Doctor shares five signs on the skin that could mean you need to see a GP
Skin is the largest - and most visible - organ in the body. And there are many times it causes issues for people whether it is itchy, dry patches or lumps, bumps and changes in the way it looks or feels.
Making up 15% of the body's mass, it is often the first place that indicates when something’s not right with your health. However, it is easy to miss the signs at times - or if we do spot them they can be often ignored.
According to Dr Hao Hanson Yu MBBS MSc MBCAM of Dr Hanson Clinic there are key signs to watch out for. And he says there are a number of things your skin might be trying to tell you about your health, whether it is by excess sweating, pigmentation or stubborn dry patches.
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Excessive redness
While occasionally blushing is completely normal and not something to necessarily worry about, if facial redness lasts for longer periods of time, then this could be an underlying sign of a health condition, such as rosacea, or an indicator of spending too long in the sun, says Dr Hanson.
He says: "Excessive sun exposure overtime can break down collagen which causes thread veins and redness that doesn’t seem to go down over time. There are many treatments that can help combat sun damage, such as chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser skin resurfacing.
"You can even try at-home remedies such as retinoids and retinols, however, be wary to start slow with such products to ensure your skin doesn’t become more inflamed.
"You can also try vitamin C based products or supplements which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help strengthen blood vessels, so they don’t dilate too easily and cause redness. Rosacea can appear as redness across your face, neck and chest and usually lasts for a few minutes each time before reappearing again soon after.
"You may also spot small broken blood vessels or red bumps filled on your skin that don’t go away. If you notice any unusual redness, it’s important to visit a dermatologist who will be able to diagnose your issue and offer you treatment."
Uneven skin tone
Uneven skin tone is a broad term which refers to numerous issues such as blotchy skin and hyperpigmentation, but generally it means discoloured patches of skin across the body. Dr Hanson says: "Hyperpigmentation is the most common where skin overproduces melanin, usually caused by genetics, injury to the skin or underlying medical conditions.
"If you notice occasional patches of uneven skin tone, then there are ways to combat this. Products with Vitamin A can help soothe and fade hyperpigmentation by increasing the cell turnover of the outer skin layer. For larger areas of uneven skin tone then it’s advised to visit a GP who can diagnose the issue, any potential underlying medical conditions and refer you to a specialist if necessary."
Change in neckline
"Have you noticed your jawline, neck or shoulders feel more tense than usual? Perhaps you’ve noticed they look broader than before? This could be a sign of hypertrophy, whereby you’re clenching your jaw or tensing your upper body when feeling stress," advises the doctor.
He said: "Although not technically a skin condition, as this is caused by the trapezius muscle tensing up, it shows itself in your outer appearance. To ease this, a simple “ traptox ” injection of botulinum toxin into the trapezius can result in relief from chronic tension and result in a more relaxed neck and shoulder appearance."
Excessive sweating
Sweating is a normal and necessary function as it’s your body’s way of regulating its temperature and cooling down, says Dr Hanson. But he warns: "While it’s normal to sweat during exercise or in hot weather, sweating excessively for no obvious reason may be a sign that your body isn’t regulating itself correctly.
"Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can affect either the whole body or select areas and is caused either by faulty nerve signals or underlying health conditions. There are many ways to combat excessive sweating, from medical-grade anti-perspirant to Botox injections which block the signals that activate your sweat glands."
Stubborn dry patches
Dr Hanson says persistent dry patches of skin across your body, such as on your elbows, hands, face or chest, can not only be unsightly but they also can be uncomfortable or even painful if left untreated. He said: "Dry patches can be caused by your environment, with colder weather causing skin to dry out faster than usual, however it can also signify a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
"The easiest way to treat and banish those dry, scaly patches is to use moisturisers and lotions that are rich in certain products. Look for ingredients such as ceramides, glycerine and hyaluronic acid as this help attract moisture, alongside petroleum jelly, silicone and mineral oil which helps seal that moisture within the skin."
For more severe bouts of dry skin, visit a dermatologist or a pharmacist, he advises. They will be able to identify the specific cause of your ailment and provide you with either over-the-counter treatments or prescriptions.