Description: Discover signs of unhealthy skin that need attention—from persistent acne to unusual moles. Learn when skin issues signal serious problems and when to see a dermatologist.

---

Let me tell you about the weird patch on my arm I ignored for six months.

It was just a small, slightly raised, discolored spot. Not painful. Not spreading rapidly. Just... there. I told myself it was probably nothing. Dry skin, maybe. Or a weird freckle. I'd Google it eventually. Definitely didn't need a doctor for something so minor.

Fast forward six months: turns out it was basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer. Completely treatable when caught early (which mine was, thankfully), but the dermatologist's exact words were "why did you wait so long to come in?"

Because I ignored my skin's warning signs. Because I convinced myself minor changes weren't worth medical attention. Because "it's probably fine" is humanity's default response to concerning symptoms.

Here's what nobody tells you about signs of unhealthy skin: your skin is your body's largest organ, and when something's wrong, it often shows up there first. Ignoring obvious signals because they're not immediately painful or life-threatening is how minor issues become major problems.

Skin health warning signs range from "get this checked today" to "probably fine but worth monitoring." The challenge is knowing which is which when you're Googling symptoms at 2 AM and convincing yourself you definitely have a rare tropical disease based on a single pimple.

When to see a dermatologist should be obvious but isn't, because we're all collectively terrible at taking skin changes seriously until they're impossible to ignore.

So let me give you the unhealthy skin symptoms you absolutely shouldn't dismiss, the ones that might be concerning, and the ones that are probably fine but worth understanding.

Because your skin is trying to tell you things.

You should probably listen.

The Absolute "See a Doctor NOW" Signs

Emergency skin symptoms that need immediate attention:

1. Moles That Change (The ABCDE Rule)

What to watch for:

A - Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other half. Normal moles are symmetrical.

B - Border: Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges. Normal moles have smooth borders.

C - Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, tan, red, white, blue) in one mole. Normal moles are one color.

D - Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), though melanomas can be smaller.

E - Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptom (bleeding, itching, crusting).

Why it matters: Melanoma (deadly skin cancer) often appears as changing moles.

Action: See dermatologist immediately if any ABCDE criteria apply.

Don't wait: "I'll watch it for a few months" could be the difference between early-stage (95% survival) and late-stage (much worse prognosis).

2. Non-Healing Sores

What it looks like: Cut, wound, or sore that doesn't heal within 2-3 weeks.

Keeps returning: Heals and comes back in same spot repeatedly.

Might be: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or infection.

Warning signs:

• Bleeds easily
• Crusts over but doesn't heal
• Develops raised edge
• Changes in appearance

Action: Dermatologist visit if anything hasn't healed in 3 weeks.

3. Sudden, Severe Rash with Fever

What it means: Possible allergic reaction, infection, or systemic illness.

Especially concerning if:

• Accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling
• Spreads rapidly
• Involves mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, genitals)
• Follows new medication

Possible causes: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (medical emergency), severe allergic reaction, meningitis (if also have headache, stiff neck).

Action: Emergency room, not dermatologist appointment.

4. Dark Streaks Under Nails

What it looks like: Brown or black vertical line under nail.

Why it's concerning: Could be subungual melanoma (melanoma under nail).

Especially if: Streak widens, nail bed darkens, extends to surrounding skin, or you can't remember injuring that nail.

Exception: More common and often benign in people with darker skin tones (melanonychia striata).

Action: Dermatologist evaluation to rule out melanoma.

5. Yellowing Skin (Jaundice)

What it looks like: Skin and whites of eyes turn yellow.

What it means: Liver problem, gallbladder issue, or blood disorder.

Not a skin issue: It's a symptom of internal disease showing up on skin.

Action: Doctor immediately (not dermatologist—primary care or ER).

6. Butterfly Rash Across Nose and Cheeks

What it looks like: Red, raised rash across cheeks and nose bridge (shaped like butterfly).

Possible cause: Lupus (autoimmune disease).

Especially with: Joint pain, fatigue, fever.

Action: Doctor for autoimmune screening.

The "Don't Panic But Get It Checked" Signs

Concerning but not emergency skin symptoms:

7. Persistent Acne That Doesn't Respond to Treatment

When it's concerning:

• Tried OTC treatments for 12 weeks with zero improvement
• Deep, painful cystic acne
• Acne suddenly appearing in adulthood
• Scarring developing

Might indicate: Hormonal imbalance (PCOS in women), stress, diet issues, or need for prescription treatment.

Why it matters: Persistent inflammatory acne can cause permanent scarring.

Action: Dermatologist for prescription options (retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, isotretinoin for severe cases).

8. Patches of Extremely Dry, Scaly Skin That Won't Heal

What it looks like: Thick, rough, scaly patches that don't improve with moisturizer.

Possible causes:

• Psoriasis (autoimmune)
• Eczema (chronic inflammation)
• Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction)
• Pre-cancerous actinic keratosis (rough patches from sun damage)

Red flags: Bleeding, cracking, spreading, or appearing on unusual areas.

Action: Dermatologist to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.

9. Dark Patches (Hyperpigmentation) That Appear Suddenly

What it looks like: Dark spots or patches appearing where none existed.

Possible causes:

• Melasma (hormonal, often pregnancy or birth control)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (after acne or injury)
• Sun damage
• Medication side effect
• Rarely: underlying disease (Addison's disease)

When concerning: Sudden appearance without clear cause, rapid spread, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Action: Dermatologist to determine cause and treatment options.

10. Intense, Persistent Itching Without Visible Rash

What it means: Itching (pruritus) without obvious cause.

Possible internal causes:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Blood disorders
• Certain cancers (rare)

Also could be: Dry skin, medication reaction, nerve issues.

Action: If moisturizing doesn't help and itching persists for weeks, see doctor for blood work.

11. Skin That Bruises Very Easily

What it means: Bruising from minimal contact or spontaneous bruising.

Possible causes:

• Vitamin deficiency (C or K)
• Blood disorder
• Medication side effect (blood thinners, steroids)
• Aging (skin becomes thinner and more fragile)

When concerning: Sudden change in bruising pattern, large bruises from minor bumps, or unexplained bruises.

Action: Primary care doctor for blood tests.

12. Red, Swollen, Painful Skin (Cellulitis)

What it looks like: Red, warm, swollen, tender patch that spreads.

What it is: Bacterial infection of deeper skin layers.

Warning signs:

• Spreading redness
• Fever
• Red streaks extending from area
• Increasing pain

Risk: Can spread to bloodstream (sepsis) if untreated.

Action: Doctor same day. Needs antibiotics.

The "Probably Not Serious But Worth Understanding" Signs

Common skin concerns:

13. Occasional Breakouts Around Period

What it is: Hormonal acne, completely normal.

Why it happens: Hormone fluctuations before menstruation increase oil production.

Action needed: Good skincare (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products). Dermatologist only if severe or causing scarring.

14. Dry, Flaky Patches in Winter

What it is: Seasonal dry skin from low humidity and heating.

Normal causes: Cold air, indoor heating, hot showers stripping skin.

Action needed: Moisturize more, use gentle cleanser, humidifier, shorter/cooler showers.

When to worry: If moisturizing doesn't help or skin cracks/bleeds.

15. Keratosis Pilaris ("Chicken Skin")

What it looks like: Tiny bumps on backs of arms, thighs, or cheeks. Rough texture like goosebumps.

What it is: Keratin buildup in hair follicles. Genetic, harmless.

Very common: Affects 40% of people.

Treatment: Exfoliating lotions (lactic acid, urea), moisturizing. Won't completely eliminate but improves appearance.

Not dangerous: Cosmetic concern only.

16. Cherry Angiomas (Red Moles)

What they look like: Small, bright red bumps. Smooth, dome-shaped.

What they are: Benign growths of blood vessels.

Common with age: Increase after 30.

Harmless: Unless they bleed frequently or you don't like appearance.

Removal: Possible for cosmetic reasons (laser, freezing, electrocautery).

17. Seborrheic Keratoses

What they look like: Brown, black, or tan wart-like growths. Look "stuck on" to skin.

What they are: Benign growths, extremely common with age.

Not skin cancer: Despite sometimes alarming appearance.

Removal: Only needed if irritated by clothing or cosmetically bothersome.

18. Occasional Redness/Flushing

What it is: Temporary redness from heat, exercise, emotions, alcohol.

Normal response: Blood vessels dilating.

When it's rosacea: Persistent redness, broken capillaries, flare-ups with triggers, facial burning.

Action: If persistent or worsening, dermatologist can diagnose and treat rosacea.

Skin Changes That Indicate Lifestyle Issues

Your skin revealing your habits:

19. Dull, Tired-Looking Skin

Causes:

• Dehydration
• Poor sleep
• Lack of exfoliation (dead skin cell buildup)
• Smoking
• High stress
• Poor diet

Solutions:

• Drink water (boring but true)
• Sleep 7-9 hours
• Gentle exfoliation 2-3x weekly
• Quit smoking (also prevents wrinkles and cancer)
• Stress management
• Balanced diet with fruits/vegetables

20. Puffy, Swollen Face (Especially Morning)

Causes:

• Salt intake (water retention)
• Alcohol
• Sleeping on stomach/face
• Allergies
• Lack of sleep
• Crying
• Kidney issues (if severe and persistent)

Solutions: Reduce salt, limit alcohol, sleep on back with elevated head, address allergies.

When concerning: Severe swelling, especially around eyes, with shortness of breath or reduced urination.

21. Premature Wrinkles and Sun Damage

Causes:

• Unprotected sun exposure (primary cause)
• Smoking
• Repeated facial expressions
• Sleeping on side/face
• Genetics

Prevention: Sunscreen daily (SPF 30+), avoid tanning, quit smoking, retinoids.

Already present: Prescription retinoids, chemical peels, laser treatments (cosmetic, not medically necessary).

22. Persistent Dark Circles

Causes:

• Genetics (thin under-eye skin showing blood vessels)
• Lack of sleep
• Allergies (nasal congestion)
• Aging (volume loss)
• Dehydration

Not usually serious: Cosmetic concern.

Solutions: Address sleep/allergies, use caffeine eye creams (temporary), concealer, filler injections (cosmetic).

When Your Skin Reflects Internal Health

Skin as health indicator:

23. Sudden Hair Loss or Thinning

Possible causes:

• Thyroid problems
• Iron deficiency
• Autoimmune disease (alopecia areata)
• Stress (telogen effluvium)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
• Medications

Action: Doctor for blood work if unexplained or rapid.

24. Nail Changes

Warning signs:

• Clubbing (enlarged fingertips, curved nails): Heart or lung disease
• Spoon-shaped nails: Iron deficiency
• Yellow, thickened nails: Fungal infection or psoriasis
• White lines across nails: Kidney disease, poisoning
• Pale nail beds: Anemia

Action: Mention nail changes to doctor during checkup.

25. Excessive Oiliness or Dryness (Sudden Change)

Could indicate:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Thyroid problems
• Medication side effect
• Nutritional deficiency

Action: If dramatic change without obvious cause, check with doctor.

The Bottom Line

Signs of unhealthy skin range from emergency (changing moles, non-healing sores, sudden severe rashes) to concerning-but-not-urgent (persistent acne, unexplained dark patches, intense itching) to probably-fine-but-worth-monitoring (seasonal dryness, occasional breakouts).

When to see a dermatologist:

• Anything on the "see doctor NOW" list
• Skin issues persisting despite OTC treatment
• Moles or spots that change
• Painful, bleeding, or rapidly growing lesions
• Severe acne causing scarring
• Unexplained rashes lasting more than a few days

Trust your instincts: If something seems wrong, get it checked. Better to feel foolish about a benign spot than ignore early-stage cancer.

Don't Dr. Google yourself into panic: Yes, Google will tell you every spot is melanoma. But also don't ignore legitimate warning signs because you're minimizing.

Prevention is easier than treatment: Sunscreen daily, gentle skincare, don't pick at your face, monitor changes.

Ready to take skin health seriously? Do monthly skin checks. Photograph suspicious spots to track changes. Annual dermatologist visits if you have risk factors (fair skin, sun exposure, family history).

Your skin is talking. Sometimes it's saying "you need more sleep and water." Sometimes it's saying "you have a vitamin deficiency." And sometimes it's saying "this is cancer, please get help."

Learning to distinguish between these messages could literally save your life.

At minimum, it'll save you from six months of unnecessary anxiety about something you should have gotten checked immediately.

Like that spot on my arm.

Don't be like me.

Listen to your skin.

And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen.

That's not one of the signs. That's the prevention.

Now go check your moles.