3 Skin Health Dangers You Should Be on the Lookout For

Your skin is your largest organ and your first defense against viruses and infections, so it’s important to take care of it. Symptoms of ill health can show up on our skin, so it is a good idea to stay aware of sudden skin changes. Read on to learn three skin health dangers you should be on the lookout for.

Rashes

Rashes can be an early warning sign for a health condition going on in your body, especially if they appear suddenly. Rashes can be a symptom of an infection, allergy, autoimmune disease or a side effect of a medication. Some rashes are somewhat harmless but other rashes are more serious. Rashes can be a form of topical dermatitis or appear as a reaction to skin exposure to a chemical to which you are sensitive. Some rashes can occur as side effects of medications, such as certain anti-seizure medications. These effects can be serious; a rash like this can spread into your organs, causing death. If a sudden rash appears on your body for any reason, consult with your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Cancer

Skin cancer is a significant cause of death in the U.S. The most common types of skin cancer can be cut out if it’s caught early enough. Basal cell carcinoma is less dangerous and more easily treated than other skin such as melanoma, especially if it is treated early on. Melanoma shows up as moles developing irregular borders. Melanoma can spread rapidly and become deadly. The main actions you can take towards preventing skin cancer include wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun during peak times. Get yearly body scans from your regular dermatologist so they can track your moles and keep records of your progress.

Increased Bruising

A bruise is a disruption of blood vessels under the skin that is caused by outside pressure. Unexplained bruising can be a sign of diabetes because diabetes weakens the blood vessels under the skin. Leukemia is rare but one of its symptoms is also bruising. This type of bruise can be easily overlooked because it looks similar to a regular bruise. Leukemia bruising shows little red bumps that can also look like a rash mixed with bruising.

Your skin acts as a map, often corresponding to imbalances within your body. Being aware of changes in your skin is a good habit for monitoring your health and preventing death. Make sure you monitor your skin frequently so you can know if there are any problems you need to take care of. If you have any concerns, seek medical attention as soon as possible.