Skin Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Summary

This video script delves into the health insights that can be gleaned from skin conditions, the body's largest organ. It outlines 14 distinct skin indicators, ranging from easy bruising hinting at blood clotting issues to yellow skin potentially signaling liver problems. The script emphasizes the importance of professional medical advice for any skin changes and provides a differential list for broader diagnosis consideration. It also touches on conditions like skin cancer, PCOS, and diabetes, linking specific skin manifestations to underlying health issues.

Takeaways

• 🩺 Skin is the body's largest organ and can reveal a lot about your health.
• 🩹 Easy bruising could indicate a blood clotting issue like hemophilia.
• 🤕 Non-healing wounds, especially on the face, might suggest skin cancer.
• 🧔 Unusual hair growth in women can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) due to excess testosterone.
• 🌀 A bullseye rash might indicate a recent tick bite and possible Lyme disease, common in the northeast US.
• 🌞 A red rash with light sensitivity across the nose and face could be a sign of systemic inflammation from lupus.
• 🏿 Darkening of skin folds may be a sign of diabetes, specifically Acanthosis Nigricans related to insulin.
• 🌈 Having over 50 moles increases the risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
• 💧 Slow capillary refill after nail bed pressure can signal circulatory issues or shock.
• 🏼 Pale conjunctiva or palms might indicate anemia due to less oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.
• 🔴 Red, scaly patches from contact dermatitis can result from allergic reactions to materials like nickel in cheap jewelry.
• 🟡 Yellow growths near the eyelids, known as Xanthelasma, can suggest high cholesterol.
• 🕷 Spider angiomas on the face, neck, or chest might indicate liver problems like cirrhosis.
• 💦 Poor skin turgor after pinching can indicate dehydration.
• 🟨 Yellow skin could be a sign of excessive alcohol consumption leading to jaundice.

Q & A

Why is the skin considered the largest organ of the human body?

The skin is considered the largest organ because it covers the entire body and has a significant role in protecting us from external factors, regulating body temperature, and providing a barrier against infection.

What does easy bruising indicate about a person's health according to the script?

Easy bruising can indicate a problem with blood clotting, such as hemophilia, where the body has difficulty controlling bleeding.

Why is a non-healing wound on the face considered a potential sign of skin cancer?

A non-healing wound on the face is considered a potential sign of skin cancer because the face heals faster than other parts of the body and is frequently exposed to the sun, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

How is hair growth in unusual places for women related to PCOS?

Unusual hair growth in women, such as on the upper lip, chest, and back, can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is often associated with excess testosterone leading to the development of larger, darker terminal hair.

What is the significance of a bullseye-shaped rash in diagnosing Lyme disease?

A bullseye-shaped rash, known as erythema migrans, is a common early presentation of Lyme disease, especially for those who have been in areas where deer ticks, which spread the disease, are prevalent.

How does lupus affect the skin's sensitivity to sunlight?

Lupus can cause increased inflammation throughout the body, making the skin more sensitive to UV exposure from the sun. This results in rashes, particularly in sun-exposed areas like the nasal bridge and cheeks.

What is Acanthosis Nigricans and how is it related to diabetes?

Acanthosis Nigricans is a condition where hormonal disturbances, often related to insulin, cause certain cells in the skin to increase, leading to thickened, velvety, and dark skin folds, particularly in areas like the neck, armpit, or groin. It can be an early sign of diabetes.

What does having more than 50 moles on the skin suggest about a person's risk for melanoma?

Having more than 50 moles can indicate a higher risk for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While moles themselves are not harmful, the correlation between the number of moles and melanoma risk can guide prevention strategies.

What is the capillary refill test and what does it indicate?

The capillary refill test involves squeezing the nail bed until it blanches and then releasing to see how quickly the color returns. If the color does not return within two to three seconds, it may indicate an issue with circulation or that the person is going into shock.

Why might pale conjunctiva or palms indicate anemia?

Pale conjunctiva or palms can indicate anemia because these areas typically show a decrease in the red hue, which may symbolize less oxygen-carrying ability in the blood vessels, possibly due to problems with red blood cells or perfusion issues.

What is contact dermatitis and how can it be identified?

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to substances that come into contact with the skin. It is usually localized to the area of contact and can have unique shapes that outline the exact shape of the allergen, such as nickel in inexpensive jewelry.

What does the presence of xanthelasma indicate about a person's cholesterol levels?

Xanthelasma is a benign mass where cholesterol deposits build up under the skin, often near the eyelids. While not usually problematic itself, it can indicate a disorder in the management of fats and cholesterols in the body, potentially leading to conditions like heart disease.

What is the significance of spider angiomas on the skin in relation to liver problems?

Spider angiomas are unique blood vessels that can appear on the face, neck, or upper chest and may indicate liver problems such as cirrhosis. They can also occur in pregnancy and are thought to be related to hormones and vascular growth factors, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

What does the skin turgor test measure and what does it indicate about a person's hydration?

The skin turgor test measures the skin's resiliency after being pinched. If the skin does not bounce back quickly, it may indicate dehydration. However, it's important to consider the context, as older individuals may naturally have less resilient skin due to age.

What does yellow skin suggest about a person's alcohol consumption and liver health?

Yellow skin, or jaundice, can suggest excessive alcohol consumption and liver damage. The yellow color is due to bilirubin, a breakdown product of red blood cells that, when the liver is damaged, can enter the bloodstream and cause skin discoloration.

Outlines

00:00

🧍‍♂️ Skin as a Health Indicator

This paragraph discusses how the skin, being the body's largest organ, can reveal various health issues. It highlights conditions such as hemophilia, skin cancer, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Lyme disease, lupus, and diabetes, which may manifest through skin symptoms like easy bruising, non-healing wounds, unusual hair growth, a bullseye rash, light sensitivity, and darkening of skin folds. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of professional medical advice for any skin changes and provides a differential list for potential diagnoses.

05:02

💧 Skin Signs of Dehydration and Jaundice

The second paragraph explores additional skin signs that may indicate underlying health conditions. It explains the skin turgor test, which assesses skin resiliency post-pinch to determine hydration levels, noting that older individuals may naturally have less resilient skin. Furthermore, it discusses jaundice, a condition where the skin appears yellow due to high bilirubin levels from liver damage, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The paragraph also touches on the public's curiosity about the health benefits of sparkling water and promises to address this in a future video.

Keywords

💡Skin

Skin is the body's largest organ, serving as a protective barrier and playing a crucial role in health. In the video, it is the primary subject for evaluating various health conditions. The script mentions skin as an indicator of diseases like hemophilia, skin cancer, and lupus, highlighting its importance in diagnosing underlying health issues.

💡Differential

The differential in medical terms refers to a list of potential diagnoses that could explain a set of symptoms. The script mentions 'the differential' as a list of other possible conditions to consider when observing changes in the skin, emphasizing the complexity of medical diagnosis.

💡Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, leading to easy bruising and uncontrolled bleeding. The script uses hemophilia as an example of how skin changes can indicate a blood clotting problem, with 'easy bruisability' being a prominent sign.

💡Non-healing wound

A non-healing wound is a cut or sore that does not show signs of improvement over time. The video script suggests that such wounds could be indicative of skin cancer, especially if located on the face, which typically heals quickly due to its high exposure to the sun.

💡PCOS

PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The script describes PCOS as a condition that may cause unusual hair growth in women due to excess testosterone, which can lead to the development of larger, darker terminal hair in areas like the upper lip, chest, and back.

💡Erythema migrans

Erythema migrans is a characteristic rash associated with Lyme disease, often appearing as a 'bullseye' shape. The video script mentions this rash as a common early sign of Lyme disease, particularly for those who have been hiking in areas where deer ticks are prevalent.

💡Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin. The script describes lupus as a condition that can cause inflammation and increased sensitivity to UV light, leading to a red rash across the nose and face, and emphasizing that lupus affects more than just the skin.

💡Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by thickened, dark, velvety skin, often in the folds of the neck, armpit, or groin. The video script relates this condition to hormonal disturbances, usually insulin-related, and suggests it as a potential sign of diabetes.

💡Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells. The script mentions having more than 50 moles as a risk factor for melanoma, explaining that while most moles are harmless, the correlation between the number of moles and melanoma risk can guide prevention strategies.

💡Capillary refill test

The capillary refill test is a simple assessment of blood circulation. The script describes it as a test where squeezing the nail bed and observing the time it takes for the color to return can indicate potential shock if the process is slower than two to three seconds, highlighting its use in evaluating skin health.

💡Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. The video script relates anemia to pale skin on the conjunctiva or palms, explaining that a decrease in the red hue can symbolize reduced oxygen-carrying ability in the blood.

💡Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that results from direct contact with an allergen or irritant, causing redness and scaling. The script uses it as an example of how wearing inexpensive jewelry, often containing nickel, can cause localized skin reactions in the shape of the contact area.

💡Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a condition characterized by yellow growths on or near the eyelids, often associated with high cholesterol levels. The script explains that while these benign masses are not usually problematic, they can indicate a disorder in fat and cholesterol management, potentially leading to conditions like heart disease.

💡Spider angiomas

Spider angiomas are small, spider-like blood vessels that appear on the skin and can be associated with liver problems such as cirrhosis. The script mentions that these unique blood vessels can also occur during pregnancy and suggests a possible link with estrogen and vascular growth factors.

💡Skin turgor test

The skin turgor test evaluates the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched, indicating hydration levels. The script explains that if the skin does not bounce back quickly, it may indicate dehydration, but also notes that age can affect skin resiliency, making this test context-dependent.

💡Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. The script relates jaundice to excessive alcohol consumption, which can damage the liver and cause bilirubin to enter the bloodstream, leading to the yellow discoloration of the skin.

Highlights

Skin is the body's largest organ and can indicate health issues.

Skin changes may be benign, but always consider multiple diagnoses.

Easy bruising can be a sign of blood clotting problems like hemophilia.

Non-healing wounds could indicate skin cancer, especially on the face.

Unusual hair growth in women may be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Bullseye-shaped rash could be an early sign of Lyme disease.

Red rash on the nose and face with light sensitivity might indicate lupus.

Darkening of skin folds could be a sign of diabetes.

Having more than 50 moles may increase the risk of melanoma.

Capillary refill test can indicate shock if the color doesn't return quickly.

Pale conjunctiva or palms may suggest anemia due to a fast heart rate.

Redness and scaling from contact dermatitis can indicate allergic reactions to metals like nickel.

Yellow growths near the eyelids could be a sign of high cholesterol.

Spider angiomas may indicate liver problems such as cirrhosis.

Skin turgor test can assess hydration levels by checking skin resiliency.

Yellow skin might be a sign of excessive alcohol consumption leading to jaundice.

Sparkling water's health effects will be discussed in a responding to comments video.

Transcripts

- When you're sitting in the hospital,

one of the first things doctors evaluate

is your biggest organ, skin.

Here are 14 ways your skin actually tells me

a lot about your health.

Just remember, changes to your skin may be a benign variant

and there are always multiple diagnoses to consider.

That's why I included a list of potential other options

called the differential right here on this clipboard.

If you're ever concerned or spot a new change though,

don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

If your skin has lots of bruising that happens really easily

your blood may be having a problem with clotting.

That's because one of the most prominent signs

of a condition known as hemophilia is easy bruisability

due to the fact that bleeding becomes harder to control.

If your skin has a cut that refuses to heal for a long time,

you may have skin cancer.

I'm not exaggerating here.

A non-healing wound on the face, to me,

is skin cancer unless proven otherwise.

This is because the face heals so much faster

than other parts of the body

and it's one of the most that's exposed to the sun.

If your skin has hair growth in unusual places as a woman,

you may have PCOS.

Females having hair suddenly appear in areas

like the upper lip, chest and back can be a sign

of excess Testosterone,

often occurring with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This is because androgenic hormones like testosterone

can cause peach fuzz or vellus hair to develop into larger,

darker terminal hair.

If your skin has a bullseye shaped rash,

you might have been hiking recently,

especially in the northeast of the US.

That's because one of the most common, but not all the time,

early presentations of Lyme disease

comes with the erythema migrants rash.

Lyme disease is spread by these guys, deer ticks.

So be sure to follow tips on how to best protect yourself.

If you ever red rash across your nose

and face with light sensitivity,

you might have increased inflammation

throughout your whole body from lupus.

That's because immune related changes in the skin

causes to become extra sensitive

and overreact to UV exposure from the sun.

So the most sun exposed regions like your nasal bridge

and cheeks get affected the most,

and it's important to remember

that lupus affects more than just your skin.

If you have darkening of the folds of your skin

in the neck, armpit, or groin, you may have diabetes.

Acanthosis Nigricans is when a hormonal disturbance,

usually insulin related, causes an uptick of certain cells

in the skin,

changing its appearance to become more thickened,

velvety, and dark.

Early onset of this should trigger a discussion

with your doctor about certain blood tests.

If you have more than 50 moles on your skin,

you could have a higher risk

of a type of skin cancer known as melanoma.

Moles, also known as beauty marks,

are brown pigmented spots that are a result of cells

called melanocytes tightly gathering together into clusters.

Most of them are quite harmless and are very common.

It's not that moles lead to cancer,

but instead a correlation that we have found to be true,

and we could use this correlation to help guide

risk stratification and prevention.

If I squeeze your nail and the blanching, or whitening,

does not resolve within two to three seconds,

you could be going into shock.

This is called the capillary refill test.

By squeezing the tip of the finger

we're able to temporarily cut off blood supply,

and upon release, we expect to see reprofusion of color

from blood very quickly.

If this process takes longer than three seconds,

there's an issue with circulation.

Why the nail bed?

Well, it's less impacted by melanin

and therefore there's less variation across humans.

If your skin is very pale on your conjunctiva or palms,

you may have a fast heart rate because you're anemic.

On areas where there's less variation from person to person,

we're able to see a decrease in that red hue

symbolizing that perhaps there's less

oxygen carrying ability in the blood vessels.

This could be due to a problem with the red blood cells

or perfusion issue like hypertension or blockages.

When your tissues aren't getting enough oxygen,

your heart tries to compensate for this by beating faster.

If your skin has a defined area of redness

and scaling over your neckline or ear lobes,

you might be wearing inexpensive jewelry.

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions

we see in primary care.

The interesting part about the diagnosis

is that the condition is usually very localized,

to where the contact had occurred.

So the red patches have very unique shapes

outlining the exact shape of that allergic cause.

Nickel is actually one of the more common metals

causing this immune overreaction on the skin,

and it's commonly found in costume jewelry and belt buckles.

If your skin has yellow growths on or near the eyelids,

you may be consuming too many fatty animal products,

aka high cholesterol.

Xanthelasma is a benign mass where cholesterol deposits

build up under the skin.

While the growth itself is not usually problematic

it can represent a disorder of the management of fats

and cholesterols in your body leading to other conditions

like heart disease.

That's why in addition to addressing cosmetic concerns

with these lesions,

we also routinely check blood lipid and other tests.

If your skin has one of these spider angiomas on your face,

neck, or upper chest,

you may have a liver problem like cirrhosis.

Interestingly enough, these unique blood vessels occur

in pregnancy as well as with liver disorders.

The exact mechanism for why

and how they're formed is not even fully understood,

but the hormone estrogen and certain vascular growth factors

have been implicated in initial research.

If your skin doesn't bounce back after being pinched,

you may need some water.

This is called the skin turgor test

and basically checks your skin's resiliency

after being manipulated.

If you are heavily, heavily dehydrated,

then skin struggles to return

to its normal position quickly.

However, there's an important caveat here

that this test needs to be thought about in context

as someone over the age of 65 may have naturally

less resilient skin simply due to age, not dehydration.

If your skin is yellow,

you might be drinking too much alcohol.

Jaundice is a well-known condition

for causing this unique change.

The color change actually stems from bilirubin,

which is a yellow orange breakdown product

of red blood cells.

It is normally processed by the liver

to be passed into the digestive system as bile,

then it's excreted through urine and stool.

However, if there's damage to the liver from alcohol,

the bilirubin can enter your bloodstream

and therefore cause yellow skin discoloration.

So many people ask me if sparkling water's

good for their health.

Well I answer that question

and more on this responding to comments video,

click here to check that out,

and as always, stay happy and healthy.

(gentle music)