Ulcerative Bullosis Diabeticorum in a Man With Chronic, Uncontrolled Diabetes, Uncontrolled Erectile Dysfunction, and Significant Social Barriers to Care.

BACKGROUND Bullosis diabeticorum (BD) is a dermatologic, often acral, complication of diabetes, with a reported prevalence of approximately 0.16% to 0.5% among diabetic individuals in the United States. This case reports a man whose presentation was atypical in location and severity, progressing to ulceration. CASE REPORT A 41-year-old man with a history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by stage II chronic kidney disease and chronic erectile dysfunction presented for ongoing management. His HbA1c values ranged from >14% to 7.8%, often influenced by social determinants. Two months later, he presented with blisters with a non-erythematous base (no surrounding erythema) that were non-painful, non-itchy, non-pruritic, and easily ruptured, forming scabs. The largest wound measured 7.2×3.6×0.1 cm, containing yellow slough, consistent with ulcerative BD. Labs showed elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney function. Diabetes management included metformin and basal insulin titration, while erectile dysfunction treatment included phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. With no signs of infection, wound cultures were not obtained and antibiotic therapy was not initiated. Testing excluded neuropathy and venous-related ulcerations. However, as no biopsy or direct immunofluorescence testing was performed, the diagnosis was clinical, and based on a history of uncontrolled diabetes. Wound care transitioned the patient to twice daily quarter-strength Dakin's solution moist-to-dry dressings after initial non-adherence. One month later, the patient's wounds and fasting glucose showed improvement. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the risks of uncontrolled T2DM with complications, particularly when compounded by social determinants.
Diabetes
Diabetes type 2
Access
Care/Management

Authors

Burce Burce, Degu Degu, Robles Robles, Munoz-Bramhall Munoz-Bramhall, Tucker Tucker
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