Pimples, peeling skin, a crack on the lips and even freckles - all this can be a signal of a dangerous disease.
Acne, flaky skin, freckles - these cosmetic problems seem to have nothing to do with our he alth. But doctors warn that some of these minor annoyances can warn of very serious diseases. Here are a few small symptoms that our body uses to get our attention and ask for help.
Pimples that don't go away
Pimples that do not go away for a long time, and especially those that begin to bleed - this is a reason to urgently see a doctor. Experts warn that this type of growth may be a manifestation of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.
Permanently flaky skin
In autumn and winter, when indoor air is especially dry and outside too cold, many of us experience flaky skin. This is unpleasant and it is worth using moisturizers to soften the skin, protect it and normalize the moisture balance. But if the peeling spot appears again and again in the same place or simply does not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible: this may be a manifestation of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin lesion that is caused by ultraviolet rays.
Red line on your nail
In most cases, a thin red line that appears on one or more nails warns that the nail plate is becoming thinner due to a lack of calcium. But it is still worth contacting a dermatologist, as in some cases a red stripe on the nails can be a sign of psoriasis or lichen planus (if several nails are affected) or about developing benign neoplasms.
Freckles and age spots
Many of us have freckles on our face in spring and summer, and most of us will face the so-called "buckwheat" - dark age spots with age. But you should carefully monitor each new spot and consult a doctor as soon as possible if they are asymmetrical, change in size, raised above the surface of the skin, change color or diameter. New growths with these characteristics can often be a manifestation of skin cancer.
Chapped lips
In winter, when it is very cold, and in the summer heat, many of us have to constantly lubricate our lips with balm or oil - increased dryness is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. But if your lips dry and crack regardless of the weather, you should consult a dermatologist-oncologist: melanoma often develops on the skin of the lips.
Eyebrow thinning
With age, hair loss, including in the eyebrow area, increases. But if your brows are going "bald" too quickly or too early, it's time to get your thyroid checked: it could be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Herpes
Carriers of the herpes virus is more than half of the adult population, but in most cases it quietly "sleeps", becoming active with a strong decrease in immunity, against the background of taking certain drugs or in other similar cases. If you develop sores and cracks in the corners of your mouth that do not go away for a long time, you should see a doctor to rule out an autoimmune disease or infection.