There is a reason that health care providers chat with their patients face to face. It is more than just to build rapport. Specific facial traits might uncover critical clues to health issues that might be underlying. The following are things that health care providers look for when they are assessing their patients.
Flaky, Dry Skin Or Lips
This is a typical warning sign that the individual might be suffering from dehydration. It might also be an indicator of a more severe issue that impacts sweat glands and their functions, like diabetes or hypothyroidism, which is marked by inadequate quantities of thyroid hormone. Other indicators of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain and feeling cold. The symptoms for diabetes include blurry vision, frequent urination and extreme thirst. The symptoms might also point towards other conditions such as an allergic reaction to drugs, dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.
Excess Facial Hair
Hair that is unwanted, especially the hair that develops along the upper lip, chin and jawline, could be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. This is an imbalance in the hormone where the male hormone levels are elevated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this could also affect close to five million females within the United States, which are of childbearing age. Individuals should become familiar with diseases that health care providers are likely to miss. However, do not immediately jump to the conclusion that something is wrong. Excess hair developing on the face could just be an inherited trait.
Soft, Yellow Spots On Eyelids
Individuals with such cholesterol filled lesions, known as xanthelasma, might have a greater risk of developing heart disease. A study completed in 2016 discovered that participants suffering from xanthelasma also had a higher body mass index. They also had higher total levels of cholesterol as well, placing them at a higher risk of experiencing a cardiac event.
Eye Bags & Puffiness
Eyes that have the appearance of looking tired constantly could also be a warning sign for chronic allergies. This condition dilates the blood vessels and results in them beginning to leak. Under the eyes where there is sensitive skin, this could create dark blue-purple hues and puffiness. The other potential culprits are sleep apnea and hypothyroidism.
