20 Things Your Skin Is Telling You Something Wrong With Your Health

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The skin can be a good reflection of the overall health of the body. Thus, changes in your skin could be indicative of something as innocent as needing more sleep or an extra layer of moisturizer, but in the event it's something more, you need to know.

Dermatologists are like detectives of skin - one look at the outside can give them important information about what's bubbling up on the inside.

Here's what symptoms could tip you off that there's something more going on.

1. Dry, Itchy Skin

A chronic inflammatory skin condition, can cause dry, itchy, inflamed and cracked skin. Chronically dry skin is commonly caused by two things—eczema and general dryness or climate.   It has immunological, genetic and environmental components and is also related to asthma and hi-fever.

2. Chin and Jawline Breakouts

Pimples popping up along your jawline and chin could signal a possible hormone imbalance. Hormonal acne in women can get worse in times of stress, during your period or during menopause.

3. Unusual Hair Growth

Unwanted hair that’s sprouting up in classically male areas, such as around the chin or just below your bellybutton, could be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). Symptoms are: inability to lose weight despite diet and exercise or irregular periods.

4. Dark Circles

Dark undereyes can be a combination of genetics, age or lifestyle factors. As you age, the fat pads and structural support around your eyes changes so you can see more of the hollows.

5. Sun Spots

Freckles and dark spots are are lifelong sun damage. Most sun damage occurs during childhood and teen years and can increase your risk for skin cancer. Keep an eye on any changes in your skin from moles to raised lesions or sores that won’t heal.

6. Sallow Complexion

Dehydration can cause your skin to lack lustre and your face can become sallow looking. Drinking enough water and getting ample sleep can improve the look of your skin.

7. Red Bumps

Not all red bumps are pimples. It can be rosacea, a chronic skin condition caused by both environmental and genetic factors and is often triggered by the weather, spicy foods, exercise and stress.

8. Puffy, Irritated Eyelids

Swollen eyes are caused by allergies. If the irritation is accompanied by a rash, you could be suffering from eczema.

9. Constant Flushing

Not all flushing means you're embarrased. A chronically red forehead and cheeks could be caused by dilated blood vessels due to the chronic skin condition rosacea.

10.  Visible Veins

Spider veins or varicose veins on your legs can be a signal of deeper issues with your blood flow caused by age, weight and genetics and could indicate future health concerns.

11. Dark Patches

Dark pigmentation on the face (known as melasma) tends to be hormonally related in women, and is often associated with pregnancy.

12. Red, Itchy Rash

Rashes are commonly caused by contact dermatitis, meaning the skin comes into contact with something irritating and the skin has an immune response.

13. Thinning Hair

Hair loss is generally both hormonal and genetic. In men, thinning typical begins at the hairline, while in women it can start as thinning that begins on the top of the head or centre of the scalp.

14. Hair Loss

If you’re suffering from distinct, round patches of hair loss both on your head and body this can signal something called alopecia areata. This autoimmune disease often has a genetic component and can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

15. Flaky Scalp

An itchy, flaky scalp can be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp condition that results in stubborn dandruff, scaly patches and red skin.

16. Dry, Cracked Lips

You could also be developing an allergy to a product such as a lipstick or toothpaste if you have dry and cracked lips.

17. Nail Changes

If you develop discolouration, dark spots, changes in your nail shape or clubbing, these can be signs of internal issues below the surface from vitamin deficiencies to lupus to liver disease.

18. Bruising

Frequent unexplained bruising or bruises that don’t heal could signal a bleeding disorder.

19. Cuts that Won’t Heal

If a cut or wound is slow to heal, it could signal a possible skin infection. Other causes of slow wound healing include skin cancer, a blood clotting disorder or diabetes.

20. Dark, Scaly Patches

Often, blood flow issues in people with undiagnosed diabetes can show up as dark patches on the front of the legs. Known as diabetic dermopathy, this can be a signal to see your doctor for more tests.