel.: 04 21 / 6 16 43 23 Fax: 04 21 / 6 16 86 07 [email protected] www.ddb-hb.de LV Nordrhein-Westfalen e.V. Martin Hadder Johanniterstr. 45 47053 Duisburg Tel.: 02 03 / 6 08 44 - 0 Fax: 02 03 / 6 08 44 - 77 [email protected] www.ddb-nrw.de LV Hamburg e.V. Manfred Mohnke Steinstraße 15 20095 Hamburg Tel.: 0 40 / 20 00 43 80 Fax: 0 40 / 20 00 43 88 [email protected] www.diabetikerbund-hamburg.de LV Rheinland-Pfalz e.V. Alois Michel Theodor-Fliedner-Str. 25 55218 Ingelheim Tel: 0 61 32 / 8 59 77 Fax: 0 61 32 / 71 21 96 [email protected] www.diabetes-rlp.de LV Hessen e.V. Prof. Dr. Hermann von Lilienfeld-Toal Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 5 34613 Schwalmstadt-Treysa Tel.: 0 66 91 / 2 49 57 Fax: 0 66 91 / 2 49 58 [email protected] www.ddbhessen.de LV Saarland e.V. Karl Zang Wolfskaulstr. 43 66292 Riegelsberg Tel.: 0 68 06 / 95 35 71 Fax: 0 68 06 / 95 35 72 [email protected] www.diabetiker-saar.de LV Mecklenburg-Vorpommern LV in Gründung. RA Dietrich Monstadt Lübecker Str. 5 19053 Schwerin LV Sachsen e.V. Rosmarie Wallig Striesener Str. 39 01307 Dresden Tel.: 03 51 / 4 52 66 52 Fax: 03 51 / 4 52 66 53 [email protected] www.Diabetikerbund-Sachsen.de © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin 53 Addresses LV Sachsen-Anhalt e.V. Reinhold Meintzinger Neuer Weg 22/23 06484 Quedlinburg Tel. und Fax: 03946/528483 [email protected] www.diabetikerbundsa.de LV Schleswig-Holstein e.V. Martin Lange Auguste-Viktoria-Str. 16 24103 Kiel Tel.: 04 31 / 18 00 09 Fax: 04 31 / 12 20 407 [email protected] www.ddb-sh.de LV Thüringen e.V. Edith Claußen Waldenstraße 13a 99084 Erfurt Tel./Fax: 03 61 / 7 31 48 19 [email protected] www.ddb-thueringen.de Useful international Adresses EASD Rheindorfer Weg 3 40591 Düsseldorf Germany Tel.: +49/211-758 469 0 Tel.: +49/211-758 469 29 [email protected] Executive Director: Dr. Viktor Jörgens IDF International Diabetes Federation Chaussée de la Hulpe 166 B-1170 Brussels, Belgium Tel.: +32/2-5 38 55 11 Tel.: +32/2-5 38 51 14 [email protected] Websites of Self-Help Groups http://www.selbsthilfenetz.de/content/index_ ger.html http://www.dag-selbsthilfegruppen.de/site/ http://www.koskon.de/ 54 © Kirchheim-Verlag, Mainz • Clinical Guidelines (2011) • Skin