Your skin can tell you a lot about your body’s overall health since it is the largest organ in your body. It acts as a protective barrier and aids in temperature regulation. Did you know the skin can also act as an indicator for serious health conditions that are not necessarily problems isolated in the skin, hair, and nails? The following are some internal conditions that may exhibit symptoms in the skin first.

• Diabetes – If you notice thick, dark velvety patches in the folds of the skin, such as the armpits, neck, groin, face, and hands, it may be an indication of diabetes. Yellow, waxy bumps on the arms, legs, and chest can also be indicative of an uncontrolled diabetic condition.
• Dermatomyositis – Raised, scaly bumps on the knuckles, as well as purple colored rashes on sun-exposed areas are symptoms caused by this inflammatory muscle condition, which is often associated with a wide range of internal cancers.
• Liver disease – Changes in skin color is often indicative of a problem in the liver, such as jaundice and hemochromatosis (liver failure).
• Thyroid problem – Abnormally functioning thyroid glands can cause brittle nails, hair loss and dry skin, as well as mild rashes on the upper arms or on the fingers.
• Susceptibility to bone injuries – Deep wrinkles on the neck and face can sometimes indicate a lower bone density, especially in postmenopausal women, which means there is higher risk for fractures.

In order to be familiar with your skin, it is important to regularly perform self-checks to monitor your skin condition. In the case that you notice any abnormalities, you should seek help from a respected board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology. Dr. Vaillant has over 30 years of experience and treats a wide range of hair, nail, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, hair loss, nail fungus, skin cancer, and warts. Please contact our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 to schedule an appointment!