Your skin is your largest organ\u2014and also one of your most honest communicators. Before internal problems become serious, your skin often sends subtle signals indicating that something needs attention. Your skin whispers before your body screams. Here’s what different skin changes might be telling you.<\/p>\n
First things first: Normal changes vs. warning signs
\nEvery skin type has its own characteristics\u2014freckles, moles, dry patches, occasional blemishes. Normal changes are nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n
When to pay attention: Changes that are new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.<\/p>\n
1. Persistent yellowing (jaundice)
\nWhat it looks like: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Initially, it can be subtle\u2014often first noticed around the eyes.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Liver problems (hepatitis, cirrhosis)<\/p>\n
Gallbladder problems<\/p>\n
Pancreatic problems<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain.<\/p>\n
What to do: See a doctor immediately. A blood test is necessary.<\/p>\n
2. Dark, velvety skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
\nAppearance: Dark, thickened, velvety skin in skin folds \u2013 neck, armpits, groin. It looks as if it needs to be washed, but cannot be rubbed off.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Insulin resistance<\/p>\n
Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes<\/p>\n
Hormonal disorders (PCOS)<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Any newly appearing velvety skin patch should be examined.<\/p>\n
What to do: Have your blood sugar checked by a doctor.<\/p>\n
3. New or Changing Moles
\nWhat to look out for: Follow the ABCDE rule:<\/p>\n
Letter \u2013 What to check: Asymmetry \u2013 One half doesn’t match the other.
\nBorder \u2013 Irregular, jagged, or blurry edges.
\nColor \u2013 Various shades of brown, black, beige, red, white, or blue.
\nDiameter \u2013 Larger than 6 mm (about the size of an eraser).
\nChange \u2013 Change in size, shape, or color.<\/p>\n
What it could mean: Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Any mole that changes, itches, bleeds, or looks different from others.<\/p>\n
What to do: See a dermatologist immediately.<\/p>\n
Continued on the next page<\/p>\n
4. Red, Scaly Patches
\nWhat it looks like: Persistent red, rough, scaly patches that don’t heal.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Psoriasis (autoimmune disease)<\/p>\n
Eczema<\/p>\n
Actinic keratosis (a precursor to skin cancer)<\/p>\n
Squamous cell carcinoma<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Areas that don’t improve with moisturizer, bleed, or grow larger.<\/p>\n
What to do: Consult a dermatologist.<\/p>\n
5. Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks
\nAppearance: A red or purple rash on both cheeks and the nose \u2013 in the shape of a butterfly.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Lupus (autoimmune disease)<\/p>\n
Rosacea<\/p>\n
Allergic reaction<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: If accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, or fever.<\/p>\n
What to do: Consult your doctor. This requires testing for autoimmune diseases.<\/p>\n
6. Unexplained bruising
\nAppearance: Bruises that appear without any apparent cause or heal very slowly.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Vitamin deficiency (vitamins C, K, B12)<\/p>\n
Blood clotting disorders<\/p>\n
Platelet dysfunction<\/p>\n
Liver disease<\/p>\n
Certain medications<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Frequent, large, or unexplained bruising.<\/p>\n
What to do: Have your blood tested.<\/p>\n
7. Persistent itching without a rash
\nThis is what it looks like: Intense itching without a visible rash or skin changes.<\/p>\n
Possible causes:<\/p>\n
Liver disease (bile acid deposits)<\/p>\n
Kidney disease<\/p>\n
Thyroid disease<\/p>\n
Iron deficiency<\/p>\n
Certain types of cancer (lymphoma)<\/p>\n
When to be concerned: Persistent itching, especially in combination with fatigue or weight loss.<\/p>\n
What to do: Consult a doctor.<\/p>\n
8. Sudden, Drastic Skin Changes<\/p>\n
Any rapid, unexplained change in your skin\u2014color, texture, or newly appearing skin growths\u2014should be examined by a doctor.<\/p>\n
When to be concerned:<\/p>\n
Rapidly growing lump<\/p>\n
Sudden darkening or lightening of the skin<\/p>\n
Extensive rash with fever<\/p>\n
Blisters of unknown origin<\/p>\n
What to do: See a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n
Other skin signs you should know<\/p>\n
Skin changes \u2013 Possible meanings<\/p>\n
Dry, itchy skin: Thyroid problems, dehydration, eczema
\nYellow-orange palms: Excess beta-carotene (often due to diet \u2013 harmless)
\nPale skin: Anemia
\nRedness: Menopause, rosacea, certain tumors
\nPetechiae: Blood clotting disorders, infections
\nPoorly healing wounds: Diabetes, circulatory disorders, skin cancer
\nWhat your skin can tell you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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