Jakarta –
The lungs are one of the vital organs that are crucial for human survival. This organ plays a major role in the respiratory system and also the circulatory system in the human body.
When the lungs have problems, many people are more familiar with the symptoms that arise in breathing, such as coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
However, not many people realize that signs of lung disease can also be seen on the skin. This is because signs on the skin often only arise when the lungs are already in a more severe condition.
Here are some signs on the skin that can indicate a problem with lung health Very Well Health.
1. Yellow skin
When lung cancer has spread to other organs, such as the pancreas or liver, it can often cause jaundice. Jaundice is when the skin of the body or the whites of the eyes turn a yellow color. This condition is caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Bilirubin is a yellow or orange substance that is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. If lung cancer has spread to other organs of the body, it will potentially trigger the production of bilirubin that exceeds normal limits.
2. Itchy skin
Another symptom that many experience is itching on the skin. When the liver has problems, it can increase bile salts that cause itchiness on the skin.
3. Easy bruising
Skin that bruises easily is one of the most common symptoms. Certain types of tumors can cause the body to secrete too much adrenocorticotropic hormone, which also increases cortisol levels in the body. High levels of this hormone can cause easy bruising, purple streaks on the skin or stretch marks, and a red and swollen face.
4. Changes in sweat production
Pancoast tumor is a type of lung cancer that can trigger Horner’s syndrome. This condition causes facial flushing and reduced sweat production on only half of the face.
5. Reddish purple rash
A reddish purple rash or also called a heliotrope rash is a rash around the eye area and is caused by dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness and skin rashes.
According to experts, dermatomyositis complicated by non-small cell lung cancer is not a rare condition and lung cancer can develop quickly.
6. Papula gottron
Other signs of lung cancer on the skin are gottron papules or dark red lumps or spots that stand out on the knuckles, joints of the fingers and toes, elbows, ankles or knees. This condition is also triggered by dermatomyositis.
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