From the Skin Down: 8 Red Flags Your Dermatology Appointment Won't Catch

7. Yellowing of Eyes or Skin

A faint yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes or skin is more than a sign you’ve eaten too many carrots. Jaundice, the medical term for this shift, can indicate that the liver or gallbladder isn’t processing waste as it should. While your dermatologist may be the first to spot pigment changes, diagnosing what drives jaundice falls squarely outside their usual scope. Causes range from harmless short-term shifts to chronic, serious problems in the liver, bile ducts, or even blood. If you or someone you care about notices this yellowing (especially if it comes with dark urine, pale stool, or abdominal pain), a prompt visit to primary care or a liver specialist is in order. The earlier you catch the reason, the better your chances for smooth healing. As with all skin clues, gentle curiosity and quick action can make all the difference.

8. Sudden Onset of Anxiety, Depression, or Psych Symptoms with Skin Issues

Emotional shifts don’t always come alone—sometimes, they walk hand-in-hand with changes in our skin. When new or worsening anxiety, low mood, or even obsessive picking or scratching joins hives or unexplained rashes, it’s not just “in your head.” Conditions like autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, or neurologic syndromes can blur the lines between mental and physical health. Dermatologists focus on physical signs, often missing the emotional landscape. If you’re experiencing both psychological and skin symptoms, honoring both sides by connecting with a mental health professional or neurologist is vital. This integrative approach helps unearth root causes, providing personalized healing rather than piecemeal fixes. Our bodies and minds work together in wonderfully complex ways—tending both leads to more resilient health, inside and out.