What your skin reveals about your health

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, covering some 22 square feet and weighing in at about eight pounds. Each square inch of skin contains millions of nerves that allow you feel touch, pain and pressure.

“Your skin serves many life-sustaining functions, including protecting you from the outside world and maintaining your body temperature,” says Steven F. Spencer, M.D., of Washington Regional’s Har-Ber Family Clinic in Springdale. “Your skin works hard for you, and through the years it may go through a lot of changes that are a normal part of the aging process. However, some changes can signal health problems. It is important to know what is normal and what is not.”

Normal signs of aging

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and more brittle, losing strength and elasticity. Because the skin produces less oil, it becomes drier, leading to wrinkles and tiny lines. “You may notice new skin growths or pigment spots, especially in sun-exposed areas,” Dr. Spencer says. “Tiny blood vessels in the skin become more fragile, so you may experience bruising or bleeding under the skin. These kinds of changes are normal.”

Warning signs

However, Dr. Spencer says, unexplained skin changes sometimes can be a sign of illness. He advises his patients to be on the lookout for skin changes or worrisome moles that might be a sign of skin cancer, as described in this “ABCDE” list published by the National Cancer Institute:

Asymmetry — The shape of one half does not match the other half. Border that is irregular — The edges are often ragged, notched or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.

Color that is uneven — Shades of black, brown and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue also may be seen.

Diameter — There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than 1 4-inch wide.

Evolving — The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months. Unusual skin changes also can signal other kinds of health problems. “Sometimes, changes in the color or texture of your skin can be a sign of internal disease,” Dr. Spencer says. “For example, yellowing of the skin might indicate liver disease, and darkening of skin creases or scars could be a sign of problems with the adrenal glands.” Also, a rash that does not respond to treatment or is accompanied by fever, joint pain, muscle aches or other symptoms could indicate an internal problem or infection.

“Get to know your skin and learn what is normal for you,” Dr. Spencer says. “Examine your skin regularly and call your doctor if you notice anything suspicious.”