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Diabetic bullae

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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