Stealth Signals That Your Health is At-Risk

We all know the basic messages our body sends us: A grumbling stomach means we need a meal. Chills and a fever could be a harbinger of the flu. Red, burning skin scolds us for skipping sunscreen. And a pounding headache after a big night out is a reminder that we're not in college anymore--and require a little more hydration. But there are other more stealth signals that, while less commonly chatted about, still deserve your attention. Check out the following clues (start with your hands!) and read what they could indicate. Then take charge of your health to ensure you continue living your long, vibrant life.

Nails that turn white when you press on them
French manicures aside, all nails pale a bit when you apply pressure. But if yours stay white for up to a minute, you may be anemic and low on iron. Tons of women can become anemic without even knowing it--low intake of red meat and heavy periods can be two culprits.
What to do: Ask your doctor to test your blood's ferritin levels. He or she may advise you to pile your plate with more iron-rich foods such as salmon and spinach and/or take an iron supplement.

Super-chapped lips
During summer months, cracking a smile takes on a whole new meaning: Sun and salt air can suck the moisture out faster than you can say "Where's my lip balm?" In this case, you either need to find a faucet and guzzle some H20 or examine your vitamin A intake. In healthy amounts, vitamin A is essential to skin-cell turnover. But some people double up on supplements and get too much additional A, which can be dangerous: Too-high levels can be dehydrating and, if you're pregnant, cause birth defects.
What to do: If you pop vitamins, check the labels to confirm you're not taking in more than 5,000 IU of A daily and make sure to consider the vitamin A you get from natural sources such as eggs and fortified milk, too. Soon after you stop overdosing, your pucker should plump up again. And no matter what your A game is, gulp plenty of water--especially if you exercise regularly (you do, right?). Don't forget: If you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.

Dark circles under your eyes
If you find yourself layering concealer like spackle beneath your peepers (when you haven't pulled an all-nighter), your allergies might be acting up. Allergens can inflame the sinuses and compress nearby blood vessels, causing blood to pool beneath the eyes.
What to do: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine. Circles not budging? Ask your dermatologist about an anti-inflammatory cream such as Elidel.

Swollen fingers
Filling up on foods high in sodium and PMS may lead to puffiness, but if you're not a salt fanatic, your monthly bill isn't due for weeks and still your rings are tight, a sluggish thyroid may be the culprit. This condition, called hypothyroidism, occurs when the gland underproduces the thyroid hormones needed to regulate metabolism, heart rate and more.
What to do: Don't blow off the bloating--when left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, and if you're pregnant, it could affect development of your baby's brain. Get a blood test, which can reveal if your thyroid isn't producing enough hormones; if so, your physician may prescribe synthetic hormone pills. Once you find the correct dose for you, your metabolism (and fingers) should return to normal.

A change in your bikini line
When hair begins to migrate from your bikini line to your thighs and up your belly, forming a more square "rug" shape than a triangular one, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome. Caused by excess male sex hormones, PCOS can spur body-hair growth and disrupt ovulation, which often leads to infertility.
What to do: Many women with PCOS don't realize they have it until they have problems conceiving, but it can impede more than your fertility. It raises insulin levels and could eventually lead to diabetes and heart disease, so see your doctor to have your hormone levels tested. Some M.D.s prescribe diabetes medication, which helps lower insulin, in turn balancing sex hormones and restoring regular ovulation and fertility.

White patches in the corners of your mouth
Surprisingly enough, you might have a yeast infection. (Yes, it occurs in zones other than below the belt.) Anything that causes the corners of your mouth to crack--such as a B vitamin deficiency, which can damage your mouth's mucous membranes, or even drooling during sleep--creates a warm, moist environment where yeast thrives.
What to do: Visit your derm or primary care doc, who can prescribe a topical anti-yeast medication. You should also make sure there are enough B vitamins in your diet (nab them in lean proteins like eggs and whole grains such as oatmeal). If the infection keeps recurring, consider avoiding white breads and sweets. Yeast feeds on refined flour and sugar, so cutting back or eliminating them may help your cause.

Yellow eyelid bumps
Time to check your cholesterol. When it's too high, this fat can collect on your upper lids, forming tiny deposits. And because fat is yellow, so are the splotches. Regardless of your skin tone, they will be apparent.
What to do: A blood test can confirm whether you have an excessive amount of cholesterol in your body. What's too high? A total count above 239 with your LDL (aka "bad") cholesterol greater than 159 or your triglycerides 200 or higher. Eating more fruit, veggies and whole grains as well as exercising 30 minutes a day and, when prescribed by your doctor, taking medication can help lower your numbers. As for your eyelid bumps? They'll likely shrink with your cholesterol count, but if not, a dermatologist can remove them by scalpel or laser.
Article by By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief.