What Does Your Skin Say about You?
The average adult has about eight pounds, 22 square feet, of skin. Of course, not all of your skin is visible to the eye and each layer or your skin serves a different purpose, but when something is wrong, your skin is one of the first defenses to send up a warning signal.
According to Amy Newburger, M.D, Dermatologist, and Spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, “Diabetes, for example, is generally a silent disease, but it can lead to distinct changes to the skin. So the skin may in fact be the first indicator of what’s happening.”
So what is your skin trying to tell you?
Signs, Symptoms, and Warnings
Breaking Out in Hives in Sunlight: Before you start thinking that you’re allergic to the sun (which is possible but extremely rare), keep in mind that certain chemicals in medication may cause changes in your sensitivity to sunlight.
Tip: Check your prescription medication and look for “may cause chemical photosensitivity.” Keep damage to a minimum by wearing protective clothing and ask your doctor to switch your formula.
Long dark lines in the palm: Had your fortune told lately? A doctor may read the darkening of your palms as an adrenal insufficiency. If the hyperpigmentation is visible around other skin folds and pressure points, you may be suffering from Addison’s disease.
Tip: If you notice this symptom in your skin, consult your doctor immediately. A change in skin is the first of many symptoms included pain, vomiting, dehydration, and loss of consciousness. A lab test will need to be performed in order to measure cortisol levels and offer a proper diagnosis.
Yellowish skin with orange palms and soles: Although it may look like you’ve popped out of a cartoon, this symptom is no laughing matter. Yellowish skin may be the result of an underactive thyroid gland, also known as hypothyroidism, which can result in in the body’s inability to metabolize vitamins (including beta-carotene accumulates found in carrots).
Tip: Eating too many carrots may give you that odd skin hue, but hypothyroidism can lead to medical conditions if not treated properly. If you’re feeling fatigued, cold, weak, or achy in addition to your unusual skin color, seek medical attention.
Brownish Spots on the Shins: Let’s face it, we tend to bump into things on a regular basis, bruising our knees, and shins, but when brown bruise-like patches on the skin start to form without additional trauma, you might want to have your doctor take a look because it may be a symptom of diabetes.
Brown discoloration combined with rough, almost scaly patches that forms ovals or circles on the skin are one of the telltale signs of diabetes. The patches shouldn’t hurt, as many diabetics lose their perception of pain, temperature, and touch (especially when it comes to their feet). Although there is no official treatment for diabetic dermopathy, you might want to get your doctor’s diagnosis and learn more about how to handle diabetes.
Large, dusky blue leg veins: Also known as varicose veins, these cosmetically annoying lines crawling up your legs are signs that your veins are no longer working properly.
Tip: Exercise is one of the best methods for fading varicose veins, along with avoiding constricting postures such as crossing your legs when seated. However, they will never full disappear. If the vein becomes warm and tender to the touch, inform your doctor immediately as it may result in dangerous blood clots.
Conclusion
Your skin is your body’s number one defense system, and it deserves a little extra attention now and again. Taking careful care of your skin and consulting your doctor when something doesn’t look quite right can prevent a wide variety of health problems. When it doubt, check it out – don’t wait until you’re in pain before you seek treatment.
