Possible causes:
Liver problems (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
Gallbladder problems
Pancreatic problems
When to be concerned: Dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain.
What to do: See a doctor immediately. A blood test is necessary.
2. Dark, velvety skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
Appearance: Dark, thickened, velvety skin in skin folds – neck, armpits, groin. It looks as if it needs to be washed, but cannot be rubbed off.
Possible causes:
Insulin resistance
Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
Hormonal disorders (PCOS)
When to be concerned: Any newly appearing velvety skin patch should be examined.
What to do: Have your blood sugar checked by a doctor.
3. New or Changing Moles
What to look out for: Follow the ABCDE rule:
Letter – What to check: Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other.
Border – Irregular, jagged, or blurry edges.
Color – Various shades of brown, black, beige, red, white, or blue.
Diameter – Larger than 6 mm (about the size of an eraser).
Change – Change in size, shape, or color.
What it could mean: Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
When to be concerned: Any mole that changes, itches, bleeds, or looks different from others.
What to do: See a dermatologist immediately.
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4. Red, Scaly Patches
What it looks like: Persistent red, rough, scaly patches that don’t heal.
Possible causes:
Psoriasis (autoimmune disease)
Eczema
Actinic keratosis (a precursor to skin cancer)
Squamous cell carcinoma
When to be concerned: Areas that don’t improve with moisturizer, bleed, or grow larger.
What to do: Consult a dermatologist.
5. Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks
Appearance: A red or purple rash on both cheeks and the nose – in the shape of a butterfly.
Possible causes:
Lupus (autoimmune disease)
Rosacea
Allergic reaction
When to be concerned: If accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, or fever.
What to do: Consult your doctor. This requires testing for autoimmune diseases.
6. Unexplained bruising
Appearance: Bruises that appear without any apparent cause or heal very slowly.
