necrobiosis lipoidica /lipoi″dikə/ [Gk, nekros, dead, bios, life, lipos, fat, eidos, form] , a skin disease characterized by thin, shiny, yellow-to-red plaques on the shins or forearms. Telangiectases and crusting and ulceration of these plaques may occur. Necrobiosis lipoidica is usually associated with diabetes mellitus and occurs most often in women. Treatment includes precise control of the diabetes and, possibly, intralesional application of corticosteroids.
