The skin is the largest body organ and because the different organs in the body have to work together to keep us healthy, a problem in one organ or system may be reflected in another organ. Sometimes, the skin can give clues to conditions that affect other parts of your body.
The following are several medical conditions that may show up on your skin before you even realize you have been afflicted by a disease.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease occurs when your adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone hormones. This rare condition can be life-threatening, as the body requires cortisol to turn food into energy, respond to stress, and maintain healthy immune function. The hormone aldosterone is necessary for maintaining a proper balance of sodium and potassium levels and keeping your blood pressure regulated. One of the early signs of Addison’s disease may be a darkening of the skin, called hyperpigmentation. Other signs are extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar.
Celiac Disease
This is also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy. In simple terms it can be described as an allergic reaction to consuming gluten which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is a part of the immune system’s abnormal response to gluten.Dermatitis herpetiformis is a severe, itchy, blistery skin rash that is a sign of celiac disease. Not all celiac patients have this skin condition, only 15-25% of celiac patients experience this rash, which may be confused with bug bites or allergic reactions. Dermatitis herpetiformis typically affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and buttocks. Men are more likely than women to suffer from this disorder, which is treated with topical antibiotics followed by the avoidance of gluten.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a fairly common condition, characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood. There are several ways in which diabetes symptoms may occur on the skin. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition in which creases of skin on the back of the neck, armpit, or groin become dark, thick, and velvety. This condition appears to be related to insulin levels in the blood and may be an early warning sign of diabetes. Other skin-related symptoms of diabetes may be frequent skin infections, the appearance of blisters, dark or thickened patches of skin, excessive skin tags, and raised bumps on the skin. Consult your doctor if you notice sudden or extreme changes in your skin.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Lichen planus is a type of bumpy rash that can be a sign of infection with hepatitis C. On the skin of the arms or legs, these bumps are usually purple in color, flat, and painless. When this rash occurs in the soft tissues of the mouth or vagina, it can cause painful sores. A blood test can determine whether this rash is due to hepatitis. Other causes of lichen planus may be a flu vaccine, exposure to certain chemicals, pain relievers, or even certain prescription medications.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Patients with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may also suffer from skin conditions. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers form on the skin of the legs or other areas. This condition typically occurs in individuals suffering from other autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. While these sores are unsightly and painful, they are not contagious and cannot be spread to others.
These are only a few of the chronic conditions that have skin manifestations. Some of them are not so common and their names may make them hard to remember, however the important thing to know is to be vigilant and always contact your doctor if you develop skin changes or wounds that seem to rapidly grow or spread.
