Your skin is your largest organ, and because of this, your skin can really tell you a lot about your health. Your skin protects you against bacteria, regulates your body temperature, and has numerous pain, pressure, and temperature receptors that keep your whole body protected. It is no surprise that when something is wrong with your body on the inside, your skin can send you many warning signs. Here are a few things that your skin may be telling you about your health. If you notice any of these symptoms, then call your doctor for an appointment as soon as possible.
Yellowish Skin, Orange Palms and Soles
If you have buildup of yellow or orange pigments in your skin, then you may have a buildup of carotene in your skin. This can be a result of an under active thyroid. Hypothyroidism, or under active thyroid, causes beta-carotene to build up in your blood. After a while, your skin will begin to appear yellow and orange. Hypothyroidism is a disease in which your thyroid does not metabolize vitamins and nutrients very quickly. In turn, your metabolism slows down, and vitamins and nutrients build up in your body. People with hypothyroidism often feel sluggish, cold and weak. They also may gain weight and notice that their skin feels dry and cold a lot.
Breaking Out in Rashes when Exposed to the Sun
If you breakout in a red rash every time you go in the sun, then you may be allergic to the sun. However, allergic reactions to the sun are incredibly rare, and the more likely reason for your rash is that you have taken a medication that has increased your sensitivity to light. Check all of the labels of your medications to determine if any of them cause chemical photosensitivity. If they do, then always be sure to wear a high SPF sunscreen whenever you go outside. Sunscreen may not prevent the rash completely, but it should help a little bit. You should also speak with your doctor. They may be able to switch your medications and completely rid you of your rash.
Deepening of the Pigment in the Creases of Your Palms and Soles
If you suddenly notice that the creases in the palms of your hands and soles of your feet are getting darker, then you may have an adrenal insufficiency. Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder that causes your body to produce an insufficient amount of hormones from your adrenal glands. Overtime, this can lead to low blood pressure, salt loss, and general malaise.
Blue and Purple Lines Going Up Your Legs
Blue or purple lines that gravitate up your legs can be varicose veins. These types of veins are no longer working as they should, and can cause pain, cramping and difficultly walking. However, varicose veins may also occur without any symptoms, and may just be a cosmetic nuisance. Veins carry deoxygenated blood throughout your body and through your lungs in order to receive oxygen before entering your heart. They rely on one way valves that keep your blood circulating by pushing it up against gravity towards your heart. Whenever the valves stop working, blood will leak back through the valves and cause blood to pool in your tissues. Overtime, this pooled blood will become varicose veins. If you have these veins and they are not causing you any symptoms, then you do not need to worry. However, if you do have symptoms, then talk with your doctor and they can prepare a treatment plan for you to relieve your pain and discomfort.
Brown Spots on Your Legs
Brown spots that occur on your legs, and that do not go away very easily may be due to diabetic dermopathy. This disease occurs in patients who are diabetic due to poor circulation in their legs. Whenever they bump their legs, the trauma can cause damage to their capillaries, which causes them to leak blood into the surrounding tissues. The leaking blood can appear brown on your skin, and tend to form in circular patterns. If you notice these brown patches on your skin, and are not a diabetic, then it is worth talking to your doctor about them. You may be on the verge of developing diabetes, and your skin may be giving you the first sign.
Itchy Blisters on Your Forearms That Will Not Go Away
A persistent rash that shows up repeatedly and often on your arms near your elbows, on your knees, your back, your scalp, and even on your buttocks may be a sign of celiac disease. Celiac disease is a type of disease in which patients have sensitivity to gluten. Once they ingest gluten, the protein will damage their small intestine and cause nutrient absorption issues. Celiac disease sufferers also tend to have stomach pains, digestive issues, joint pain, and headaches. If you suffer from this persistent rash and any of the other symptoms of celiac disease, then talk with your doctor as soon as possible. They can test you for celiac disease while you are still eating gluten in order to see if your rash is from the food you are eating.
Your skin can really tell you a lot about your health. Normally many people disregard their skin. They will wash their skin every day in the shower, moisturize it often, and apply sunscreen whenever they go outside. However, they do not really study their skin on a daily basis. Your skin can tell you and your health care provider a lot about your internal health. Small changes in your skin’s texture and its appearance can mean big changes for your internal health. If you notice any of these changes in your skin, or any other weird rashes or appearance changes, then you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can test you for common skin issues and determine if your skin is trying to tell you something bigger about your health. Watch your skin for any changes, and call your doctor if your skin issues continue for prolonged periods of time.
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