Most of us spend lots of time every day, taking a look at ourselves within the mirror. When we look in the mirror, it’s generally to fix our makeup, or to pick our unsightly pimples, or to stare at our blackheads, or even to just examine our features. However, are we really looking at the right things?
In reality, there are a lot of things we should be looking for when we stare into the mirror. From swollen neck to unseasonably cold feet to the length of your eyebrows, you might never realize that these symptoms could actually be signs of something more serious. Noticing small changes can nudge you into paying attention to potential problems.
If we don’t have any major health concerns (like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc), most of us assume we’re relatively healthy. But, there are few sneaky signs that show we’re not healthy. Read on to find them.
#1 Chicken Skin
Chicken skin, or permanent goosebumps, or ketosis pilaris, caused by an overgrowth of keratin, is very common — one in three of us have them, usually on the backs of our arms and thighs.
Keratin, which protects skin from infections and other harmful things, can build up and form plugs that block hair follicle openings and cause small bumps.
While they’re completely harmless, you can talk to your doctor about solutions.
#2 Cold Feet
If your feet are unseasonably cold, it could be a sign of vascular disease. They are a long way from your heart, so your feet are often the first place vascular disease shows up.
Additionally, if both your hands and feet are strangely cold, it could be linked to Raynaud’s syndrome, where the blood supply drains from fingers and toes. Raynaud’s can also be a sign of several autoimmune conditions, so it needs to be checked out.
#3 Cracked Lips
Cracked, chapped lips are often just a product of cold winter air. But cracks at the corners of your mouth can be caused by a shortage of B vitamins or zinc.
It’s also possible that you’re getting too much vitamin A. With long-term cracks, a fungal infection may set in. So, treatments for oral thrush may help.
#4 Creased Earlobes
Creased earlobes are often just a sign of aging, but there is some research that says that creased earlobes can up the risk of heart disease by a third and 77% if both lobes are affected. According to Healthline, if your ear has a wrinkle, fold, or crease (and isn’t entirely smooth), it is a potential indicator of coronary artery disease.
#5 Flushed Face
Rosacea, or rosy red cheeks and nose, often affect women aged between 30 and 55. Rosacea can get worse with stress, spicy foods, and time in the sun, as they make blood vessels dilate. So limiting your exposure to these things can help. Rosacea can affect the eyes and is sometimes confused with lupus. See a general practitioner, who can prescribe antibiotics.
#6 Going Grey Before 40
For most people, going gray is not a cause for concern, as this is usually just a sign of aging. However, premature graying can have a medical cause. It can be associated with anemia, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, vitiligo and even diabetes.
#7 Hooded Eyelids
Hooded eyelids may look sultry, but have them checked — the cause could be more than aging or a family trait. New Zealand’s Eye Institute explains that some of the other causes may be nerve problems, disease or injury, and sun exposure. If your hooded eyelids droop so much that your vision is impaired, this is the one time you can have an eye-lift on your insurance.
#8 Long Ring Finger
An index finger shorter than your ring finger means you were exposed to high levels of testosterone while in the womb. High testosterone levels can give you extra ambition and a high sex drive, but it may also make you more vulnerable to knee arthritis, according to a study. So, build up your muscles with leg raises to help support your knees.
#9 Not-So-White Eyes
Often, yellowish eyes can just be a sign that you’re worn out, tired. But if your eyes remain yellow for longer than usual or if your whites turn yellow when you’re run down, it could be a sign of jaundice.
“Pink eye” is a common name for conjunctivitis. If it persists, have a test for chlamydia, which can inflame eyes.
#10 Red palms
These can be an early symptom of liver disease — you’ll probably feel sick and lethargic, too. It’s wise to ask for medical advice quickly to limit the damage.
#11 Rough Spots
Keratoses, which are rough, crusty patches on your skin, are usually benign. Dark ones often run in families but are harmless. However, if they’re triggered by sun damage (Solar keratoses), there’s a chance they could be an early sign of skin cancer.
#12 Short Eyebrows
You may think that your thinning, shortening eyebrows are a sign of regular aging. But if you’re losing hair from the outside edge of your eyebrows, it could be a sign of an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, affects your hormones and metabolism. It thins hair on your head too, but treatment is available that will soon restore your crowning glory.
#13 Swollen Neck
You might think that your neck is swollen because you slept strangely or some other simple reason. However, if you have an abnormally swollen neck, it could be an indication of a thyroid problem. It may indicate Graves’ disease, an overactive thyroid condition that is most common in women aged between 20 and 50, especially likely if your eyes are also prominent and you’re losing weight.
#14 Sunless Tan
If your skin darkens even though you haven’t been spending any time in the sun, it’s something you should discuss with your doctor. This could be a sign of a rare condition called Addison’s disease (failure of the adrenal glands), which also makes you achy, tired, and sick. If you do have it, the good news is that it can be treated.
#15 Unsightly Nails
Your nails can tell you a lot about your health — pay attention if they start changing color or shape. If your nails have a horizontal line through them, it can be a sign of poor nutrition or past illness. But if they keep appearing, take steps to improve your health. If you have spoon-shaped nails that curve outward, it can be a symptom of anemia. And nails that are pale at the cuticle and brownish-red at the tip could mean your kidneys are struggling.