[ad_1]
While the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” may be true for many things in life, it is not at all true when it comes to health. Actually, the “cover”, in this case the skincan tell a lot about what’s going on underneath it.
«The condition of the skin can sometimes be a reflection of the well-being of your bodysays dermatologist Y. Claire Chang. In fact, “its appearance can be the first visible clue to the diagnosis of serious medical conditions».
What conditions can you discover from a simple visit to the dermatologist?
1. Bowel problems
RELEVANT ARTICLES
The appearance of the skin can reveal a lot about gut health.
A review of April 2022 at Biomedicines found that an imbalance in gut bacteria may be associated with certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Some gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also cause skin problems. Dr. Chang says that about 10% – 30% of people with ulcerative colitis and 40% of people with Crohn’s disease have skin conditions, according to the American Library of Medicine.
Some gastrointestinal cancers are also associated with skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin on the palms and soles of the feet, although such cases are rare.
2. Kidney or liver disease
Changes in skin color may be a sign of underlying kidney or liver disease. Both organs work to eliminate waste from the body, and when they don’t work properly, it shows, the Johns Hopkins National Kidney Foundation points out.
«THE kidney disease can cause many different changes in the skin and nails, such as dryness, itching and white color or white streaks on the nails“, says Dr. Chang.
Similarly, and “liver diseases such as cirrhosis can lead to skin changes such as redness on the palms, branched blood vessels, bruising and jaundice“, says Dr. Chang.
If the skin has a gray-copper appearance, it may indicate hemochromatosis, that is, the presence of an excessive amount of iron in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic.
3. High cholesterol
Many people with high cholesterol may develop small yellow bumps around the eyes, a sign called xanthelasma, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
4. Diabetes
THE diabetes it can affect many parts of the body, including the nerves and blood vessels of the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with diabetes are more likely to experience dry, itchy skin or skin infections, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
In addition, there are skin problems that occur only (or mainly) in people with diabetes. For example, the acanthosis nigricans, a skin disorder caused by diabetes or insulin resistance, where velvety, dark plaques appear in the folds of the neck, armpits or groin, informs Dr. Chang. Another such condition is necrobiosis lipoidicawhich “creates red bumps on the lower limbs, which turn into waxy or yellow-brown plaques“, he adds.
Treating diabetes and managing blood sugar will help reduce your risk of developing these skin problems.
5. Nutrient deficiencies
A diet lacking in vitamins and minerals can negatively affect your health in many ways, including skin health. “Nutrient deficiencies can lead to various changes in the appearance and texture of the skin“, says Dr. Chang.
For example:
– The lack vitamin C creates bruising, bleeding gums, slow wound healing, brittle hair
-The lack vitamin A causes dry, rough and flaky skin or bumps all over the body
-THE iron deficiency creates pallor and thin nails
6. Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water during the day, your dermatologist will detect it by the look of your skin.
Dehydration can cause dry, flaky and rough skin, says Dr. Chang. Skin can also look dull if you don’t drink enough water, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, she adds.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that you drink several glasses of water a day, but also choose foods with a high water content to keep your body hydrated.
How often should you see your dermatologist?
Dr. Chang recommends seeing the dermatologist at least once a year for a full-body exam. The dermatologist is able to check for any suspicious skin symptoms, including early signs of skin cancer and gather the necessary information about your overall health.
If you notice sudden or unexpected changes in your skin, contact a specialist, who will direct you to the necessary steps to take.
Read more:
Skin: The symptom that “betrays” that the intestine is sick
Pregnancy: Suspicious changes in a woman’s skin – What we need to know
What’s wrong with Dull Skin – Revolutionary Countermeasures