A pharmacist is warning about what certain changes to the complexion of your face could say about your health.
You may know the saying, 'You're looking a bit green around the gills,' but heaven forbid you should actually look green in your face. Do you know what it could mean or when you should really call the doctor?
There's a few changes to your complexion you should be keeping an eye out for too as a sign of if anything is wrong.
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Pale skin
First off, pale isn't really a color, more a shade but your face going pale potentially a sign of anaemia.
Superintendent Pharmacist for pharmaceutical chain Superdrug, Niamh McMillan, said, as quoted by The Mirror a paling face as a sign of anaemia means 'your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells to carry oxygen effectively'.
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"This is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and feeling faint," she adds - so, as someone who's anaemic themselves, it's good to go and get a blood test and get on some iron supplements.
McMillan also warns 'sudden paleness' could be a sign of 'low blood pressure, dehydration, or a response to shock'.
She continues: "While this can sometimes be temporary, persistent instances should be checked out by a healthcare professional."
Red skin
Now, a red or flushed face is often pretty normal - think of the last time you got embarrassed, had to brace the subway or dragged yourself on one of those run clubs in a bid to settle down for cuffing season.
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However, McMillan explains: "Persistent redness could indicate a skin condition like rosacea or even high blood pressure.
"If redness appears suddenly alongside symptoms such as sweating, palpitations or breathlessness, it may suggest a condition such as carcinoid syndrome, which requires immediate attention."
Green skin
Next up is green. Granted, unless you're dressing up as Elphaba to go and see a viewing of Wicked, if your face ever turns a shade of green in any other sort of situation, it's clearly not a good sign.
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McMillan notes: "If your face has a greenish tint, it might be linked to nausea, often caused by motion sickness, anxiety, or a viral infection."
And should that green tinge turn more 'blue-grey-green' this could 'suggest a drop in oxygen levels and be linked to a condition known as cyanosis - which might occur due to breathing difficulties or certain heart and lung conditions'.
"While mild cases of nausea pass quickly, a recurring blue-grey-green face should be discussed with a medical professional," McMillan advises.
Yellow skin
If your skin or eyes go a shade of yellow, this could point to you developing jaundice.
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Cleveland Clinic explains: "Jaundice is when your skin, sclera (whites of your eyes) and mucous membranes turn yellow. Jaundice occurs when your liver is unable to process bilirubin (a yellow substance made when red blood cells break down) in your blood.
"This can either be caused by too much red blood cell breakdown or liver injury."
McMillan adds: "It can be caused by conditions such as hepatitis, gallstones, or from certain medications."
And other symptoms to keep an eye out for include 'dark urine, pale stools, and itching'.
If do you spot the above, go and seek the advice of a medical professional.
Niamh said: "Changes in your facial complexion might seem harmless, but they can sometimes signal underlying health issues."
So, always check in with a doctor if you're concerned.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, World News, Beauty