Medical conditions affect all parts of the body including fingernails and skin!  Here are some serious skin warning signs that you can’t afford to ignore.

1.  Long dark lines in the palms

If you have long deep dark lines in the palms of your hands it could be a sign of an adrenal insufficiency – like Addison’s’ disease.  Other signs of Addison’s disease include dark pigmentation around scars, lips, and knees and knuckles.  People that suffer from Addison’s disease have low blood pressure and salt loss. If you ever have any unusual visual symptoms you should let your doctor know as soon as possible.

2.  Sun Rashes

If you’re taking a photo sensitizing medication or if you have sensitive skin, you may develop an itchy rash that is hive-like or looks like eczema.  Sometimes the chemicals in certain medications can cause a person to have an increased sensitivity to light.  You’ll know if it’s a sun rash if it occurs only on areas that were recently exposed to sunlight.  It can feel very uncomfortable and cause a tightening feeling – especially in the face around the lips – and last longer than a sun burn.  Check your prescription medications for photo-sensitizing chemicals.  Some medications will say “can cause chemical photosensitivity”.  Be sure to wear a high SPF sun block but be aware that this may not prevent a sun rash. Your best defense is to stay in the shade and wear hats and loose clothing at the beach.

3. Purple stains

Purpura is often confused with a bruise because it looks like one.  The difference is that it lasts longer and isn’t caused by a bump or a bang. Purpura is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin.  It can be caused by many conditions including bleeding disorders and scurvy.  It is most common in older adults whose skin is more fragile by years of sun damage and weakened vessels.  Excessive use of aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, blood thinners, and ginkgo biloba can make Purpura spots worse. Purpura discoloration starts red and eventually turns purple.  It can last for a long time before turning brown and slowly fading.  The color doesn’t go away when you press on it, and it can cover large areas of the body or show up in small specks.  If you notice extensive signs of Purpura, tell your doctor.

4. Pale skin and blue nails

If you have paler than usual skin on the face and palms, and a pale blue tinge at the base of your fingernails you may be suffering from Anemia.  This can be because of an iron deficiency, blood loss from bowel disease, or ulcer disease.  Anemia also causes your gums, lips, and mouth tissues to become lighter than usual.  Other symptoms of Anemia include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath.  Consult a doctor if you have signs of anemia.

5. Yellow skin, orange palms

This doesn’t mean that you’ve eaten too many carrots – it can possibly be the doings of your thyroid gland.  Hypothyroidism can cause an increase in beta-carotene levels in the blood.  If your thyroid gland cannot metabolize the vitamins as quickly as it should, beta-carotene can build up and cause your skin to turn orange or yellow in color. Your skin may also feel cold and dry.  Fatigue, weakness, and aching are also major signs of hypothyroidism.  You can, however, get orange skin by a heavy diet of carrots, carrot juice, sweet potatoes, and squash.   If you haven’t been snacking on these foods then you may want to go see a doctor about your thyroid.

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