Your face is more than just a way to show yourself, it can also offer crucial health indicators. Changes in your skin, eyes, or facial features may signal underlying health issues.Drawing attention to these signs can help you notice potential conditions early, providing a valuable opportunity for diagnosis and treatment.
Xanthelasma
It is a usually harmless, yellowish bump or growth that shows up on or near the corners of your eyelids, close to your nose. It occurs when cholesterol builds up under the skin.
While xanthelasma isn’t dangerous on its own, it can sometimes be connected to other health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid issues. Having xanthelasma could also mean you’re more likely to have heart problems or high cholesterol in the future, even if your levels seem normal now.
About half of the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol, usually because of inherited conditions or liver problems. You can lower your risk of xanthelasma by controlling your cholesterol, treating diabetes and high bl00d pressure, stopping smoking, and keeping a healthy weight.
While xanthelasma isn’t harmful on its own, it can be a signal of other health issues. It’s crucial to listen your doctor’s advice to keep your heart and cholesterol in check.
Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis occurs when the skin at the corners of the mouth becomes irritated, cracked, or painful. It often points to an underlying issue, such as an infection or a lack of certain vitamins. The condition is fairly common among older adults and may result from factors like aging, wearing dentures, or other oral problems.
If these symptoms appear, it’s best to see a healthcare professional, since deficiencies in nutrients—particularly B vitamins, iron, or zinc—can worsen the condition.
Maintaining a well-balanced diet and managing any underlying health concerns can help lower the risk of angular cheilitis. When symptoms don’t improve, medical evaluation is recommended to ensure proper treatment and to check for possible nutrient deficiencies.
Melasma
Melasma is a popular skin condition that leads to brown to gray-brown patches, mostly on the face. These patches often show on the cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip. Women are more likely to grow melasma than men, and it’s commonly seen during pregnancy. Women who take birth control pills or hormones are also at higher risk.
It’s often connected to hormonal changes. The pigmentation usually fades after giving birth or stopping the pill. Stress can also spark melasma.
The condition doesn’t cause harm, but it can be a source of self-consciousness. Treatment options are available, and seeing a dermatologist can help guide you on controlling the condition. An interprofessional team, including dermatologists and other healthcare providers, can work together to enhance diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.
Milia
Milia are small, white or yellow bumps that can appear on the skin, most commonly around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, or other areas. They develop when keratin—a natural skin protein—becomes trapped beneath the surface.
While they may resemble acne or pimples, milia are different. They can sometimes form after skin injury or the use of steroid creams, though in many cases, the exact cause isn’t clear.
Milia are generally harmless and often disappear on their own, especially in infants. If they persist, or are located near the eyes, a healthcare professional may need to safely remove them. When multiple bumps appear, doctors might also check for other underlying conditions.
Diagnosis is usually straightforward, often done by simply examining the skin. If necessary, a referral to a dermatologist may be given. It’s a good idea to see a doctor if you’re worried or if the milia don’t resolve naturally.
