A subtle skin change around the nose could be an early sign of high blood sugar or diabetes, according to Dr. Amina Goodwin, a medical expert with more than 20 years of global experience.
Dr. Goodwin has recently turned to social media to share medical tips with the public. In a recent video, she pointed out that a flaky, red or pink rash in the creases of the nose could be more than just dry skin — it might indicate high blood sugar.
“When I see a flaky reddish pinkish rash right here in the creases of the nose, sometimes even raw appearing, that’s the tell-tale sign,” she explained, according to Surrey Live.
Dr. Goodwin said the rash is caused by an overgrowth of a normally harmless fungus that lives on the skin. This fungus feeds on sugar, so when blood sugar is high, it has more fuel to grow and trigger a visible reaction on the skin.
“Many people dismiss it as dry skin, especially men,” she said. “But it’s not just dryness. It’s a fungal reaction to too much sugar in the blood. Your skin can reflect what’s happening inside your body.”
She urged anyone noticing this rash—whether on themselves or a loved one—to get their blood sugar checked. “If you see this on your spouse, your parents, or your grandparents, gently suggest they visit their doctor,” she said.
While the rash can appear in both men and women, Dr. Goodwin noted it may be more visible in men, as women might cover it with makeup.
She added that in her experience, patients with this symptom often have dangerously high A1C levels—sometimes 13% or higher. According to Diabetes UK, a normal A1C level is around 6%. Higher levels suggest a greater risk of developing diabetes and its complications, such as vision or foot problems.
The NHS advises anyone with signs of high blood sugar to contact their GP. While high blood sugar doesn’t always mean you have diabetes, it can lead to the condition if left untreated.
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