12 Things Your Skin Reveals About Your Health
We rarely think of our skin as the biggest organ in our body, but it is – and that’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to it. Sure, some unpleasant skin symptoms may just be the result of a poor beauty routine or other external factors. However, the skin can sometimes also signal that there’s something wrong underneath.
Today, we’ll have a look at 12 warning signs your skin may show you and what they really mean.
12 Things Your Skin Reveals About Your Health
- Dry, itchy skin
This sign may regularly show up due to external factors, in which case you can apply a moisturizer and everything will go back to normal. If it doesn’t go away, though, it may be time to seek help.
Dr. Jillian Macdonald, dermatologist at the Ottawa Clinic and associate professor in dermatology at the University of Ottawa, says that clinically dry skin may be cause by one of the following:
- Eczema
- Climate
- General dryness
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes inflamed, itchy, dry and cracked skin. It might be related to hay fever or asthma and requires special medication, so make sure to get checked by a dermatologist.
- Chin breakouts
Pimples are generally normal and may appear at any age. If you get breakouts around the chin or jawline frequently, though, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance. As Dr. Macdonald explains, this type of adult acne may occur especially in women who didn’t suffer from acne as teenagers; most of the times, the condition is worsened by stress, pollution, menstrual cycle or menopause.
- Sudden hair growth
Ladies, this one is for you: if you suddenly notice hair growing in areas specific to men such as the chin or right below the belly button, it may be a sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). If you’re also experiencing unusual weight gain or irregular periods, it might be time to consult a gynecologist.
Otherwise, this sign may be caused by genetics, as some people are naturally more prone to hair growth than others (men and women alike).
- Dark circles
If you’ve had countless sleepless nights, you may think that dark circles are normal. Sure, this sign usually appears due to poor lifestyle choices, age or genetics. However, the skin under your eyes may also change in color due to a nutrient deficiency or lack of hydration; if you experience additional symptoms such as dizziness or weakness, you may be dealing with anemia.
