Our skin is pretty amazing.
Skin provides a barrier to keep harmful bacteria out.
It’s also pretty important to our appearance.
Healthy skin gives us that glowing, youthful look.
Skin also gives us clues as to what is going on inside.
From redness to itching, skin changes may signal a change in internal health.
Many health conditions start with skin changes, so be on the lookout for even small things.
It could save you time at the doctor later on!
Hives are raised, blotchy, red areas all over the body.
Thyroid disease
You know your friend who looks like she’s hit the tanning bed too hard?
Skin health also includes hair and nail health.
Some women with low thyroid start to notice brittle hair and nails, as well as dull skin.
Low thyroid also causes fatigue and intolerance to heat and cold.
Don’t worry, these symptoms should all go away as soon as it’s treated.
Women with overactive thyroid may be noticing more hair in the shower drain.
Dry, brittle hair can be a sign oflow or overactive thyroid.
Diabetes
One of the first signs ofsigns of diabetesis from the skin.
People with diabetes have uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
These levels lead to changes in the skin.
People with advanced diabetes will notice a decreased sensation in their skin, because of decreased circulation.
If your diabetes is advanced, it’s always a good idea to regularly check your skin.
Celiac disease
It probably feels like all your friends are going gluten-free these days.
Maybe you’ve even thought about it.
This burning rash of tiny blisters is calledcalled dermatitis herpetiformisand occurs in people with celiac disease.
Those who get the rash often don’t experience the digestive problems we think of with a gluten intolerance.
If you suspect you have this, see your doctor.
Actually, you probably already have because of the insane burning.
Your doctor or nutritionist will be able to give you the best plan for your body.
People who notice eye puffiness and dark circles around the clock may be gettingtoo much saltin their diets.
High-sodium foods cause our bodies to retain fluid, and our sensitive under-eye skin shows it.
Low bone density
Think those wrinkles are just from aging?
Check with your doctor to be sure.
Exercise, calcium and other medications can also help keep bones strong.
Skin cancer
Moles could be harmless dots or a sign of skin cancer.
If you notice that a mole has changed recently, check with your dermatologist.
One common sign is called thebutterfly rash.
This rash appears on the face and covers the cheeks in a butterfly shape.
Some new facial hair is never welcome, but it could be more than just an annoyance.
Liver disease
A new or chronic rash could have a million causes.
One that not many people think of right away is liver health.
People with liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, oftenreport itching skin.
Hepatitis C causes red, itchy bumps on your legs.
Most liver diseases also causeyellowing of the eyes.
Now next time you feel an itch, don’t assume you have a chronic liver condition!
More likely causes of itching are common things like allergies, asthma, and eczema.
Something more
The skin can even give us clues into our emotional and psychological health.
We’ve all seen how our skin can show our emotions.
Researchers atHarvardhave studied the relationship between skin and emotions and found that mind-body techniques may help chronic skin conditions.
So if no cream is helping your itching rash, try meditating.
