Have you ever pondered the extent
to which a dermatologist can discern information about your health simply by
examining your skin? Changes in skin texture or discoloration may be indicative
of more profound health issues.
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| JUSTIN LAMBERT VIA GETTY IMAGES |
Dr. Jeremy Brauer, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatology surgeon in New York, highlighted that a person's skin texture serves as a clear indicator of their skin health, which, in turn, can provide insights into their overall well-being. When initially assessing a patient, Brauer emphasized the importance of dermatologists gathering a comprehensive history, encompassing medical and surgical background, along with details about the patient's medications.
Morfeli Team consulted with both a
cosmetic surgeon and board-certified dermatologists to uncover the details of
what they can observe from your skin and the warning signs to be aware of. It
is crucial to consult a dermatologist instead of attempting self-diagnosis if
any concerns arise.
Assessing your skin's thickness can
provide insights into your health. Thickened or swollen skin, particularly on
the fingers, hands, and feet, may indicate diabetes. These areas may also
experience reduced pain and sensation, a condition known as digital sclerosis,
linked to elevated blood sugar levels, as stated by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Open sores and wounds can convey important information as well. Dr. Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic surgeon, pointed out that slow wound healing and recurrent infections might signal diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often experience an extended inflammatory phase for wounds, leading to delayed healing and an increased risk of chronic wounds. Typically, wounds should fully heal within four to six weeks, and anything beyond that is considered a chronic wound. If a wound shows no improvement after a few weeks, or if it becomes painful or numb, seeking medical attention is advised.
Itchy bumps and dermatitis can
manifest as raised or scaly bumps on the skin or facial swelling, indicating a
potential dairy allergy. According to Dr. Jeremy Brauer, these symptoms
typically occur shortly after consuming dairy and may persist for days or
weeks.
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| Moles that bleed or scab are definitely a reason to alert your dermatologist |
Skin discoloration, appearing in various colors such as red, brown, or white, serves as a diagnostic clue to underlying causes. Dr. Brauer explained that redness may indicate inflammation, brown discoloration may be linked to pigmentation changes like sun damage, and a bluish tint may suggest a vascular issue.
Discoloration or darkening on
specific body parts, such as the neck and armpits, may signal acanthosis
nigricans, often associated with diabetes, according to Dr. David Kim. Another
diabetes-related skin condition is diabetic dermopathy, characterized by
well-defined brown spots on the shins, as noted by Dr. Brauer.
A rare condition called necrobiosis
lipoidica, presenting as irregular pink and yellow plaques on the shins, is
usually associated with diabetes. However, it can also indicate other health
issues like thyroid disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid
arthritis, and sarcoidosis.
Irregular moles, brown spots, and moles of certain types can serve as potential indicators of skin cancer, underscoring the importance of regular skin checks. Dr. Jeremy Brauer emphasized the significance of noting any new, changing, or unusual features and recommended consulting a dermatologist for evaluation and possible management. Changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles or spots, along with poor healing or persistence of scabs or sores, may suggest skin cancer. Bleeding or crusting during the initial healing stage is considered normal.
To monitor for potential signs of
skin cancer, an at-home skin checkup once a month is advised. Dr. Brauer
stressed the importance of examining the skin from the hair and scalp to toes,
both front and back. Unusual bumps, scabs, or alterations in size, shape, or
color should prompt a visit to the dermatologist.
Other potential signs of skin
cancer include rough or scaly red patches, persistent pimples, and irregular,
ragged, notched, or blurred edges of moles or skin spots. Additionally, a
pearly nodule with visible blood vessels on top could indicate basal cell carcinoma.
Redness on the skin may signal conditions like rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition, or irritation from a product. Dr. David Kim highlighted that the pattern and distribution of redness can offer insights into whether it is due to inflammation, blood vessel dilation, or an allergic reaction.
When assessing redness on the skin,
Dr. Jeremy Brauer focuses on factors such as intensity, distribution, and
pattern, as well as the presence of accompanying symptoms like itching,
burning, or dryness. Flat, pinpoint spots resembling a rash may indicate disorders
such as petechiae (for spots smaller than 4 millimeters) or purpura (for spots
larger than 4 millimeters). Dr. Brauer notes that these spots could signal
vitamin K or vitamin C deficiency and may also be associated with more serious
conditions like infections and heart issues.
Red and scaly skin could be a
manifestation of squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer,
according to Dr. David Kim. Such patches may exhibit crusting or bleeding.
Butterfly rashes, red rashes across the cheeks, are a characteristic sign of
the autoimmune inflammatory disease lupus, as mentioned by Dr. Ariel Ostad.
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| Yes, they can tell. |
In terms of changes to hair and scalp, doctors can easily identify hair loss issues or vitamin deficiencies. Dr. Kim evaluates the density and strength of the hair for symptoms. Common causes of hair loss include genetics, injury or trauma, autoimmune diseases, and iron deficiency, according to Dr. Brauer. Changes in hair and scalp can also be linked to vitamin deficiencies, such as diffuse hair loss indicating a deficiency in vitamin D and iron. Hyperpigmentation on hands and feet may signal a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, leading to hair loss. An itchy scalp with flakes and greasy patches may indicate seborrheic dermatitis, often caused by B vitamin deficiencies. Overall changes in hair and nails may be indicative of various deficiencies, including vitamin B, vitamin C, copper, and iron deficiencies.
Doctors can discern various
aspects, such as:
- Injectables History: Physicians
can identify if a person has had excessive filler or Botox injections.
Overfilled lips, under-eyes, and a heavy chin can indicate excessive
filler use, while a "frozen" expression suggests too much Botox.
Properly trained professionals aim for a natural look without overusing
products.
- Sleeping Habits: A
doctor can deduce whether someone is a side sleeper by examining their
skin. Side sleepers may exhibit hollowness on the side they sleep on,
leading to facial asymmetry. This can result in a flatter appearance on
the sleeping side. Dermatologists can also detect signs of teeth grinding
or tension in the teeth or jawline during sleep, which may contribute to a
squarer facial appearance.
This information is presented to you by Morfeli Team, your ally in creating a happier, healthier life. Morfeli Team covers a wide range of topics, providing trustworthy answers based on research, expert advice, and lived experiences. To support the continued availability of Morfeli Team Life and all its content, contributions as little as $2 are encouraged to keep it 100% free for users.
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