From big boobs to dry lips – your looks could be warning signs about your health
YOU probably examine your reflection several times a day, but how often do you really look at yourself?
We’re not talking about noticing the odd wrinkle, forget dark circles even.
No, it turns out that looking a little more closely at your face (and other parts of your body) could prove a life saver.
From your eyes to mouth and even your ankles, how you look could be hiding warning signs about your health.
GP Dr Rachel Ward tells Fabulous: “There are many subtle signs that you are not well that can be seen on your face.
“Skin colour, eye colour and lip condition are changes that can be an indication of physical and mental health. Our bodies are all unique – from skin blemishes to asymmetrical features – we’re all different.”
KNOWING YOUR BODY
What’s important is knowing our body, so we can better detect when something has changed.
“It might indicate an underlying problem,” says Dr Ward.
“Checking your breasts, testicles and moles regularly for changes is a key example. When it comes to cancer, early detection leads to better outcomes of treatment, so identifying changes early is very beneficial.”
Here, some of the country’s leading medical experts share what to look out for.
Many moles or changes in a mole
Could signal: skin cancer
“If you have lots of moles, you may be at greater risk of skin cancer, especially a type called melanoma, which is a cancerous mole,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anton Alexandroff.
“Keep an eye out for changes in shape, colour, border and size.
“If a mole changes or you notice it bleeding, see your GP or dermatologist.
“Get in the habit of checking moles yourself once a month to see if they have changed.”
White rings in the eyes
Could signal: high cholesterol
“A grey or white ring around the cornea is called arcus senilis,” says eye surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes.
“It’s common in older adults and is caused by fatty deposits in the edge of the cornea. It’s commonly a sign of ageing, but in younger people it can be a sign of raised cholesterol. High cholesterol would put you at greater risk of vascular problems, so it’s important to get it checked by an expert.”
The good news is that eating a healthy diet and exercising can help reduce high cholesterol, while some people can need medicine.
Speak to your GP if you’re concerned, as too much cholesterol can raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Swollen or discoloured ankles
Could signal: heart problems/blood clots
“If you’ve noticed a recent change in your feet and ankles, such as swelling or a mottled colouring, this could be a sign of circulatory issues,” explains podiatrist and spokesperson for The College of Podiatry, Emma McConnachie.
“Changes may occur in one limb or both. If you notice any difference in the size or colour of your feet and ankles, contact your GP or a podiatrist.
“It could signal heart issues, a problem with the arteries or veins in the legs. In rare cases, it could be a sign of blood clots, though this tends to be accompanied by heat and pain in the leg.”
If you suspect a blood clot get medical help immediately.
Big boobs
Could signal: breast cancer
Scientists believe women with a larger bust may be more likely to develop breast cancer, regardless of age, pregnancy and breastfeeding history and genetic ancestry.
The study uncovered that some genetic variants behind breast growth, such as BMI, were also influential in the risk of cancer.*
You can help yourself by keeping a healthy weight, cutting your alcohol consumption and checking your breasts for lumps, as well as dimpling of the skin of your breasts and changes to the nipples, such as a rash, discharge or a difference in size and shape.
Speak to your GP if you’re worried.
Yellow teeth
Could signal: diabetes or oral cancer
“Any illness that affects your tooth enamel will increase your risk of developing yellow teeth and cavities,” says celebrity dentist and owner of Kiln Lane Dental practice, Dr Hanna Kinsella.
“For example, diabetes, oral cancer, anaemia, anorexia and bulimia can all cause damage to the tooth enamel and oral health, which can result in yellow teeth, cavities, bleeding gums and dental pain.”
If you’re worried about any potential cancer signs speak to your GP.
A hairy face
Could signal: polycystic ovarian syndrome
If you’re sprouting unwanted hair on the face, chest or back it could be an indication of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects one in 10 women and is thought to be caused by a hormone imbalance.
It interrupts a woman’s periods and can make it harder to get pregnant.
“The most common place to see this hair is on the face, neck, chest, back, buttocks or thighs,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ellie Rayner.
“It’s caused either by increased levels of androgen hormones, by your body being sensitive to this type of hormone, or both.”
Thinning skin
Could signal: menopause
As women go through this big hormonal shift, many notice skin changes.
“Women find their skin becomes more lined, thinner and some develop acne or rosacea,” says Dr Louise Newson, a menopause expert and founder of Balance, an app providing free advice to menopausal women.
“Ageing of skin accelerates because of low hormone levels and moisture loss increases so skin can become drier.
“Hair can also become drier and thinner and many women notice their nails break more easily too.”
Cracked lips
Could signal: Crohn’s disease
This painful, chronic, lifelong autoimmune condition causes abdominal pain, weight loss and severe diarrhoea.
Experts have warned that swollen or cracked lips could be a sign of the disease, which affects more than 115,000 people in the UK.
It’s because Crohn’s lowers the body’s ability to nourish itself, which means your lips can become dry and chapped.
Dry mouth
Could signal: Covid
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While we’re aware of the rare “Covid tongue” – where the tongue looks white and patchy – many more sufferers report having a dry mouth.
Leading dentist Dr Kamila Azimova says: “Research has suggested a dry mouth was the most common problem caused by Covid, followed by loss of taste and fungal infection.”
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As always, any symptoms should be followed up with a Covid test.
Source: *BMC Medical Genetics