Our skin is an extraordinary organ that acts as a protective barrier against pollutants. It has many important functions such as temperature regulation, vitamin D production, prevention of moisture loss and more. It goes without saying that taking care of our skin is vital for our overall health. Paying attention to warning signs like redness, discoloration, or new scarring can indicate a more serious problem, and ignoring changes can harm your health. Don't eat that! Talk to the health doctor. Holistic Health Strategies Board Certified Family Physician Tommy Mitchell shares what we need to know about our skin and our symptoms. Read on - and to ensure your own health and the health of others, don't miss these surefire signs that you may already have COVID.
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The skin is our largest organDr Mitchell said: “It's true, the skin covers the entire surface of our body and protects us from the outside world. It consists of several levels, each of which has its own objective. The outermost layer, the epidermis, is tough and impenetrable. Water helps regulate body temperature and flush out harmful bacteria and toxins. The dermis below the epidermis contains hair follicles, sweat glands and blood vessels. This layer helps keep the body hydrated and nourishes the epidermis. Finally the hypodermis. It is the deepest layer of the skin. It contains fat and connective tissue that insulates the body and supports the other layers of skin. Together, these three layers make up our largest organ, the skin!
Without X-rays, CT scans, and more invasive tests and procedures, we cannot "see" what is going on in the body. However, it is safe to say that our skin can leave significant marks and it is important to read this information correctly and quickly.
Here are some skin signs that you should never ignore because they could be a sign of something bad."
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Armpits with brown spotsDr. Mitchell explains, “The skin under the armpits is sensitive and easily irritated. When the skin is exposed to the sun, it can produce more melanin, causing the skin to darken. Deodorants and antiperspirants can darken armpit skin because they contain aluminum and other chemicals that can irritate the skin.
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Certain medical conditions can darken the skin of the armpits, such as: B. Hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disease characterized by thick, dark, velvety skin lesions. It usually occurs in body folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Although it can affect people of all ages and races, it is more common in overweight adults and children. Acanthosis nigricans is neither dangerous nor contagious, but it may indicate an underlying condition. The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which is common in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The condition may also be linked to certain hormonal imbalances such as Cushing's disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. Rarely, certain medications or cancers can cause acanthosis nigricans. Treatment for acanthosis nigricans focuses on relieving symptoms and treating the underlying cause. If the condition is associated with obesity, weight loss and exercise may be recommended. Medications may also be prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity or manage hormonal imbalances."
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Inverted nipple or breast rash“There are many possible causes of inverted nipples, ranging from mild to more serious conditions,” says Dr. Michel. “In some cases, this condition can be caused by the buildup of scar tissue around the milk ducts. It can be caused by a nipple piercing, previous breast surgery, or long-term use of certain nipple creams or ointments.In other cases, the condition may be due to narrowing of the milk ducts, which can occur in response to infection or injury. Some types of breast cancer can also cause inverted nipples, and it's best to be on the safe side and see a doctor right away."
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breast rednessAccording to Dr Mitchell: "A rash on the breasts is usually harmless and often goes away on its own within a few days. However, in some cases it may indicate a more serious underlying condition. For example, a rash with itching, pain, redness or swelling may indicate an allergic reaction.A rash that lasts longer than a week or two or gets worse may also be a sign of an infection such as cellulitis or impetigo.
Although a doctor should check for changes in the appearance of the breasts, certain rashes or changes may indicate breast cancer. One of these changes is the development of an orange rash, stinks of orange. This rash is often accompanied by itching, redness and swelling and may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Other skin changes that may indicate breast cancer include dimpling, redness, itching, or scaling. Breast cancer can also be in the nipple or fluid. If you notice any of these changes in your breasts, you should see a doctor as soon as possible."
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Acute onset of seborrheic keratosis"Seboric keratosis is a benign growth that usually appears on the skin with age," explains the doctor. michel “They are usually brown or black in color and can have a waxy, scaly or scaly texture. Although not dangerous, they can be unsightly and people often want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons."
The acute onset of multiple seborrhoeic keratoses, also known as the Leather-Trella symptom, is a potential indicator of underlying visceral cancer. This is because cancer cells sometimes secrete substances that promote the growth of seborrheic keratosis. However, it is important to note that seborrheic keratosis is very common in healthy adults. For this reason, Leather-Trella syndrome is often overdiagnosed. If you suddenly develop multiple seborrheic keratoses, you should see a doctor to rule out an underlying cause."
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A sudden itchy rashDr Mitchell said: “Lichen planus is a skin disease that causes rashes. The rash is usually itchy and can be painful. It can also affect mucous membranes such as the mouth and genitals. coalesces and forms scaly scars. Lichen planus is not contagious. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune reaction.
Lichen planus is associated with hepatitis. This liver disease can be caused by hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination, and especially liver failure caused by hepatitis C. People with this disease can also develop primary biliary cholangitis. It is a condition in which the bile ducts of the liver become inflamed. If you have any of these conditions, you may experience fatigue, itching, and yellowing of the skin. You may also lose weight and experience joint pain. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible."
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Sudden eruption of raised, hard, waxy lesionsDR. "Eruptive xanthomas are yellow spots that can appear suddenly on the skin. They usually appear on the back, buttocks, elbows, knees, or palms of the hands. They can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as diabetes or high cholesterol,” Mitchell tells us.
These growths are fat cells that are usually less than half an inch in size. They can be itchy but are usually painless. You can lose a few or hundreds. In some cases, rash xanthomas go away on their own, but if you have more than one or they are accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Dyslipidemia is a serious condition because it means there are abnormal levels of lipids or fats in the blood. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems. The most common form of dyslipidemia is hypercholesterolemia, which occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a substance that the body needs, but too much of it can be harmful. Excess cholesterol in the blood can build up on the walls of the arteries and narrow them. This can lead to heart attack or stroke. Dyslipidemia can also cause inflammation of the arteries, which can also lead to heart disease. Treatment of dyslipidemia is important because it can help reduce the risk of this serious condition."
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Purple skin discolorationDr. Mitchell explains, “Skin discoloration can have many causes, but purple discoloration is usually a sign of something bad. Because blood discoloration is often caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Blood can turn purple if it doesn't have enough oxygen. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but is often a sign of heart or lung disease. If you notice a purple patch on your skin, it's important to see a doctor to find out that it may not be serious, but could mean something more serious. Either way, it's best to have it checked by a professional."
Dr. Mitchell says this is “not medical advice and these answers are not intended to be exhaustive. On the contrary, they should stimulate discussion about health decisions.