11 Facial Skin Issues And What They Really Mean For Your Health

Nov 20, 2018 by apost team

You may be surprised to learn just how much your face can reveal about your internal health. In fact a close look at your face can help identify where there are imbalances in certain parts of your body, and can help prevent future illnesses.

Below is a list of various facial skin problems and what they mean for your body. These will help you find possible defects so that you can treat them.

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Butterfly Rash

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Most facial rashes are caused by certain cosmetics, allergies, climate change, or eating too many sweets, and will usually go away with treatment. Rashes that appear on both cheeks (resembling a butterfly) however are a sign of lupus.

Other lupus symptoms include fever, joint pain, and your fingers becoming blue in cold weather.

Cracked Lips

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We all get dry, cracked lips occasionally -- typically due to extreme cold or heat, but also due to allergies or certain drugs.

It's a good idea to follow the childhood rule of not licking your lips in the cold. You can also use lip balms to help out.

Dark Under-eye Bags or Circles

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Circles and bags are usually inherited traits that you can't do anything about. Recent changes, however, indicate problems like sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, allergies, and excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, and salty foods.

Treating these causes early has many long-term benefits. For short-term treatment use cold compresses, special patches, or even concealing.

Excess Facial Hair

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While facial hair is usually hereditary, excess hair in young women could indicate a problem with ovary function called polycystic ovary syndrome. This can harm your chances of pregnancy.

It's a good idea to get treatment from a gynecologist, as well as avoiding high-sugar products.

Facial Hyperpigmentation

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Dark symmetrical spots on your cheeks and the bridge of your nose are typical signs of a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma. Typically stimulated by frequent sun exposure, melasma is common among women and dark-skinned people.

Pregnant women may experience melasma temporarilyy. Thankfully there are many ways to fight hyperpigmentation including chemical peels, laser therapy, and whitening cosmetics.

Red Nose

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Your nose contains numerous blood vessels which may cause discoloration when expanded due to allergies, temperature change, stress, and a runny nose. Redness caused by these will go away if treated.

If your nose is perpetually red, keep an eye on your blood vessels and see what lifestyle choices are causing problems. For specific diagnoses, you should see your doctor.

Skin Peeling Around the Mouth and Nose

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While there are many causes, such peeling typically indicates a lack of vitamins A, B. C, and E. This peeling is usually accompanied by poor concentration, hair loss, layered nails, and weakness.

You should undergo tests to see which vitamins you're lacking in to make the necessary dietary changes.

Sores On or Around the Mouth

istockphotos.com/budgetstockphoto These sores are typically indicators of type 1 herpes, a virus that stays with you once you have it and typically appears when your immune system is weakened by exhaustion, illness, or stress.

While it usually goes away by itself, you can treat it with special ointments.

Thinning Eyebrows and Lashes

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Thinner eyebrows and lashes not caused by failed cosmetic experiments usually indicates thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism (which is common in people over 50).

Other symptoms include dry skin, sluggishness, and unexplained weight gain. If you suspect you have thyroid issues, see your doctor immediately.

Unexpected Moles or Birthmarks

istockphotos.com/damiangretka While new moles typically aren't causes for concern, you should be concerned if these moles have jagged borders, uneven colors, a diameter greater than a pea's, or have changed in the last few weeks.

If you have any of these, you should avoid extended periods of sun exposure and use protective SPF creams.

Yellowish Face and Eyes

istockphotos.com/MediaProduction This condition -- otherwise known as jaundice -- typically occurs when waste accumulates in the body. While common in infants born prematurely due to temporary improper liver function, this condition for adults indicates severe problems like alcohol abuse.

It's important to get your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas checked so you can potentially rule out causes such as viral infections (including hepatitis or mononucleosis).

BONUS: How Acne Locations Reflect Internal Health

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The location of facial acne can reflect internal problems with your body. Analyzing the areas suffering from acne is important for spotting potential diseases so you can treat them (which in turn reduces unsightly pimples).

If you continually experience such acne, see a doctor immediately.

If you found this article helpful, then feel free to spread the word so others can tell what their face says about their health. Also, be sure to tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!