8 Skin Conditions That May Say Something About Your Health

Beauty is skin deep. In the world we live in, we are often judged by the way we look. It is because our skin tells so much about us. If we think good inside, we look better on the outside. If we feel crap within, our skin looks dull and raddled.

Below are the eight (8) common skin conditions that may also be warning signs of a health problem.

The Three (3) Main Functions of the Skin

Skin is the largest organ of the body. It consists of three (3) thick layers. The outermost, visible layer of the skin is called the epidermis. It serves as a waterproof barrier, and it defines a person’s skin tone.

Underneath the epidermis is the dermis, which is rich in connective tissues, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Finally, the deepest layer of the skin is the hypodermis or the subcutaneous layer. It is abundant in nerve endings, which are responsible for the sensation of pain, heat, cold, pressure, and any form of contact.

Why Skin is Important

A body without skin is unimaginable. The numerous roles of the skin are summarized into three main functions. First, the skin serves as a protective barrier from extreme temperatures, radiation, and mechanical impacts. Second, the skin regulates the body temperature by controlling evaporation and producing sweat. It ensures that the body maintains its core temperature of 37 C. Third, the skin is responsible for how we feel.

Your Skin Reflects Your Health

1- Dark Circles Under Eye

Dark circles under the eyes, puffy eyes and eye bags can be very common for many people. However, sometimes they may signify a medical problem. There are several causes of dark circles or loose dark skin under the eyes.

Most of them are less serious, and interventions are self-manageable. Lack of sleep, overexposure to sunlight, dehydration, stress, too much salt in the diet, or allergies can make the skin under the eyes appear dark.

2- Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Not only older people have them, but premature wrinkles and fine lines may also now appear to younger people – as early as 25. As we age, the skin loses its natural elasticity.

Thus, wrinkles and fine lines gradually appear. However, too much sunlight can speed up the aging process by breaking down the collagen fibers in the dermis resulting in early wrinkles. Wrinkles and premature lines are often managed and treated with anti-wrinkle creams.

3- Dry Skin

Dry skin is any skin condition marked by cracking, scaling, and sometimes, itching. Extremes of temperature, deficient fluid intake, and soaking in hot water can dehydrate the skin. In most cases, dry skin is not a serious matter. That is why it is better to use Cosrx, a snail mucin essence. Cosrx not only improves skin texture but also repairs damaged skin and rejuvenates the complexion.

However, extreme skin dryness may be a clinical manifestation of a disease. For instance, people with atopic eczema and ichthyosis may need a more potent topical cream to alleviate skin dryness and inflammation.

4- Hyperpigmentation

Melanin, which is the skin’s natural pigment produced by the skin, is responsible for protecting the skin against the harmful UV light. However, several factors can increase melanin production, resulting in darker skin patches or hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can be a harmless condition and goes away. For instance, melasma or dark spots on the face can occur in pregnancy but fades afterward.

On the other hand, hyperpigmentation can be pathological. People with Addison’s disease and liver problems may experience unsightly dermatological conditions. Certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, can also cause darkening of the skin.

You may use topical creams such as Musely the Spot Cream for taking care of your sun spots, age spots, skin discoloration, and acne scars. These creams, if added to your daily skincare regime, may result in a noticeable change in your skin.

5- Sweats a Lot

Sweating is the body’s way of maintaining a balanced core temperature. According to StatPearl, sweating may not mean much about health. Yet, some people suffer from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. People who have hyperhidrosis sweat a lot even in cooler, non-stressful situations.

While hyperhidrosis tends to be a glandular problem, excessive sweating may also occur in people with hyperthyroidism and menopausal women.

6- Puffy Eyes

Many women struggle to resolve puffy eyes or under-eye swelling. Puffy eyes occur where there is fluid build-up surrounding the eyes. If you have not cried overnight, had a night of good sleep, and followed a healthy lifestyle, but the eye bags won’t go away, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.

Swollen eyes may signify eye inflammation or infection, such as conjunctivitis. Moreover, people who have failing kidneys have problems getting rid of fluid in the body. Thus, the fluid stays in the body resulting in swelling in the hands, feet, and eyes.

7- Persistent Skin Flushing

A blush or flushed skin is the body’s common response to stress, alcohol, embarrassment, or extreme emotion. However, if your face is always red without a triggering cause, it can be a concerning issue. In a manuscript from HHS Public Access, skin flushing may be a sign of endocrine disorder or cancer.

If skin flushing is associated with a mixture of these clinical manifestations such as fever, fatigue, change in bowel habits, and abdominal pain, it is time to see a doctor.

8- Thin Hair

Genes are not only to be blamed for thinning hair and hair loss in men and women. Besides excessive hairstyling, the Dermatology Practical and Conceptual reports that people who have been struggling in getting their healthy hair back despite measures should start looking into their diet.

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency affect hair growth and structure. Researchers added that people should develop mindfulness for healthy skin by eating a well-balanced protein diet and taking daily supplements, particularly niacin.

Conclusion

The skin is not only a boundless barrier that protects the organs, regulates temperature, and provides sensation, but also indicates physical and mental well-being. While skin problems can signal an underlying medical condition, most of them are not serious and can be addressed by self-care measures. For more such health-related content please, visit Health Web Magazine.