If people pay attention to changes in their skin, they may discover signs of disease before it becomes too serious, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The most common skin changes that could be warning signs of ill health are rashes, any growths such as tumors, skin discoloration and changes in texture.
When it comes to rashes, people should pay attention to those that don’t respond to treatment and may come with joint pain, fever or muscle aches. For instance, rashes on the tops of feet and lower legs that don’t get better with topical medications may indicate hepatitis C. Other rashes that appear to be an allergic reaction to medications may actually indicate inflammation of internal organs.
New growths may be a sign of skin cancer, a genetic condition or other internal diseases. Yellow or waxy looking bumps on the body may be an indication of serious diabetes.
Skin discoloration in a variety of forms may be a sign of illness. Yellowing may indicate liver disease while darkening of skin creases, joints and old scars may be be a signal of adrenal illness. A bronzing of the skin in a diabetic person may indicate liver failure.
Changes in texture such as unusual softening or hardening of the skin may be an indication of an autoimmune disease. In overweight people, darkened skin in skin folds and on the back of the neck could be a sign of early-stage diabetes or a cancerous tumor.
The AAD advises people to seek medical attention for a rash that can’t be attributed to a specific cause, is not responding to prescribed treatment or occurs with other symptoms.
In addition, taking a dietary supplement such as OmegaKrill from Dr. Newton’s Naturals has the antioxidant power of krill oil, which helps to keep skin healthy and has heart-healthy properties that may lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce inflammation.