External Signs of Internal Problems
If you notice bumps on the skin, don’t assume they’re merely blemishes. New, abnormal freckles may indicate skin cancer and should be looked at by a dermatologist. But bumps or lumps may have other causes. Any unusual softening or hardening of the skin could indicate an underlying medical problem. The American Academy of Dermatology says waxy or yellow bumps may be a sign of high triglycerides — often an indicator of uncontrolled diabetes. See your dermatologist if you notice any unusual skin changes.
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Review Date:
May 13, 2015Citation:
Image courtesy of Evgenyatamanenko | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Borzywoj | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Jevtic | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Marilyn Barbone | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Dmitriy Melnikov | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Berna Namoglu | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of David Schliepp | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Olena Golubova | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Everett Collection Inc. | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Josha42 | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Artefy | Dreamstime.com American Academy of Dermatology, "Skin can show first signs of some internal diseases" CHealth, "What your lips can tell you" Mayo Clinic, "Oral thrush" National Eye Institute, "Cataract Defined" Mayo Clinic, "Cataracts" Mayo Clinic, "Graves" Women's Health, "Skin and Hair Health" Kid's Health, "Help! It's Hair Loss!" Medline Plus, "Nail abnormalities" Mayo Clinic, "Slide show: 7 fingernail problems not to ignore" Medline Plus, "Clubbing of the fingers or toes" The Permanente Journal, "Nailing the Diagnosis: Koilonychia" Mayo Clinic, "Hemochromatosis" Mayo Clinic, "Expert Answers: Acne" Women's Health, "What triggers acne in women?" Medline Plus, "Paleness" Medline Plus, "Adrenal Gland Disorders" American Diabetes Association, "Hemochromatosis"
Last Updated:
May 14, 2015