From rashes to discolouration: 7 skin changes dermatologists link to potential heart disease risks

Skin is not merely a cosmetic surface but an indicator of several underlying health conditions, which are often overlooked.

Your skin is not merely a cosmetic surface; it can reveal warning signs of heart disease you cannot afford to ignore. In conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Satish Bhatia, board certified dermatologist and cosmetologist at the Indian Cancer Society, Mumbai, shared warning signs that indicate heart disease.

Skin changes that indicates heart disease. (Unsplash)

1. Swelling in your feet and lower legs

Swelling indicates that your heart isn’t working properly. Many heart diseases cause fluid buildup in your feet and lower legs, and can extend as far as the upper legs and groin. Medically, it is termed as Edema.

2. Waxy growths on eyelids

If you see yellowish-orange growths on your skin, it indicates cholesterol deposition under your skin. These painless deposits can appear in many areas, including the hollows of your eyes or the backs of your lower legs.

Swelling indicates that your heart isn’t working properly.

3. Nails curve downward, and the ends of your fingers are swollen

Most people who see these lines under their nails have injured the nail in some way. If you cannot remember injuring your nail, see your doctor. These lines can be a sign of Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart).

These lines can be a sign of Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining of the heart).

5. Painful lumps in your fingers, toes, or both

Painful lumps on the toes are called Osler nodes. This indicates infection in your heart or blood vessels. If you have a heart infection known as infective endocarditis, these painful lumps can develop in your fingers, toes, or both. The lumps can last for a few hours to several days.

6. Brown discolorations on the bottom of the foot

Also known as Janeway lesions, this indicates heart issues. These spots are painless and will clear without treatment, usually in a few days or weeks. However, the infection requires treatment.

7. Child with a rash, fever, and extremely dry lips

When a child has a rash, fever, and extremely dry lips that may crack and bleed, Kawasaki disease may be the cause. This affects the blood vessels, usually developing in children between the ages of six months and five years of age. While Kawasaki disease may go away on its own within 12 days without treatment, it damages the heart if left untreated.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.