The skin is a large and complex organ, and one that’s also the most exposed to external factors that can affect it. As such, it can experience all manner of symptoms, such as dryness, greasiness, breakouts, and much more. Most of the time, you might not be concerned about changes to your skin, especially if you can manage them with the right skincare routines and products. However, there are some changes that you should be aware of that might need more professional attention.
Persistent Redness And Irritation
We can all experience redness and irritation from friction, weather, and the like, but if it’s persistent, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction to a skincare ingredient or fabric, or it might be a symptom of an underlying condition affecting your circulation, immunity, or inflammation. If that red skin lasts even after gentle care, or if it continues to spread, seek some professional insight.
Moles, Bumps, Or Spots That Change
We can develop new marks on our skin easily over time, but the sudden appearance of a mole, or one that changes color, shape, or even develops jagged borders, should be checked out. This is also true of small bumps, patches, or spots that bleed or refuse to heal. Skin cancer is a real risk that can affect just about anyone, so it’s never worth ignoring a new bump or mole.
Painful, Tingling, Or Burning Sensations
If you’re suddenly feeling new sensations in your skin, whether they’re tingling, painful, or just feel much more sensitive, it could be a sign of a condition affecting your nerves or an inflammatory response. In some cases, early nerve discomfort could be a sign of shingles. Check out educational videos on shingles to help spot those early signs, and you can begin treating it before it breaks out into a much more painful and long-lasting rash. In general, sudden and lingering sensations are worth a closer look.
Rashes Or Blisters That Spread Quickly
Rashes can appear for all kinds of reasons, be it dry skin, allergies, friction, or otherwise. However, if it spreads quickly or appears alongside blisters or even feelings of discomfort, it could be a deeper infection or a stronger allergic reaction that requires treatment. Rashes can make sleeping, moving, and even wearing clothes much more uncomfortable, so it’s worth getting them treated with the help of a dermatologist anyway.
Wounds That Don’t Heal
If you have a cut, scratch, or even a spot that takes an unusually long time to heal, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, perhaps involving circulation, immunity, or your blood’s ability to clot. Of course, wounds can sometimes reopen due to friction or inadvertent scratching, but the longer it takes, the more attention it’s worth, as it also increases your potential risk of infection.
The skin can show all manner of changes, which means it can also be an early indicator of all kinds of conditions. Be mindful of any changes you see, and know the symptoms that might warrant a call to your doctor.
