US-Iran war Trump tariffs CJP protest in Delhi World Brain Day

Puffy face, itchy ears and 7 other signs of ill health that show on your face

Many health conditions present some signs that are visible on the face and if noticed early, could help in managing the disease in early stages.

Myupchar|Dec 18, 2019, 16:24:54 IST

Some people wear their emotions on their face - anyone can tell when they’re upset, happy, anxious or ecstatic. But what if we tell you that your face is also the mirror to some serious health conditions that you might be unaware of? Many health conditions present some signs that are visible on the face and if noticed early, could help in managing the disease in early stages. Here are 9 such signs seen on the face:[caption id="attachment_7798361" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.[/caption]

1. Darkening of the dangerous area of the face

Sign: Dark pigmentation or greyness around the mouth and nose.Possible health problem: CyanosisDiscolouration of the area around the mouth and nose could indicate the lack of oxygen to the body, medically known as cyanosis. Cyanosis can occur due to a lack of haemoglobin in the body. It can be seen in the case of anaemia.The area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose, including the nose and upper jaw is considered to be the dangerous area or dangerous triangle of the face as it contains several veins that are linked to the cavernous sinus.Seven major cranial nerves (nerves of the brain) pass through the cavernous sinus. If anything goes wrong in this region, it could possibly cause damage to all these nerves.

2. Popping eyes

Sign: Extremely sensitive, glossy, bulging eyeballsPossible health problem: HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism is the condition when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone. Bulging eyeballs, medically known as exophthalmos, is the classical sign of hyperthyroidism in the body. Other accompanying symptoms are blurred vision, bizarre colour perception and increased sensitivity to heat with sudden weight loss.

3. Thick eyelashes

Sign: Sudden thickening and lengthening of eyelashes (trichomegaly)Possible health problems: Lupus, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or tuberculosisTrichomegaly could be genetic, which means it has been passed on through the generations. It can also be seen in people with lupus (an autoimmune disease), eczema (a skin condition) and even tuberculosis.

4. Puffy face

Sign: Puffy face along with other signs like swelling around the eyes, dry skin and thin hair Possible health problem: Iodine deficiencyDecreased levels of iodine in the body can lead to many serious disorders like goitre, hypothyroidism, cretinism and even mental retardation. One way to increase your iodine levels is by increasing your iodized salt intake by a little.

5. Spots on eyelids

Sign: Soft yellow spots on the eyelids (xanthelasma)Possible health problem: High cholesterolXanthelasma is a sign of high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body which could possibly lead to heart problems like atherosclerosis. Xanthelasma can also be seen in case of high cholesterol levels due to liver cirrhosis.

6. Itchy ears

Sign: Constant itchiness on both the earsPossible health problems: Eczema and psoriasisEczema is an inflammatory skin condition which is marked with red, itchy scaly rashes.Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system which causes early ageing of the cells leading to their flaking, scaling and shedding.

7. Uncontrollable blushing

Sign: Uncontrolled blushing of the face on daily events of lifePossible health problem: Craniofacial hyperhidrosisCraniofacial hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats a lot from their head and face. They also suffer from unprovoked frequent blushing which could prove to be embarrassing in some situations.

8. Sudden facial hair growth

Sign: Sudden extreme facial hair growth in womenPossible health problem: Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder seen in women of reproductive age. It may present as irregular menstrual periods or production of excess male hormone (testosterone) in women, leading to abnormal facial hair growth, weight gain and acne.

9. Rashes and bumps on the face

Sign: Itchy red bumps or butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose further covering both cheeks Possible health problems: Celiac disease, lupusCeliac disease is a serious immune reaction of the body to the intake of gluten products like wheat, barley and rye, in the form of damage to the small intestine.It presents as a cluster of itchy red bumps on the face followed by general symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and bloating.Lupus, on the other hand, is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that means it makes the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. The butterfly-shaped rash is a classical sign of lupus. People suffering from lupus may also have general symptoms like fever, painful stiff joints, and fingers that turn blue in a chilly environment.For more information, please read our article on Lupus: Symptoms and Treatment.Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.

2 min read

Spices, health and the Indian plate: Why chilli can be good for you—but moderation is still key

From boosting metabolism to supporting heart health, chillies offer several surprising health benefits. But experts say the amount you eat matters, and too much spice can do more harm than good.

4 min read

Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, but this can happen only when myths are replaced with facts. Building awareness, having open conversations and understanding the process can help families make informed decisions.