The skin is your body’s largest organ and that’s why, it is very necessary to take proper care of it. Your skin is a barrier between you and a variety of health threats, from annoying irritations to invasive bacteria that could cause serious infections.
Countless things go into our body through the skin- sun, chemicals etc. The skin bears the impact of exposure to UV rays from the sun and maintains a healthy temperature despite the changing temperatures around us. Many toxins as well, exit the body through it, in form of sweat.
Also, the skin picks up information from the stimulation of touch, pain, pressure, hot and cold. It’s no surprise then, that when there’s something wrong with you on the inside, your skin sometimes, raises the first red flag. Taking care of your skin is important as it keeps it supple and fit. Just as a healthy skin contributes to your overall health, a significant benefit is its ability to occasionally send up the initial warning flare when your body becomes ill, as a sign that something is going on beneath the surface through changes in texture and colour by your hair, nails, or through itching.
Besides the sense of smell, sight, taste and hearing, the sense of touch is one of our skin’s most important senses. Without it, we would not be able to feel the wind blowing on our face, or the tender touch of a person, which is made possible by the various cells and nerve endings in the skin, that sends impulses to our central nervous system. The skin also protects the body from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, dehydration, mechanical trauma/ physical injuries, and environmental microorganisms. The skin permits movement and growth, excretion of water, urea, ammonia and uric acid, temperature regulation – the production of sweat which evaporates on the skin’s surface to cool us down, and lots more.
So what does your skin tell you about your health?
Dry, itchy skin
Dry skin is the most common cause of itching skin. It’s commonly caused by two things: eczema and general dryness, or climate. Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can cause dry, itchy, inflamed and cracked skin. It has immunological, genetic and environmental components and is also related to asthma and hay fever.
Chin and Jawline Breakouts
Pimples, popping up along your jawline and chin, is another possible indicator that something might be wrong. Breakouts in these areas could signal a hormone imbalance. This kind of adult acne is very common in women, who may not have had acne as teenagers. It can get worse in times of stress and exacerbates as well during your period or during menopause.
Unusual Hair Growth
Unwanted hair that’s sprouting up in classically male areas, such as around the chin or just below your bellybutton, could be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) according to a research. However, genetics and hormones also play a role in hair growth. If you’re exhibiting symptoms of PCOS, such as an inability to lose weight despite diet and exercise or irregular periods, consult your doctor to rule out PCOS.
Dark circles
Before you put on concealer, consider all the factors that could be causing your circles. Dark under eyes can be a combination of genetics, age or lifestyle factors. Anatomically as you age, the fat pads and structural support around your eyes change so you can see more of the hollows. Dark skin under your eyes can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency, a lack of hydration or not getting enough sleep.
Sun Spots
Freckles and dark spots are a measure of your lifelong sun damage. Most sun damage occurs during childhood and teen years, and can increase your risk of skin cancer. Watch out for any changes in your skin from moles to raised lesions or sores that won’t heal.
Sallow complexion
Dehydration can cause your skin to lack-lustre and your face can become sallow looking. Dry weather can also play a role in a sallow complexion. Drinking enough water and getting ample sleep can improve the look of your skin.
Red Bumps
Pimples-acne-like lesions, a ruddy complexion, redness and dry skin can all be symptoms of rosacea. This chronic skin condition is caused by both environmental and genetic factors, spicy foods, exercise and stress.
Puffy, Irritated Red Eyelids or Lumps around your Lids
The sensitive tissue around your lids could be puffy, red, or even droopy, because of an irritation from a beauty product, like mascara, eyeshadow, or even shampoo, which can also cause your upper lid to swell. Redness and discharges from your eyes caused by the irritation change your tear film—the outer liquid layer on your cornea. Suffice to say, you’re lining up for burning eyes and blurred vision.
Allergies could be the culprit for swollen eyes as well. If the irritation is accompanied by a rash, you could be suffering from eczema (a common symptom in adults is dryness and rashes on the eyelids).
Constant flushing
A chronically red forehead and cheeks could be caused by dilated blood vessels, due to the chronic skin condition rosacea. Extreme flushing can also be caused by hormonal changes in women such as menopause. If your skin suddenly becomes very flushed, and it won’t go away, and it is accompanied by any other swelling, you could also be having an allergic reaction.
Visible veins
Your veins are important indicators of your circulatory health. Spider veins or varicose veins on your legs can be a signal of deeper issues with your blood flow caused by age, weight and genetics and could indicate future health concerns. Spider veins on your face can be caused by excessive straining or rosacea.
Dark patches
Dark pigmentation on the face (known as melasma) tends to be hormonally related in women, and is often associated with pregnancy. While it doesn’t signal an underlying medical issue, it can be triggered by hormonal spikes and exacerbated by the sun.
Red, itchy rash
Rashes are commonly caused by contact dermatitis, meaning the skin comes into contact with something irritating and the skin has an immune response. But rashes in warm, moist areas of the skin can also be caused by a fungal infection, common in individuals, whose diabetes is not being properly managed.
Hair loss
If you’re suffering from distinct, round patches of
hair loss both on your head and body this can signal something called alopecia areata. This autoimmune disease often has a genetic component and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Dramatic and sudden
hair loss, called telogen effluvium, is commonly caused by things like childbirth, severe psychological stress, high fever, infection or a major illness, but will generally grow back in time.
Nail changes
If you discover discolouration, dark spots; changes in your nail shape or clubbing, these can be signs of internal issues below the surface from vitamin deficiencies to lupus to liver disease.
Bruising
Frequent unexplained bruising or bruises that don’t heal could signal a bleeding disorder. But, your body also bruises more easily with age, because the capillaries are closer to the surface as your skin thins. Medications like blood thinners can also contribute to bruises, and if you have large, unexplained bruising or new bruises after starting a medication. Visit a dermatologist.
Cuts that won’t heal
If a cut or wound is slow to heal, it could signal a possible skin infection. Other causes of slow wound healing include skin cancer (basal or squamous cell carcinoma), a blood clotting disorder or diabetes.
Dark, scaly patches
All dark spots are not sun-related. Often times, blood flow issues in people with undiagnosed diabetes can show up as dark patches on the front of the legs known as diabetic dermopathy.
Nutrition is an important health factor. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain and even affect organs such as your heart and liver. What you eat also affects the health of your skin. So, improve your skin’s well-being by eating right and caring for it – avoid excessive exposure to sunlight (make use of sunscreens and protective clothes), regular checks of moles and skin creases at sweaty areas, avoid walking barefooted, apply topical moisturizers, and bathe at least twice daily.
