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6 Skin Conditions That Are Signs Of Serious Health Issues

By Modupeoluwa Adekanye
01 August 2021   |   7:00 am
There are hundreds of skin conditions that affect humans. The most common skin conditions can have some symptoms that are similar. Often, these skin conditions are signs of other health problems. A few of these skin growths here or there are normal, but many skin tags that begin popping up could be signs of underlying…

There are hundreds of skin conditions that affect humans. The most common skin conditions can have some symptoms that are similar. Often, these skin conditions are signs of other health problems.

A few of these skin growths here or there are normal, but many skin tags that begin popping up could be signs of underlying diseases you may not be aware of.

Below are some skin conditions that may point to some diseases. However, ensure you visit your dermatologists or doctors when you have any consistent skin problems.

Weird Rash
Rashes are common conditions with a variety of causes. Most rashes are not dangerous but are rather a mere nuisance. Life-threatening skin rashes are rare, but when they do occur, you must seek immediate medical help.

Starting a new medication always comes with potential reactions. One serious problem is an allergy called “drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms” or DRESS syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition marked by a rash and an inflammation of the liver, heart, and lungs. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that while “almost any drug could cause DRESS,” the ones commonly associated with this are antibiotics, and gout and seizure medication. The Academy also states that this rash can appear two to eight weeks after starting the medication. Watch out if you have a rash accompanied by fever or swelling of lymph nodes.

Skin Tags
A few of these skin growths are normal, but many skin tags that begin popping up could show type 2 diabetes. Dr Rachel Reynolds, a dermatologist with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston said, “They’re spurred on by insulin-like growth factor 1, a protein involved in diabetes that stimulates skin overgrowth.” Other signs of type 2 include increased thirst, slow healing wounds, and increased hunger.

Adult Acne
Adult acne is so common, but when it is a fairly recent development, pay attention. It is a skin change that could be a sign of a serious disease; skin changes like acne can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects 10 million women worldwide. When a woman’s body makes excess “male” hormones called androgens, it is often accompanied by an increase in acne. Your doctor may suspect PCOS if you have acne along with irregular periods or acne that flares up just before your period.

Itchiness
Some cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma can cause itchiness as well as liver disease and kidney failure. If the itching is all over your body is severe, comes out of nowhere, or is so bad you’re losing sleep because you’re so uncomfortable, talk to your doctor. Itchiness with night sweats; fevers and unexplained weight loss are other red flag symptoms.

Swollen Legs
When someone is suffering from congestive heart failure, their weakened heart struggles to keep the blood moving against the pull of gravity. As a result, the blood can pool in your legs, explains Dr High. Seeing deep lines after taking off your socks is another sign, he says. That said, congestive heart failure is most likely to affect the elderly; if you’re a young person and have sock lines, your socks just might be too small.

Peeling skin syndrome
Peeling skin syndrome (PSS) is a rare genetic skin disorder where skin shedding happens at an accelerated rate. The condition can start at birth or early in childhood. Factors such as heat and friction may worsen the peeling, which can affect only the extremities or the entire body. Symptoms of PSS include Skin shedding or peeling, usually painless, Blistering, Itching, Skin reddening.
Learning about proper skincare and treatment for skin disorders can be very important for skin health. Some conditions require the attention of a doctor, while you can address others safely at home.

However, not every skin change is a cause for alarm. But if you have new rashes that don’t go away in a week or two or are accompanied by pain, fevers, puss collection, or chills, or they coincide with other symptoms mentioned, see your doctor.

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