Trans-Epidermal Elimination Due to Insulin Formulation: Report of a Rare Adverse Effect
July 2025
in “
Indian Dermatology Online Journal
”
Studysummary In this case report, researchers documented a rare instance of trans-epidermal elimination of insulin formulation in a 45-year-old woman with diabetes, suggesting that insulin or its excipients may have caused a granulomatous reaction leading to skin lesions at injection sites and impaired diabetes control.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 45-year-old female with type-2 diabetes experienced trans-epidermal elimination (TEE) of insulin formulation, presenting as itchy lesions at injection sites. The condition was linked to a change in her isophane insulin brand, leading to a foreign body granulomatous reaction. Histopathology confirmed TEE, and treatment involved switching to oral diabetes medications, resolving the lesions. This case highlights the need to consider rare causes of perforating dermatoses beyond common ones, as insulin and its excipients can induce such reactions.
