Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a degenerative disease of the connective tissue in the skin. More than half of people with NLD have diabetes. Hence the name. Also known as necrobiosis lipoidica and as necrobiosis. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is a rash which usually occurs on the legs. This rash is more common in women.

Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum is a disorder of collagen degeneration with a granulomatous response, thickening of blood vessel walls, and fat deposition. Today, the term necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is used to encompass all patients with the same clinical lesions regardless of whether or not diabetes is present. Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum usually occurs more often in people with diabetes, in people with a family history of diabetes or a tendency to get diabetes.

Causes of Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum usually occurs in patients with diabetes.

The exact cause in not known.

Still other theories suggest that an antibody-mediated vasculitis may cause the changes seen in Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.

Treatment of Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

Treatment of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum is difficult.

• Sometimes necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum responds to topical cortisone preparations.
• Cortisone injections can also be used to treat necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum. These are more effective than cortisone creams.
• Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum usually goes through stages of activity and inactivity. One is not able to predict when the condition will flare.
• Ultraviolet light treatment has been found to control this condition when it is flaring. This treatment is availiable in our office.
• A baby aspirin each day may help necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.