Necrobiosis lipoidica

Definition

Necrobiosis lipoidica is an uncommon skin condition in which degenerate dermal collagen is surrounded by a granulomatous inflammatory response to produce shiny, red-brown or yellowish patches in the skin, particularly on the shins. In severe cases the affected skin may ulcerate. It is associated in the majority of but not all cases with underlying diabetes mellitus, the onset of which it may precede.

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