I've come across many jaw-dropping cases in my medical career, but nothing is more shocking than discovering a major health concern from a few seemingly trivial skin abnormalities. Yes, you heard it right, sometimes small changes that we may not be aware of on a daily basis, such as a slight change in skin color, a subtle difference in texture, or a new creature that appears silently, can be a distress signal from the body.
Let me share a memorable story. Once, a middle-aged lady came to my office and her complaint was that her skin was starting to look a strange yellow color. Initially, she thought it might just be because of a recent change in skincare products, or because of her eating habits. But my gut tells me it's not just a simple skin issue. After a series of detailed examinations and tests, we found that her liver function was severely impaired, and the jaundice of her skin was actually caused by a liver problem. Luckily, thanks to timely medical attention, we were able to develop an effective treatment plan for her, which ultimately saved her health.
Skin color change: not just a consequence of sun exposure
Hello everyone, I'm a doctor, and today I'm here to talk about a seemingly mundane but potentially relevantly topic: changes in skin color. Most people may feel that their skin is discolored, especially darker or yellower, mostly due to sun exposure or diet. But you know what? Sometimes these changes can be an alarm from the body.
Real-life case sharing
I once met a patient who came to me for treatment because of yellowing of his skin. At first, he thought it was just a lack of vitamins or the recent stress at work. But after a series of tests, we found that his liver function indicators were seriously abnormal, and we realized the seriousness of the problem. After further examination, the diagnosis of hepatitis was confirmed, and fortunately, after timely treatment, the condition was brought under control.
The secret behind the change in skin color
Changes in skin color, especially yellowing, are often associated with liver health. The liver is an important organ in our body responsible for detoxification and metabolism. When there is a problem with liver function, bilirubin levels in the body rise, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow, a condition known as jaundice.
In addition to yellowing, if you notice that your skin suddenly becomes unusually pale, it may also be a sign of anemia, while dull skin may be a sign of vitamin deficiency or hypothyroidism.
How to self-check at home
Observe the color of the skin and whites of the eyes: Check the skin and whites of the eyes for yellow appearance in natural light, especially if there is no obvious trauma or infection.
Pay attention to the speed and extent of the color change: If the color change is rapid or widespread, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the liver or other internal organs.
Record changes: If possible, take photos to document them so that you can give your doctor more visual information when you see a doctor.
Abnormal skin texture: hardening or thinning should not be ignored
In my medical career, I have seen many cases of small mistakes, especially those skin problems that seem to be inconspicuous. Many people would think that changes in skin texture are just part of natural aging, but in reality, it could be an alarm signal from your body.
Possible meanings of abnormal skin texture
The skin is not only the largest organ of our body, but also one of the most direct indicators of health. When there is a change in the texture of the skin, such as hardening or thinning, this can be an early sign of a disease. Skin hardening can be an early sign of systemic sclerosis, while skin thinning may be associated with too much cortisol (Cushing's syndrome) or long-term use of certain skin creams.
How to recognize abnormal changes in skin texture
Regular self-exams: Perform a full-body skin self-exam at least once a month, noting any unusual changes in texture, such as skin becoming unusually thick or weak.
Focus on persistent changes: If you notice that an area of your skin is persistently hardening or thinning, accompanied by other symptoms, such as color changes or paresthesias, this could be a sign that your doctor needs to evaluate.
Professional consultation: If you have any questions or concerns, seek help from a medical professional. The doctor may recommend further tests or treatments to determine the reason behind it.
New creatures on the skin: not just ordinary moles
In my career, I've met many patients who come to the clinic with seemingly inconspicuous skin changes that end up with potentially serious health problems. Among them, the new creatures on the skin are an often misunderstood signal. Many people think these are just ordinary moles without knowing that they are sometimes a harbinger of a more serious condition.
Let me share a story with you. A middle-aged man came to my clinic with a new mole on his back. He wasn't worried, thinking it was just a natural phenomenon of getting older. However, this so-called "mole" has irregular edges, uneven color, and is larger than a pea. Upon closer inspection, we found that this was not an ordinary mole, but an early sign of skin cancer. Fortunately, thanks to early detection, surgery and treatment, the patient eventually recovered.
This case highlights the importance of proper identification of new skin organisms. Skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, may present as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. It's crucial to know when to seek medical help.
How do you identify suspicious skin neobiotas?
Symmetry: Healthy moles are usually symmetrical. If you notice that half of the mole is different in shape from the other half, then it is best to have it checked by a doctor.
Edges: The edges of a normal mole are clear and smooth. If the edges of a mole are irregular, blurry, or look like they've been cannibalized, it could be a sign of skin cancer.
Color: Healthy moles are uniform in color. If the mole has multiple colors, or changes in color, it is necessary to be vigilant.
Diameter: If the diameter of the mole is larger than the pencil eraser (about 6mm), attention should be taken.
Evolution: Any fast-changing mole should be brought to your attention, regardless of size, shape, or color.
When to seek medical help?
If your mole or new skin organism meets any of the above criteria, or if you notice other changes, such as bleeding, itching, or pain, it's a sign to see a doctor. Prompt examination and treatment can greatly improve the cure rate.
While waiting for a doctor's diagnosis, stay calm. Many skin changes are not skin cancer, but early detection and treatment are key. By doing a daily self-check and staying alert, we can better protect our health.
In closing, I would like to emphasize that the skin is our body's first line of defense and a visual reflection of our health. Regular self-examination and vigilance for any abnormalities can help us detect problems in time and take necessary medical measures.