What Do These Skin Problems Tell about Your Health Condition?

Skin CareJune 13, 2023

Some medical conditions are tricky to spot simply because they are hidden and almost show no symptoms. However, they can manifest in ways we never expect.

Although skin problems are usually a sign that you need to ditch a beauty product, they can also be symptoms of health issues. Here are changes in the hair, nails, or skin that you need to look out for:

Unexplained Hair Growth

While facial hairs are common even for women, there are times when ladies would notice that hair would sprout in unusual areas on the face. Unusual growth on the chin, below the belly button, or under the nose may be the result of polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.

JIB Liverpool/Shutterstock Facial hair growth is linked to PCOS

Along with unexplained hair growth, other signs of PCOS include irregular periods, difficulty in losing weight, and hair loss. Consult a doctor if you feel you are suffering from this hormonal disorder.

Eye Bags

The common notion is that dark circles are only caused by sleepless nights. However, there are other factors that may lead to eye bags.

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock Dark circles aren’t only due to a lack of sleep

Dermatologist Jillian Macdonald explained that as we grow old, the structural support surrounding our eyes as well as the fat pads undergo changes, which is why the hollows become deeper. Moreover, dark skin under the peepers may be because of dehydration or nutrient deficiency.

Sudden Skin Darkening

An unexpected and unexplained darkening or tanning of your skin is a hallmark of Addison’s disease, an uncommon disorder where your adrenal glands make too little cortisol, also called the stress hormone. Another sign of this health condition is the darkening of the inner ear and gums.

Addison disease’s patients overproduce the hormone ACTH, which is responsible for the skin’s pigmentation.

Flushing

Everyone experiences flushing now and then but if it has become a common scenario, it may be caused by rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Specifically, red cheeks and forehead may be due to dilated blood vessels.

Hair Loss

If you notice round patches of bald spots in your head, you may be suffering from alopecia areata. Unfortunately, this autoimmune disease can affect even the healthiest individual.

BLACKDAY/Shutterstock Excessive hair loss may be due to alopecia

Telogen effluvium, or the sudden hair loss, is linked to many factors like infections, chronic stress, childbirth, and high fever. However, people may notice hair growth in three months’ time.

Cracked Lips

Cold weather and biting habits are known reasons for chapped lips. However, your pucker may be dry due to what you’re putting on it.

You may be having an allergic reaction to a lipstick or toothpaste you are using. However, if you noticed fissuring and scaling at the corners of your mouth, it may be perleche, a fungal infection linked to vitamin deficiency.