What is "necrobiosis lipoidica"

n. A necrotizing skin condition mainly associated with diabetes.

n. skin disease marked by thin shiny patches (especially on the legs); often associated with diabetes mellitus [syn: necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum]

Necrobiosis lipoidica is a necrotising skin condition that usually occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus but can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In the former case it may be called necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD). NLD occurs in approximately 0.3% of the diabetic population, with the majority of sufferers being women (approximately 3:1 females to males affected).

The severity or control of diabetes in an individual does not affect who will or will not get NLD. Better maintenance of diabetes after being diagnosed with NLD will not change how quickly the NLD will resolve.