How Your Skin Reveals Health Problems

Most of the time, when we talk about skincare, we’re referring to moisturizers or anti-aging treatments intended to improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin. This can even be a reason for some patients to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist. But beyond uneven skin tone or wrinkles, did you know that your skin can help you better understand your health? There are several ways, from discoloration to rashes. So, if you’re wondering what your skin is saying about your body, read on to get a better idea of how a skin irritation could be a sign of a bigger medical issue.

Butterfly rash
There are many types of skin problems that occur on the face – not just acne. When you have a rash on your cheeks that spreads over the bridge of your nose, it can point to several conditions including rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or in some cases, lupus. To determine the difference, a doctor will look for accompanying factors. Often, the distribution of a rash can help differentiate diagnoses from one another, so be sure to share any information with your doctor to narrow the possibilities.

Velvet plaques on the skin
Some people mistaken these patchy brown colorings as melanin pigmentation, but it’s an abnormally thickened epidermis known as acanthosis nigricans. In younger people, especially those who are overweight, it could be a sign of diabetes. Among elderly patients, including those who are ill, it might signal an internal malignancy that requires immediate attention.

Itchy, deeply pigmented bumps along the wrist
Known as lichen planus, this itchy condition affects both the skin and the mucous membranes. The bumps are typically small with flat tops, appearing brown or gray. In some instances, scaling is present. It’s uncommon, but there may be a link to a hepatitis C infection. That said, many cases reveal that the patient is otherwise healthy with no internal disease present.

Scaly rash in the groin area
When an individual has necrolytic migratory erythema, it can be tricky to diagnose. This skin eruption often occurs in the folds on the groin, the buttocks, and around the mouth, and it’s often accompanied by a sore tongue. It may even be mistaken for a standard fungal infection in the skin, but in some cases, a deeper examination with a skin biopsy will uncover this complex diagnosis. Because this rash comes from a tumor in the pancreas, where glucagon is made, the blood sugar is often elevated.

Leg plaque with red edges
Mostly found on the shin in a circular shape, this brownish-yellow ailment referred to as necrobiosis lipoidica is distinctly outlined in dark red. It’s also sometimes depressed in appearance. When you see this condition, many times it’s an indicator of diabetes, but not always.

It’s important to note that although there are health concerns that can be spotted from the appearance of your skin, not all skin conditions result in a scary or serious diagnosis. Sometimes, you can have a skin discoloration or bumps that don’t indicate any additional afflictions. In other cases, rashy skin can be cause for concern like kidney disease. In the case of scabies, it can even be a contagious condition. That’s why it’s always best to consult the opinion of an expert medical professional.