We're told not to judge a book by its cover, but our body's topmost layer can actually tell us a lot about our health. The skin can start to exhibit signs that a disease or illness is present in the body, which is why it's so crucial to see a skin specialist annually for a screening. It's important to seek medical skin care because many of the visible signs or symptoms of a disease might not be happening in tandem with others, making an underlying condition hard to detect without a professional assessment. Here are some signs to keep an eye out for in between dermatology appointments. 

Some Signs You Might Need a Skin Specialist 

1. Sores and Lesions 

Certain rare autoimmune disorders, such as Brehçet's Syndrome, can exhibit ulcers, sores, bumps, or lesions along different parts of the body. Another rare condition, Degos Disease, can have some of the same skin effects. This involves blocked arteries, causing inadequate blood flow to certain organs, which can show up on the skin and/or impact the affected internal region. Other illnesses, like the current Monkeypox epidemic, also involve lesions. 

2. Warts 

While warts are incredibly common occurrences, they might also be a sign that something else is amiss. HPV and herpes both exhibit as warts on the body. Certain autoimmune disorders do as well, which makes it important to seek out a skin specialist if any start to form, rather than just assuming that they're harmless or benign. 

3. Red Spots 

Chickenpox, smallpox, and shingles can all exhibit red spots, but in some cases, they can appear like a common rash or an allergic reaction. Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can also lead to skin discoloration or splotchy areas. While it's important to remember that many of these visible signs might have additional bodily symptoms, you can never be too careful, so seeking a skin specialist to confirm or deny the severity of an issue can give peace of mind or a proper diagnosis. 

If you're due for a screening, trust the skin specialists at Northeastern Dermatology PLLC. Led by Dr. Willis E. Martin M.D., this team of experts has provided knowledgeable expertise to their clients in Rocky Mountain, NC, and surrounding areas. For the last 30 years, clients experiencing skin conditions have been able to walk away with exceptional results. To make your appointment, visit them online or call (252) 281-2567.