Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is an uncommon inflammatory condition that usually affects people with diabetes mellitus (DM), in which shiny, red-brown or yellowish patches develop in the skin often on the lower limbs. The course of the disease is unpredictable with recurrence and flare-ups common occurrences. In her article, Trudie Young gives an overview of this condition, its aetiology, clinical presentation, complications and treatment options.