It can be challenging to get an overview of your well-being without a doctor’s appointment. However, a few telltale signs can offer a glimpse into your overall health and wellness. For example, your skin health can be an indicator of your body’s and internal systems’ health.
The skin is interconnected to your physical well-being, specifically the internal systems around it. One key link between these two is the gut microbiome, which is responsible for your immune system and even your health. Dermatologist Dr. Hadar Avihai Lev-Tov notes that many diseases intersect between the gut and skin, which can explain how skin reflects your health. That said, the roots of the gut-skin axis still require further research.
There can be many reasons why your skin may be going through so many conditions. For instance, dark undereyes and acne are commonly associated with stress and anxiety. Check out these other examples of different skin concerns and what they might be telling you.
Having yellow spots between the inner corner of the eyelids and your nose can be a cause for concern. Medically known as xanthelasma, it is a sign of high cholesterol or fats in your blood. While the skin condition itself isn’t harmful, an eye doctor can help remove it.
More imperatively, xanthelasma can also be a sign to visit your doctor and get your cholesterol levels checked. Middle-aged people and women are more likely to have this concern.
Skin spiders are red marks with veins that look eerily similar to a red spider. It can appear on the face, neck and other parts of the upper limbs. While they can appear in both children and adults, they commonly occur in pregnant women and those with liver disease.
While skin spiders typically disappear without treatment, a blood test is ideal to check for any underlying conditions. Doctors may also have a diagnosis depending on other symptoms.
Certain kinds of rashes can indicate other problems. A butterfly rash shows up across the cheeks and nose in conditions like lupus, rosacea, and cellulitis.
They may also stem from antibiotic or antimicrobial treatment. For instance, treating Lyme disease or syphilis patients can create a Herxheimer reaction and cause the skin to form small red dots or bigger rash patches. These medical treatments may also worsen existing lesions.
Some people’s skin folds around the armpits and neck may seem darker than their regular skin. This kind of hyperpigmentation is known as acanthosis nigricans and is linked to diabetes and insulin resistance. Hormone disorders and internal malignancy can also contribute to it.
Similar to rashes, the velvety darkening of the skin can also result from certain medications, such as systemic glucocorticoids and oral birth control. It’s essential to address these side effects and explore alternatives with your doctor.
Melasma is another form of hyperpigmentation that looks like gray or brown patches on the face. It is more common in women because hormonal changes from pregnancy or hormone therapy typically trigger it.
Melasma can also come from UV light exposure, whether from the sun or tanning beds. Overexposure to these rays can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Take advantage of knowing how your skin reflects your health by exploring ways to improve it. Here are some suggestions that would benefit both your skin and well-being:
Understanding how your skin reflects your health can be key to identifying and sorting out any underlying conditions. To keep your skin clear and your well-being safe, make holistic and eco-friendly lifestyle choices. It can boost your quality of life while staying sustainable.
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