4 Skin Signs Not to Ignore
Not only is your skin the largest organ you have, but it’s also the thing that stands between you and several health threats. From harmful bacteria to the sun’s damaging UV rays, your skin takes the brunt of it all. On top of working to maintain a healthy temperature, your skin stays in constant communication with the rest of your body about the status of your overall health. And when something isn’t as it should be, your epidermis will raise an alarm, but what does this alarm look like?
When you fall ill or develop a condition, your skin may try to warn you through changes in color or texture or by creating a rash or even acne. Bottom line, it’s vital that you pay attention to these early signs and respond accordingly. In this article, we will break down 4 skin signs and what they might be trying to say about your health.
1. Red, Dry, & Itchy Skin
Dry, itchy skin is typically a result of harsh soaps or body products, hot showers, and/or dry weather. And while it’s mostly just unpleasant, dry skin could be a warning of something going on beneath the surface. If your skin becomes extremely dry, irritated, or itchy and lasts for more than six weeks, it may be an early sign of conditions such as:
- Skin inflammation (also known as dermatitis)
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Liver disease
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Asthma or hay fever
If you’re experiencing redness, blotchiness, blistering, or flaking, these could all be indications of celiac disease or rosacea. It’s essential to speak with your skincare specialist or physician to determine any triggers and to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
⇒ Check out Dry, Cracked & Rough: How to Care for Your Skin
2. Rashes
Rashes are often defined as temporary outbreaks of red, scaly, bumpy, and/or itchy patches of skin with the possibility of blistering and welting. While many are simply skin irritations that can be treated with an antihistamine, certain types of rashes could be signs of more significant issues. Perhaps the most common is called a butterfly rash. This form of abnormality typically spreads across one’s cheeks and resembles sunburn to the untrained eye—but more importantly, it is often linked to lupus.
3. Acne
Whether it be due to hormonal changes or environmental factors, we’ve all experienced some form of acne at some point in our lives. However, these dreaded bumps can also point to underlying health issues depending on their type, size, color, placement, and other factors. For example, if you’re a woman experiencing cystic acne, this could be an early sign of polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS.
Acne could also be a warning sign of:
- Digestive issues
- Cancer
- Respiratory complications
- Gastrointestinal imbalances
- Liver dysfunction
- High blood pressure
⇒ Check out 7 Surprising Causes of Adult Acne
4. Discoloration
Not surprisingly, a change in skin tone or discoloration can be a sign of a more significant health issue.
The discolorations you should watch for include:
Brown: Brown or gray-like patches typically indicate melasma, a pigmentation issue commonly found in women. The condition is caused by the corruption of the cells in charge of your complexion, otherwise known as melanocytes. While this condition is harmless, there are treatment options.
Yellow: The yellowing of your skin can indicate a few different things, with the most common cause being jaundice. If your skin presents a yellow-ish hue, speak to your physician as this could also be early signs of hepatitis, thalassemia, or pancreatic cancer.
Dull coloration: A sallow or pale complexion is commonly seen in older adults due to aging. However, it could also be caused by dehydration, vitamin deficiency, and extreme stress. To prevent this from happening, be sure to drink between eight to 10 glasses of water per day, take a daily multivitamin, and get at least eight hours of quality sleep.
Pro Tip: See A Skincare Specialist
While these tips are simple to follow, we highly recommend seeing a skincare specialist, or esthetician. At Genesis, we have professionally trained estheticians that work alongside industry experts and are equipped with tools and knowledge to help you unlock flawless skin. After a thorough skin assessment, our estheticians will use high-quality products for the treatment process and even offer advice on caring for your skin at home. OR, if you are interested in becoming an esthetician, explore our program and contact us today.