Your skin is the main indicator that your body may be experiencing some health problems. That doesn’t mean to just pay attention to your acne. It goes way beyond that. People usually ignore when something appears on their skin unless it makes them look “ugly”.
We’re so caught up with looking our best, and feeling our best that we sometimes neglect the minor things that appear on our body. But the longer you ignore, the worst it gets. As soon as something unusual appears on your skin, it’s important to go see your doctor right away.
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, what are some of the signals that appear on our skin that can give off some red flags? Well, believe it or not, there are a number of signals that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common skin problems that can appear if there is something off about your body.
1. Dark Spots or patches
Dark spots and patches on your skin usually increase with age, as it is a natural aging phenomenon. However, if the appearance of dark spots is sudden or if already existing ones become enlarged in size, darker in color or increase in the number you have to be alert.
The dark patches may be associated with Addison’s disease, which is the insufficiency of the adrenal gland. You may also have loss of appetite, loss of weight, severe muscle and joint pains. The faintish feeling may arise due to low blood pressure and low blood sugar levels. Dark spots may be the starting symptom even before other symptoms. So, the sudden appearance of dark spots always needs professional help.
2. White patches
Ever notice those people who lose pigmentation on their hands? Those white patches? Well, that’s called vitiligo. It happens when there’s a certain area of your skin that turns white because the cells no longer make pigment.
According to health specialists, vitiligo develops when melanocytes cells are killed by the body’s immune system. If you notice that this is happening to you, make an appointment with an endocrinologist or dermatologist.
3. Oedema or swelling
There may be swelling (oedema) in hands and feet on and off especially if you stand for long periods, during pregnancy etc. However, if you get oedema almost every day, it should not be taken lightly. Seek help from a physician or an endocrinologist as you may be having hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland in the body does not produce enough thyroxin to function. You may even notice a goiter as a swelling of the neck. There may be other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism such as dry skin, loss of hair, weight gain, brittle nails, lethargy and constipation along with facial puffiness and oedema of upper and lower limbs.
4. New moles
Moles are harmless. It may be hereditary. But always be alert if they suddenly increase in number and develop new moles. The existing ones may enlarge, change color or become painful…..always seek help.
It may be a ᴘʀᴇᴄᴀɴᴄᴇʀᴏᴜs lesion due to excessive exposure to Ultra Violet light. The doctor may take a biopsy from the lesion to exclude any underlying disease.
5. Flaking
Why does it happen? It can be due to a vitamin deficiency, a hormone imbalance, an allergic reaction…and a few other diseases. When it’s intense and comes with other symptoms, it can be a sign of a serious disease.
6. Excessive sweating
This could be a result of Graves’ disease. This is an autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and sometimes always itches. If you feel like you have this, go see your doctor as soon as you can!
7. Acne
Acne is common in teenagers and young adults, due to excessive production of oil and clogging of tiny pores which brings natural oil (sebum) to the surface. But there can be the underlying imbalance of hormones like excessive Testosterone (male hormone) or Cortisol (stress hormone). Acne can occur due to digestive problems in your gut.
It is a must to take proper facial skin care, however, If your acne is uncontrollable always seek help.
8. Sudden rashes
It’s pretty basic knowledge that a rash means that something is up with your body. People typically get rashes after they eat a certain food, take a new medication or even have a contagious disease like chicken pox.
Regardless what it may be, it’s smart to go to your doctor when you notice a major rash that just isn’t going away. It could lead to something pretty serious like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Lyell’s syndrome. If you have Chicken pox as an adult, you need to go to a doctor immediately.
References: tibot.ai
