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How well do you keep track of your skin’s health? Do you listen to it when it’s trying to tell you something is wrong, or do you just brush it off as a momentary irritation and not think about it?
If you’re the second type of person, maybe it’s time to think about what your skin irritations could mean about your health.
If you have…puffy eyelids or undereye circles
You probably didn’t get good enough, or just enough sleep last night. It’s also possible that you’re a stomach sleeper and there’s fluid accumulating around your eyelids at night. But if your eyelids are red and inflamed, it could be an allergy, and you should talk to a dermatologist.
If you have…itchy or dry skin
During the winter, the air gets a bit dryer, depending on where you live. The air could be drying out your skin, causing your skin to chap. Avoid super-hot showers and use moisturizer regularly. If it itches all the time, and it’s accompanies by other symptoms, talk to your doctor. It could be a thyroid problem, or even signify certain cancers.
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If you have…acne
You’re probably pretty stressed. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which clogs up your pores. Hormonal birth control can also be a culprit. If you don’t already have a facial cleansing regimen, try doing that. Then, attack that stress. Read up on some relaxation strategies. Take a walk around the block after a stressful day at work, or do some quick yoga at home. It won’t just make your skin look better, you’ll feel better too.
If you have…raised, red patches
It may be psoriasis, which is what happens when your immune cells are out of whack and cause inflammation. The most common times of diagnosis are when people are in their 20s or in their 50s and 60s. If you think you might have psoriasis, talk to your dermatologist. If your skin irritation is accompanied by joint pain, you could have psoriatic arthritis, and you’ll want to talk to your dermatologist about referring you to a specialist.
If you have…yellow bumps or dark velvety patches
These skin markings, most often on your neck, arms and legs, could be early signs of high triglycerides or diabetes. Talk to your doctor about these symptoms, because diabetes should be caught as early as possible.
