GP says five signs in face 'indicate serious health conditions'
Your face can often show signs of underlying health conditions. A GP has shared five signs to look out for, including a yellow tinge and dry lips
Our bodies often send us warning signs when something isn't right, and our faces can be a key indicator of serious health problems. Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has revealed five facial changes that could point to underlying health conditions.
He explains: "From vitamin deficiency to liver disease, our faces can often signify a range of health issues. Understanding how the face can indicate health is an effective way of spotting conditions early and receiving the best treatment."
Five signs of health issues in your face
One such sign is pale skin, reports Bristol Live. Dr Grant says: "Chronic illnesses, poor diet or vitamin deficiency can all lead to paleness in the skin. This is often due to a lack of red blood cells or haemoglobin, leading to discolouration in the face. If you're suffering from pale skin, incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet such as red meat, beans and lentils."
He adds: "Additionally, Vitabiotics Ultra Iron Tablets are effective at providing a quick iron boost, contributing to the normal formation of red blood cells and increasing iron absorption."
Another telltale sign is yellow skin or eyes. Dr Grant warned: "If your skin or eyes start to become yellow, it might be an indicator of jaundice - this is when the amount of bilirubin builds in the body. Jaundice can be caused by a range of health issues such as liver disease, hepatitis or sickle cell disease. As jaundice can signify a range of health implications, it's crucial to seek medical advice from a qualified GP to understand the root causes behind the facial changes."
A puffy or swollen face is another sign, as Dr Grant explained: "Facial swelling can often be a sign of minor health issues such as hay fever or other allergic reactions. However, puffy faces may also indicate fluid retention - a common sign of kidney complications.
"A swollen face could also be a sign of conditions such as cellulitis, a skin infection that makes the skin appear red and swollen. This infection can occur all over the body, including on the face. To treat cellulitis, a GP can prescribe antibiotics with the infection usually clearing up after around a week of treatment."
Dr Grant also flagged a facial rash, saying: "Next, persistent rashes on the face may indicate lupus, an autoimmune disease. These rashes tend to appear on the nose and cheeks before spreading to the arms and chest.
"Lupus is a long-term condition that can be diagnosed through blood tests, it's essential to seek urgent medical attention if you feel you may have developed this disease. Aside from lupus, a facial rash could be a sign of allergies or rosacea."
Dry lips or skin could also be an indicator, as Dr Grant explained: "Lastly, while dry lips or skin can often be a sign of changing weather conditions or ageing, it's also caused by dehydration. Signs of dehydration include; flushed skin, dry cough, thirst and dark yellow pee. It's important to maintain a healthy water intake throughout the day, adjusting accordingly when temperatures start to rise.
"Overall, it's important to be aware of the different health indicators our faces provide. By understanding the common signs of illness or infection, people can receive early medical treatment to minimise symptoms."
Dr Grant qualified as a doctor in Bristol in 1985. He has wide clinical experience as a GP in and around Bristol and a particular interest in orthopaedic medicine. Don is the senior clinician at The Independent Pharmacy and is responsible for clinically overseeing its online pharmacy service.
