8 signs of disease written on your face

Doctors making eye contact with patients isn’t just about creating rapport with you. Certain facial symptoms may also be important clues to your health. We consulted with doctors across the country and asked them what symptoms they generally look for when examining their patients. The most important message from this is that you should pay close attention to changes in your face. If you have any unprecedented symptoms on your face, be sure to report the situation to your doctor immediately.

Dry, flaky skin or lips

This is a sign of dehydration. It may even indicate a more serious problem that affects sweat gland function, such as hypothyroidism (caused by insufficient thyroid hormone) or diabetes.

Increased hair on the jawbone, chin, and upper lip may be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal imbalance, or increased androgen levels (a condition that is common in nearly 5 million women of childbearing age in the United States).

This condition is called xanthelasma, and it may mean an increased risk of heart disease. In 2011, Denmark conducted a survey of 13,000 people and found that nearly 4% of the respondents had yellow spots on their eyelids. Compared with people without macular degeneration, these patients were nearly 70% more likely to develop hardening of the arteries and 50% more likely to have heart disease in the following decades.

Tired-looking eyes may be a sign of chronic eye allergies. The sensitive skin area under the eyes can easily develop puffiness or bags under the eyes.

Doctor, this could be a sign of a stroke. "Many patients often describe this symptom like this: When I look in the mirror, I find that my face is asymmetrical." Maybe you also find that there is a stiffness somewhere on your face or feel that you have difficulty smiling or even speaking. If you suspect you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911.

Even a slight discoloration of your skin could mean something is wrong with your health, the hospital's pediatrician said. Pale skin means you may have anemia; dark yellow skin indicates that there may be problems with your liver; blue lips may indicate problems with your lungs or heart.

Certain digestive problems may show up on your skin. Red, itchy bumps may indicate you have celiac disease or an autoimmune disorder. A butterfly-shaped rash on your cheekbones or cheekbones may be a sign of lupus. In addition, allergies, eczema, rosacea, or certain infections may also cause facial rashes.

A thickening of the neck or a retracted jaw can be signs of sleep apnea. If you snore loudly, wake up with a headache in the morning, or feel excessively tired during the day, see a doctor immediately.