Everybody worries about skin problems—fine lines, wrinkles, acne—we’ve all been there.
Almost everything we do affects our skin in some way. After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s constantly trying to protect you from harmful bacteria, infections, and much more.
But have you ever stopped to wonder what your skin actually reveals about your health?
More often than not, complexion changes are caused by external factors—makeup, sunlight, skin products, etc.—but there are a few warning signs you should always watch out for:
Purple Splotches
Possible Meanings: If you have a purple spot on your body that looks like a bruise, but won’t go away, you might be suffering from Purpura. This essentially means that your blood vessels are leaking underneath your skin. There are plenty of things that can cause Purpura: a vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), thinning skin, and sun damage, just to name a few.
Itchiness Without Rash
Possible Meanings: While you shouldn’t worry too much about itchy skin, it’s important to tell your doctor if it becomes persistent. In some cases, itchy skin (especially in the lower legs) is actually pruritis, a telltale sign of lymphoma. Known as the "Hodgkin itch," pruritis tends not to change the way the skin looks, though the itch can feel constant. If this is a symptom you’ve been experiencing often, it’s important to make an immediate appointment with your doctor.
Ultra-Pale Skin & Blue-Tinged Nails
Possible Meanings: Paleness in itself is nothing to be worried about. However, if your complexion starts to seem abnormally pale, you may want to talk to a doctor. Extremely pale skin, accompanied by blue-tinged nails, can be a sign of anemia. In general, anemia is caused by an iron deficiency and can easily be controlled with iron supplements and diet changes. However, it may also be the result of chronic blood loss from bowel disease or ulcer disease.
Brown Spots On Legs
Possible Meanings: Brown patches around the shins tend to be telltale signs of diabetes. These spots may also seem rough and scaly, but they never actually open up like sores. This diabetes symptom is generally caused by damage to the capillaries and small blood vessels, which leak in diabetics when traumatized. If you’ve been noticing unexplainable brown spots on your legs recently, make an appointment with your doctor right away.
