Warning Signs That You Are Unhealthy

Constantly Chapped Lips

Constantly chapped lips that do not heal with lip balms and other treatments may be a sign of precancerous lesions on the lips. Chronically chapped lips could also be a sign of cheilitis, a form of lip inflammation that can be caused by infections, irritants, or the use of certain medications. Contact dermatitis, a condition triggered by allergies, may also result in constantly chapped lips. Occasionally, patients who are dehydrated can develop chronically chapped lips.

Patients who have issues with chapped lips should consult a dermatologist for a full evaluation. The dermatologist can perform a detailed inspection of the area, and they may also wish to take a skin sample to determine the underlying cause of this symptom. In particular, patients with cheilitis are at an increased risk of skin cancer on the lips, and they should see a dermatologist regularly. To prevent the development of skin cancer, individuals are advised to use a lip balm with at least SPF 15 on their lips each day. Increasing fluid intake and using a humidifier in the home may also reduce lip dryness and chapping. When going outside in cold weather, patients should cover their nose and mouth with a scarf, as this will prevent additional chapping and lip pain.

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Issues With Finger And Toenails

Issues with finger and toenails could be indicative of nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and infections. For example, vertical ridges on the nails are a potential sign of vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron deficiencies, and black streaks on the nails could indicate the presence of melanoma or other skin cancers. Clubbing of the nails, in which the nails curve downward and the fingertips enlarge, is associated with reduced levels of oxygen in the blood that may be related to heart disease, lung disease, and some liver or kidney conditions. Nails with a spoon-like appearance, curving up at the ends, could be signs of iron-deficiency anemia, cardiovascular issues, or hypothyroidism. Yellow nails may be due to fungal infections. Patients who notice changes to their nails should consider seeing their physician for blood tests that can detect nutritional abnormalities and other conditions. Medications to treat fungal infections will usually alleviate yellow nails, and correcting nutritional deficiencies with vitamin and mineral supplements often returns nails to their normal shape.

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