5 Diseases Signaled By Your Skin

Your skin is a secret doorway into your overall wellness. Radiant, glowing skin with no concerns is often a sign of a healthy mind and body. However, your skin can also show you signs of disease, such as autoimmune disorders. These are five common diseases signaled by your skin.

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder. When a person has Celiac Disease, their body cannot handle gluten. The villi, tiny finger-like projections in the intestine, absorb nutrients. When a person with Celiac Disease eats gluten, the villi slowly begin to flatten, so the body cannot absorb nutrients properly. This is just one of the severe side effects of Celiac Disease. There are various signs and symptoms of autoimmune conditions like Celiac Disease, including a symmetrical rash. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine, which it needs to function. There are multiple signs of hypothyroidism to watch out for. Some include:

• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Brittle nails

Your skin can also be a sign of hypothyroidism. It’s common for individuals with this condition to experience dry skin and/or swelling.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are commonly signaled by the skin. Some of the most common allergies include lactose, nuts, and honey. Most people with food intolerances experience more than one symptom. Digestive symptoms after eating the food are very common. You may also develop a rash, hives, or swelling of the skin

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition in which cysts develop on a woman’s ovaries. It can involve irregular or abnormal periods. For example, a woman may have no periods or excessively heavy periods. Often, there are cysts throughout the ovaries, which can prevent them from releasing eggs. PCOS is often caused by a hormonal imbalance typically seen in the skin via acne. It’s common for people to have acne during their teenage years or pregnancy. However, if you’ve suddenly developed acne and it’s not usual for you, it’s time to find dermatology services in Bucks County, PA.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition when the body cannot properly produce insulin. Our bodies require insulin to turn food into glucose properly. That glucose is then let into cells so we can use it as energy. If your body cannot do that, it can lead to various issues, including long-term organ failure. Diabetes impacts every part of your body, especially your skin. There are several warning signs of diabetes that you can see on your skin, such as:

• Dry skin
• Wounds don’t heal as well as they used to
• Rashes on the shins
• Dark patches of skin on the knees, fingers, armpits, elbows, and neck that may feel like velvet

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to speak with a dermatologist to discuss possible underlying issues.

Our dermatologist in Montgomery County, PA has the experience necessary to interpret the signals from your skin to help manage underlying health issues. Contact us today to discuss your skin concerns!