Skin Conditions: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of skin conditions?

Skin conditions can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect a small or large area of the body and may affect other body systems. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.

Skin-related symptoms of skin conditions

Skin-related symptoms include:

• Blistering and other sores

• Discoloration of the skin, such as tiny or blotchy red spots, flushing, jaundice, or bruising

• Dry, scaly, peeling or flaking skin

• Itchy or irritated skin

• Lumps or bumps on the skin

• Mole that is larger than the size of a pea, has irregular borders, seems to be growing rapidly, or has changed color

• Numbness

• Rash or hives (raised skin bump or welt)

• Temperature changes of the skin

• Texture changes, such as raised, thickened or thin skin that tears or bruises easily

• Tingling or burning pain in the skin

Other symptoms of skin conditions

Skin conditions can also cause symptoms that occur in body systems other than the skin. Symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)

• Joint pain

• Nerve pain

• Numbness or burning sensation in the lower legs and feet

• Red or dry eyes

• Sneezing and runny nose

• Unexplained weight gain or loss

• Vomiting

• Weakness or muscle fatigue

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, skin conditions or their underlying causes can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Bluish discoloration of the lips, nails, and possibly the skin (cyanosis)

• Change in level of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, or decreased alertness

• Chest pain or chest tightness

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• Grey coloring, pallor (extreme paleness), or mottling of skin

• Sudden swelling of the mouth, lips or throat