Prevalence of dermatological lesions in diabetic retinopathy

Background and Objectives: There are several studies which gives the prevalence of dermatological lesions as well as prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients. A few studies have also looked upon the association between diabetic dermopathy, which is the commonest dermatological lesion in DM and retinopathy. However, there are no studies available in literature which gives the prevalence of Dermatological lesions in DR patients. This study is undertaken to find out the same. Materials and Methods: 170 DR patients between 40-70 years of age with history of DM of at least five years duration were included in the study. Skin and retina of these patients were examined. The study period was 12 months. Results: 170 DR patients included in the study were in the age group of 42 years to 70 years with a mean age of 59.15(SD 6.76) years. The duration of DM in the study group was 5 to 35 years with a mean duration of 13.43 years (SD 5.60). 147(86.47%) among 170 patients had various dermatological lesions. Most prevalent dermatological lesions noted among the patients were Diabetic dermopathy (shin spots), Xerosis, Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH), Icthyosis, Intertrigo, Tinea Versicolor, Chronic Paronychia and Tinea Unguium. Conclusion: Prevalence of Dermatological lesions in Diabetic Retinopathy patients was 86.47%, the most common being Diabetic Dermopathy (shin spots) which was 42.94%. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Dermatological lesions, Diabetic dermopathy, Xerosis.