Many of us associate diseases such as endocrine disorders or hyperlipidaemias with a variety of symptoms, but only some are aware that skin lesions may even be the first symptom of such conditions. Similarly, there is often a perception that skin ulcers appear as a complication of long-standing diabetes, but it is true that people who do not regularly examine themselves may only become aware that they may be ill or that their diabetes is unstable when skin lesions appear.