The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it has subtle ways of alerting you to underlying health issues. Ignoring your skin’s warning signs may be dangerous, and it’s essential to act quickly when you notice any abnormalities.
This article will cover the three signs that indicate it’s time to get a blood test. Read on to learn more.
Change in Color
If your skin changes color, your body may be trying to fight off disease. For example, conditions such as jaundice and Addison’s disease are characterized by drastic changes in skin color. Jaundice affects the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera (the whites of the eyes), causing them to turn yellow, while Addison’s disease leads to dark patches on the knees, elbows, and between skin folds.
Both conditions can result in severe health complications when unaddressed, so it’s best to get your blood tested to diagnose the issue. Color changes are sometimes a symptom of autoimmune diseases or poisoning.
Irritation
Although infections don’t always display any outward signs, they may negatively impact your skin. When changes in skin color are followed by irritation, redness, itching, or scaling, the body could be dealing with a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The quickest method of determining the cause of discomfort and ruling out other issues is a blood test.
Growths
Contact your care provider if you notice abnormal growths such as moles, lumps, or warts on the skin. They’ll order a blood test to make sure the growth isn’t cancerous. Skin cancer usually starts as small bumps or lumps, so any unusual skin changes must be checked immediately.
Listen to Your Skin and Take Care of Your Body
While not all skin changes are signs of illness, you should schedule regular checkups with your care provider or dermatologist. This will prevent health emergencies and keep your body in good condition.
