By Dr. Priyanka Kuri, Consultant – Dermatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru
Your skin not only serves as a barrier but indicates a lot about your health as well. Health-infected radiance give out tell-tale hints of health dis-arrangement while skin surfaces can represent the state of the human body. If it’s an uninvited pimple or an annoying sore that won’t go, each change in the skin has an underlying meaning. Knowing these factors will give you an upper hand in taking better care of your health. Here are eight necessary signs that your skin is trying to warn you about.
1. Acne Breakouts – Your skin could be undergoing acne breakouts which is quite common. However, one has to look into it more deeply because sometimes the reason behind these breakouts are not hormones alone. Stress, changes in the diet or any other underlying conditions affecting the gut health can also cause acne. It is important to think about and recognize symptoms in your surroundings that could be responsible for such changes in the skin. It may also be time to adjust or modify your skin care products, or perhaps consult a dermatologist in case the acne does not reduce over time.
2. Dry and Flaky Skin – Dry skin is always blamed on the weather or any particular products used, but chronic dryness might be a sign of dehydration or an underlying disorder such as eczema or thyroid issues. Hydration and a good moisturizer will sort this, but chronic dryness shouldn’t just be ignored. Should you find that over-the-counter products aren’t making a difference, it is always advised to seek advice from a doctor.
3. Unknown Rashes – The appearance of a rash without an apparent cause can become quite alarming. It could be an allergy or even indicate towards an autoimmune reaction. You can track changes in your products or food consumption to spot a possible allergen. Rashes can also be provoked by stress or environmental causes, so keeping track of lifestyle changes may be very useful.
4. Pale Complexion – If your skin has turned pale, it might be a symptom of you contracting some kind of anemia, or perhaps undergoing nutritional deficiency. Such a change is especially associated with fatigue, wherein one should look into their diet to check for iron-rich food and other essential vitamins. In most cases, the vibrancy of the skin is usually based on what you consume. So, taking care of the body and maintaining a healthy diet can return to the return of the skin’s healthy glow.
5. Yellow Skin and Eyes – If you notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow, it may indicate towards jaundice and would be best to seek a doctor. Yellowish skin could also specify a problem with bile production or how red blood cells break down. The sooner the symptoms can be treated, the better since early recognition will lead to better diagnosis.
6. Persistent Itching – If you experience constant itching all the time, then it might be more than just dry skin. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or even a liver issue could be the reason behind it. It is essential that one recognizes the cause behind it and not neglect any other signs that accompany the itchiness. A tailored skincare program or lifestyle modification may bring about the change required.
7. Changed Moles – Moles, if they grow, change color, itch or bleed, is often an indication of skin cancer. Learning the ABCDEs of mole surveillance: Asymmetrical, Border irregular, Color is inconsistent, Diameter is larger than 6mm and Evolving, can help you to easily recognize any discrepancy of the skin.
8. Ulcers and Wounds – Non-healing ulcers or wounds may be associated with serious issues like diabetes or circulatory problems. In the event that you spot any sores that do not go away in an appropriate amount of time, it is important to visit a doctor for treatment to avoid complications. Additionally, addressing these health issues in a timely manner can also help in reducing the risk of recurrence of skin lesions and improve the prognosis.
Your skin is an evident communicator about your health that can showcase signs which may be otherwise missed. Being attentive can help you to recognize potential issues early, allowing you to take proactive steps toward improvement. Not underestimating the messages that your skin is trying to communicate to you is crucial as they may become key to practicing healthier habits and maintain a happier lifestyle.
