Managing Diabetic Dermopathy with Modified Collagen Plus Glycerin Lotion: 10 Patient Case Series

Background: Diabetic dermopathy, a skin condition affecting 30-55% of patients with diabetes, is characterized by brown skin lesions which are most commonly seen on the lower legs. These brown spots/patches are slightly scaly and are usually round or oval. A heavy distribution causes the leg to appear discolored and over time they can become atrophic. Diabetic dermopathy normally occurs 15-20 years after diagnosis and is very common in individuals over the age of 50. There is no specific treatment for diabetic dermopathy. It is a concern for more serious complications of diabetes requiring investigation and management.  It is also a cosmetic problem as the discoloration and scales can be unsightly.

Methods: Closely controlling blood sugars is the most important factor in preventing  skin-related complications of diabetes. Proper skin care can help reduce the risk of developing diabetic dermopathy. A total of 10 patients were enrolled to evaluate the efficacy of the modified collagen and high concentration glycerin-based lotion in treating diabetes dermopathy. Patients who participated in the trial were given modified collagen and glycerin lotion to be applied 1 to 3 drops once daily on the affected parts of their legs. The modified collagen served to stimulate new tissue growth and strengthen skin integrity while the high concentration of glycerin provided high quality and long-lasting moisture for the skin.

Results: All the patients recorded marked improvement to their dermopathy. Some had normalization of the skin color, others reported smoother skin, and all experienced better moisturization.  There were no adverse reactions. In these 10 cases reported, the modified collagen and glycerine lotion was effective in managing skin changes due to diabetic mellitus.