Skin makes up about 15 percent of our body mass and is the largest and most visible organ in the human body. Despite this, many of the skin’s functions are often overlooked. It serves as a sunscreen, shield from germs, reservoir of vitamin D, and regulates body temperature. Being the most visible of our organs, the skin offers insight into the body tissues that it protects. So, rather than purely aesthetic, think of it as a reflection of your health. Disorders of the gut, blood, hormones, and even the heart may first be seen on the skin in the form of a rash. Here are a few to look out for.
Bullseye
Ticks are pesky creatures that could cause trouble following a country walk. While most tick bites won’t make you sick, there is one rash that should prompt a visit to your doctor if you see it. Erythema migrans, a rash known for its rapid expansion across the skin, is a hallmark of Lyme disease, a potentially severe bacterial illness. This rash forms a classic target pattern, resembling a bullseye on a dartboard. Keep an eye out for it after being bitten, especially if you noticed a red lump that wasn’t there before or had to remove a tick from your skin. Also, watch for other symptoms of Lyme disease, such as swinging temperatures, muscle and joint pains, and headaches. The condition is treated with antibiotics to prevent long-term complications, including chronic fatigue symptoms.
Purpura
Some rashes have colorful names, such as purpura, which is derived from a mollusk used to make purple dye. Purpura refers to a rash of small purple or red dots caused by blood pooling into a deeper layer of the skin. It could signal an issue with the blood vessels or the blood itself. In severe cases, it may indicate the life-threatening condition septicemia, where an infection has spread into the bloodstream.
Skin spiders
Spider nevi represents an issue within skin arterioles, small arteries that supply the skin with blood. When these arterioles get stuck open, a spider-like pattern may appear. While these are often harmless and not associated with a specific condition, having more than three may suggest higher levels of the hormone estrogen, often due to liver disease or hormonal changes in pregnancy. Treating the underlying cause may lead to these patterns disappearing.
Black velvet
Changes to the folds of your skin, especially if it becomes thickened and velvety to the touch, may suggest a condition known as acanthosis nigricans. This “black velvet” appearance is more commonly seen in darker skins and is associated with disorders of the metabolism, such as type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. In rare cases, it may also be a sign of stomach cancer.
Butterfly rashes
Even heart disorders can be visible on the skin. Narrowing of the mitral valve in the left side of the heart can cause the heart’s function to deteriorate, leading to a purple-red rash high across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, resembling the outstretched wings of a butterfly, known as mitral facies.
It’s important to pay attention to your skin as it may indicate something going on beneath the surface through changes in texture, color, or the appearance of new marks.
