Skin problems at the insulin injection site
If you’re on insulin, there can be problems with the skin at the insulin injection site. Two of the more common problems of the past, hypertrophy and atrophy, still occur today, says Hudson.
- Hypertension. If insulin is injected in the same place all the time, there can be a buildup of fatty tissue in that area. The skin looks less than elegant and also prevents the body from absorbing insulin well.
- Atrophy. This is relatively rare, Hudson said, and “is actually a loss of subcutaneous fatty tissue at the injection site, so it looks like a depression.” The body’s absorption of insulin can become irregular, so it can’t control blood sugar levels as well.
Some patients with insulin pumps may have an allergic reaction to the adhesive used to hold the insulin pump in place, and others may be allergic to certain types of insulin. Symptoms of reactions can range from swelling and itching to life-threatening symptoms. If any of these problems occur, your doctor will recommend other options.
Preventing skin problems caused by insulin injections
The key to preventing skin problems from insulin injections is to rotate the injection sites, according to Hudson and Hatipoglu. If a syringe or pen is used, the site chosen for each injection should be about 2.5 cm apart from the previous one. If an insulin pump is used, the injection site should be rotated every 2 to 3 days. To prevent infection, hands and skin at the injection site should be washed before injection.
Kindelan, a retired nurse who has been injecting insulin for almost all of her adult life, said she has avoided various skin problems by doing so. “I’ve never had a skin problem.” She says. Although there are still some scars, Kindland says, “even if there are problems, you don’t use those areas. I get four injections a day, so I change the injection sites.”
Hattipoglu and Hudson also recommend injecting insulin in different parts of the body. The rate at which the body absorbs insulin depends on where it is injected – for example, the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms or buttocks.
“I would avoid the legs in the summer.” Kindland said. “I think everyone thinks it’s a little weird to inject in the abdomen, and I did for a while. Then it just seemed too much like a prime area for injections that wouldn’t be exposed yet, and obviously, the abdomen is still the least painful area.”