Sometimes your skin is the first to let you know that something isn’t quite right within your body. You might not have realized that you had a health issue needing to be addressed until you see the effects on your skin. The health and vitality of your skin can also be an overall indicator of general health and can be affected by nutrient deficiencies and dehydration. So with this in mind, what are some common things your skin might be telling you about your health?

Being aware of changes in your skin or on your skin can be a way to quickly determine if there is a condition you may need to be aware of. Healthy skin should be a color that is consistent throughout the body and kept hydrated. If you notice your skin changing and developing rashes, discoloring, itches, or anything else that isn’t normal, see your healthcare professional as it may be your skin trying to pass on a message from your body.

Butterfly Rash

As the name suggests, this is a rash that occurs in the shape of a butterfly. Unfortunately it occurs on your face with the wings on your cheeks and the body of the butterfly is on the bridge of your nose. There are two common causes of a butterfly rash. The first is dermatitis, which can be easily treated with medication. However, a butterfly rash is also associated with the autoimmune disease Lupus. You will need further testing to diagnose accurately.

Itchy Bumps On Wrists

Darker red in color, these itchy bumps are called lichen planus. The bumps are usually found on the inside of your wrists, but can also be found in your mouth (or both). In rare situations, they can also be found on other parts of the body. They are actually a pretty common skin disorder. They are not contagious and not a cancer. At this point, it is not known how lichen planus is contracted, but it may be linked to hepatitis C and you will need to see your doctor and possibly even get your liver checked out if you are displaying these symptoms since this is one of the things your skin might be telling you about your health.

Bags And Puffiness Under The Eyes

In most cases bags under the eyes are harmless and are usually a result of a sleepless night. Once you get a goodnights sleep the next night, they should disappear. But what if you’re sleeping well and the bags under your eyes and puffiness stick around? Well this can be a cause of a diet too rich in sodium which leads to your body retaining water. So try reducing sodium in your diet especially by eliminating processed foods and see if the symptoms improve.

Chronic Itchy And Blistering Rash

A Chronic Itchy and Blistering Rash can be known as dermatitis herpetiformis or duhring’s disease. These large rashes are commonly made up of blisters filled with fluid and commonly appear around the stomach, knees, back, or scalp. Its appearance is similar to the herpes virus, but it is not related. Dermatitis herpetiformis is most common in people of northern European or northern Indian people and is actually a type of celiac disease. The good news is that it is relatively easy to treat with a change in diet and/or medication.

Discoloration And Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by your body producing too much melanin. Melanin is what gives the skin its color. Hyperpigmentation is usually caused by excessive sun exposure however there are also other causes. These darker patches of skin often start on the elbows, knees, neck, groin, or armpits and spread slowly. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation can give the illusion of a nice tan. But they can be the early signs of diabetes so it is very important to watch what you eat to ensure you do not cause further damage to your body. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet and drink plenty of water.

In most cases changes to our skin do not indicate a serious issue but this could be one of the things your skin might be telling you about your health . However, if you are ever in doubt, it is always best to get your doctor’s advice. The quicker you spot changes to your skin, generally the easier it will be to treat them and the less discomfort you will experience. We would love to hear from you in the comments below about any of your experiences with the above.

Scaly Skin

Scaling skin or scaly skin refers to the loss of the skin’s outer layer of the epidermis, resulting in large, scaly flakes. Scaling skin is called desquamation. Also, it is also called scaly skin, peeling skin, flaking skin, and dropping of scales. When the skin is scaly, it also appears cracked and dry and cracked, but skin dryness is not necessarily the culprit.

Here are the things your skin might be telling you about your health leading to scaly skin or desquamation:

  • Lupus: My Psoriasis Team says that chronic cutaneous lupus comes with discoid lupus or round-shaped sores or lesions, which are raised, thick, scaly patches that are usually pink. The skin may form a crust or scale on the skin surface. Other skin problems associated with lupus include red spots, purple rashes, and scaly or flaky skin on different body areas, like the neck and face.
  • Actinic Keratosis: The skin is scaly with thick, crusty skin patch of fewer than two centimeters, or about a pencil eraser size.
  • Allergic Reaction: When an allergic condition occurs, it’s usually considered a medical emergency wherein allergens cause an itchy, red, and scaly rash that appears minutes or hours after allergen skin contact.
  • Athlete’s Foot: This foot condition also causes scaly skin, stinging, burning, and itching on the soles of the feet and between the toes.
  • Ringworm: It’s a fungal infection that causes circular-shaped scaly skin rashes with a raised border.
  • Contact Dermatitis: It appears a few hours to a couple of days after skin contact with an allergen, wherein it causes skin redness, rash, and crusty and scaly skin.
  • Allergic Eczema: It resembles burned skin, which also has a scaly and raw appearance. Blisters weep, become crusty, or ooze.
  • Psoriasis: With this skin condition, the skin becomes silvery, sharply, and scaly with defined patches that commonly involves the skin of the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees.

In conclusion, our skin serves as a remarkable indicator of our overall health and well-being. From the glow of radiant skin to the appearance of blemishes, dryness, or inflammation, our skin communicates valuable insights about our internal state. It is a reflection of our lifestyle choices, diet, hydration levels, and even emotional well-being. By paying attention to the signals our skin sends us, we can gain valuable clues about potential underlying health issues and take proactive steps to address them. From nourishing our bodies with a healthy diet and staying hydrated to managing stress levels and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, we can work towards achieving not only vibrant and glowing skin but also overall wellness. So, let’s embrace the wisdom of our skin and use it as a guiding compass on our journey to better health and a radiant, vibrant life.