5 Ways Your Skin Indicates Something Is Wrong
Our skin is our largest organ. It is also often seen as one of the biggest mirrors regarding our health. According to dermatologists, our skin’s appearance, from discoloration to new growth, can sometimes be the first sign of more serious underlying health conditions.
In this article, we will explain 5 ways your skin may be telling you that something is not right in your body in regards to health.
1. Outbreaks and Skin Spots
In general, a skin breakout can be a sign of an internal problem or infection. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and joint and muscle pain. An outbreak can be caused by an allergy or a side effect of medication, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Be alert for a velvety breakout on the lower part of the neck or around the arms. This is characterized by a slightly darker color than the normal skin color of a person. This could be a sign that this person has a higher risk of developing type II diabetes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, an increased frequency of a velvety outbreak can be a warning sign of cancer in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.
2. Tan and other skin discolorations
In people with diabetes, a tan color on the skin can be a sign of a problem with iron metabolization. However, a yellowish color on the skin can be a sign of a deficiency in the liver. Furthermore, this can be accompanied by a yellow color in the white part of your eyes.
According to the AAD, darkening of the skin, especially visible in scars, skin folds, joints and knees, can be a sign of a hormonal disease, such as Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands.
3. New Growth
According to the AAD, individuals who see new growth on their skin should always contact a doctor, as it can be a sign of skin cancer and sometimes internal disorders or a genetic syndrome. According to this institute, for example, yellow growths on the arms, legs or buttocks can be caused by an elevated triglyceride level, which means uncontrolled diabetes.
4. Changes in the nails
Changes in the color or shape of the nails can often be a sign of a deficiency in certain organ systems. For example, a change in the nails that resembles a fungal infection can be the result of psoriasis, even though it often only occurs on the skin.
Individuals who also have some type of joint pain may also have a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. Liver and kidney problems can also sometimes cause changes in the color of your nails.
5. Changes in the hardness and dryness of your skin
High blood pressure and kidney problems sometimes cause your skin to thicken. However, very dry skin and itching can be a sign of hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism. Individuals with an autoimmune disease called systemic sclerosis may also experience inflammation and hardening of the skin.
According to the AAD, in more severe cases, it can also affect internal organs, such as the lungs or heart. Very loose and silky skin can be a symptom of a rare connective tissue disease, which can indicate blood cancers such as malignant lymphoma or Kahler’s disease and eventually affect the internal organs.
It is very important to contact a specialist if you have one or more of these skin problems. The important thing is not to jump to your own conclusions and fret without figuring out what the actual problem is.
