Bullosis diabeticorum

Bullosis diabeticorum

• bullosis diabeticorum (BD) is a spontaneous, noninflammatory, recurrent, and blistering condition, that is, uniquely affects patients with diabetes mellitus
• usually affects acral and distal skin of lower extremities
  • bullae are painless and contain sterile fluid

For images of diabetic bullae and further information then click here

• condition occurs in about 0.5% of diabetics in the USA (1,2)
• a male-to-female ratio of 2:1

Differential diagnosis includes bullous pemphigoid, which can excluded via biopsy

Management:

• no specific management - there is usually spontaneous healing in a few weeks; management is aimed at avoidance of secondary infection
  

Reference:

1. Gupta V et al. Bullosis Diabeticorum: Rare Presentation in a Common Disease.Case Rep Endocrinol. 2014; 2014: 862912.
2. Duff M et al. Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus.Clin Diabetes. 2015 Jan; 33(1): 40-48.