When you look at yourself in the mirror, you probably notice any blemishes and imperfections and think about what you could do to correct or remove them. The market is flooded with products to moisturise, tackle spots, cleanse, cover and change the shade of skin, and people tend to think of it in terms of how it affects their appearance and what they can do to change it. But there's sometimes more to the picture than that.
Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and as such, it can be affected by a range of conditions and illnesses. If you notice a change in your skin, it could be signalling an underlying problem.
Rash
A rash could be a sign of many different problems, but should be of particular concern if it doesn't respond to any medicines, and if you don't normally get rashes for any reason.
If you've been taking any new medicines, the rash could be a side-effect. Rashes might also signal an infection, diabetes, hepatitis C, or some cancers, so you should definitely get it checked by a doctor.
Growths
While moles and other skin growths are usually nothing to worry about, they can be a sign of skin cancer. If you develop a new growth, or an existing one changes size, shape or colour, you should get it checked to ensure it's benign.
Sudden acne breakout
Acne is very common among teenagers, and this is due to the hormonal turbulence caused by puberty. In adults, the sudden appearance of acne can also be a sign of changes in hormone levels, which in turn could be linked to illness. It might also be caused by certain medication, such as the contraceptive pill, but this should clear up fairly quickly.
Discolouration
Any unusual changes in skin colour might signify medical problems. Yellowing can be caused by liver diseases, while a noticeable blue tint in the lips could show a problem with the heart. Either of these signs should have you seeking medical attention urgently. If you suddenly notice you've become paler, you might be anaemic.
Dry skin
Both hyperthyroidism and diabetes can lead to dry skin, so if you're experiencing it and haven't been diagnosed with either of these conditions, it may be worth seeing a doctor. However, your skin can also become dry and flaky because of dehydration, so up your water intake first and see if there's an improvement.
