8 Skin Issues That Could Signal Something’s Wrong with Your Health

When your skin gives you ‘tude, it’s easy to blame the usual culprits—wishy-washy temps, working OT, or indulging in a few too many macarons. But it turns out your skin is like an alarm system for your body, and it can alert you to all kinds of health issues. When something’s off on the inside, clues start dropping on the outside.
Here are eight skin saboteurs and what they might be trying to tell you:
1. Super-Dry Patches
These tend to strike during cooler months, when your skin’s protective barrier breaks down, causing you to lose hydration, says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills.
But if you’re experiencing pesky symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and weight gain in addition to scaly skin, you may have an underactivethyroid (hypothyroidism), which your doc can diagnose with a blood test.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dry skin can also be a sign of an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, in which case you should nosh on more foods that are rich in omegas—like edamame, walnuts, and grass-fed beef.
2. Perma-Blushing


If you look like you’re embarrassed 24/7, it could be a condition calledrosacea. “Although the exact cause is unknown, there are factors that can worsen the symptoms,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and president of LovelySkin. Triggers vary but can includecold weather, alcohol, spicy foods, and (no shocker here) stress.
Aside from steering clear of those factors, your dermatologist might recommend prescription medications and Intense Pulsed Light treatments (which deliver light through the skin’s surface) to improve appearance and keep flare-ups to a minimum.
3. Surprise Freckles


New spots are usually triggered by excessive sun exposure. They’re your skin’s way of protecting itself from sun damage, says Schlessinger.Freckles that appear post-sunburn usually indicate an increased risk of melanoma, so it’s important to check in with your dermatologist just to be safe. “If no signs of skin cancer are present, they can help you find a skin-lightening regimen that will suit your needs,” he adds.
4. Major Breakouts


Hardcore acne typically flares up during times of high stress—tight work deadlines, breakups, a crappy night’s sleep—or just before your period. “Hormones play a key role in triggering adult acne, which is often inflammatory and cystic, and tends to involve the lower face and neck,” says Shainhouse. If you notice that your acne is of the menstrual variety, your dermatologist can prescribe a pill that can prevent or reduce the severity.
However, if your breakouts aren’t responsive to meds and you’re also experiencing irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and weight gain, it could be a sign of enlarged ovaries (polycystic ovarian syndrome), which can be diagnosed by an endocrinologist, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist.

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