Your skin can often reveal a lot about your health. Sometimes, it can even be the first indicator that something is off with your body. Skin symptoms may be unexpected or surprising, and they are often a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Here are 10 unexpected skin symptoms of disease to be aware of:.

1. Yellowing skin

If your skin appears yellow, it could be a sign of liver disease. One of the most common causes of yellow skin is jaundice, which is caused by a build-up of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.

The liver is responsible for removing bilirubin from your body, but if it is damaged, it can’t do this effectively.

2. Rash

A rash can be a symptom of many different conditions, including allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer. Some examples of medical conditions that can cause a rash include eczema, psoriasis, measles, and lupus.

If you develop a rash that does not go away, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, it is important to see a doctor.

3. Hives

Hives are a type of rash that appears as raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including food allergies, medication allergies, and infections.

In some cases, hives can be a sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Dry skin

Dry skin is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in weather, hot baths or showers, and certain medications.

However, in some cases, dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid disease.

5. Swollen skin

Swollen skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, and trauma.

However, if your skin is swollen and itchy, it could be a sign of hives or angioedema, which is a deeper form of swelling that affects the tissues beneath the skin. Some medical conditions that can cause angioedema include autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer.

Related Article Contradictory skin signs of illness

6. Itchy skin

If your skin is constantly itchy, it could be a sign of a medical condition like eczema or psoriasis.

Itchy skin can also be a side effect of certain medications, or it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like liver disease or kidney failure.

7. Warts

Warts are small growths on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be found on any part of the body, but are most common on the hands and feet.

While most warts are harmless and will go away on their own, some types of HPV can cause cancer.

8. Skin tags

Skin tags are small, soft growths on the skin that are often found in areas where the skin rubs against other skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

While they are usually harmless, they can be a sign of an underlying medical condition like diabetes or thyroid disease.

9. Red spots

If you develop red spots on your skin, it could be a sign of a medical condition like lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause skin rashes and joint pain.

Other medical conditions that can cause red spots include psoriasis, rosacea, and scarlet fever.

10. Cold sores

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and can be triggered by factors like stress, fatigue, and sunlight.

While they are usually harmless, they can be painful and unsightly.

Conclusion

While many skin symptoms are harmless, some can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you develop a skin symptom that does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, it is important to see a doctor.

Your doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause of your skin symptom and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.