Why Is The Skin So Important?

By Michael J. Dodd, MD

The eyes are said to be the windows of the soul. But the skin may be the mirror of our health and happiness. Facial skin is particularly important. Radiant, smooth skin is a sign of profound beauty. It is the first thing we observe when we meet someone.
The skin reflects our mood and disposition when we speak or reflect. Poor health can be indicated by pale skin or wrinkled skin or discolored skin. Sores, scars, age spots, distortions and irregularities of the skin may not only be unattractive but a sign of poor nutrition or poor health status. Incidentally, the skin is the largest organ in the human body.
Ophthalmology is that medical specialty that engages in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eyes. This includes the tissues of the orbits and the skin around the eyes. For example, during a routine eye examination the ophthalmologist inspects the health and symmetry of the skin of the eyelids and face. Small defects or sores can be a sign of skin cancer.
Ophthalmologists routinely diagnose and surgically treat skin cancers of the eyelids. Infections can affect the eyelids and cause pain and redness and occasionally scarring.
A common infection of the eyelids is called a chalazion. This is an inflammation or infection of one of the Meibomian glands of the lids. Treatment consists warm compresses, topical antibiotic drops or ointment and occasionally surgical drainage.
Stys are infections of the glands of Zeiss or Moll in the eyelids. These are usually smaller infections but are treated in the same manner. Growths in the orbit are sometimes manifest by distortions in the skin of the eyelids.
The position of the eyelids can be an important sign of disease. For example, if one eyelid is higher than the other this can be an indicator of thyroid disease or myasthenia or a nerve palsy.
Pale skin may indicate anemia; yellow skin, jaundice. Bright pink skin can be a sign of hypertension. Pigmented spots could be benign nevi or malignant melanomas.
All of these conditions are manifest by examination of the skin. Ophthalmologists are trained to observe patients for any type of skin condition around the eyes. If you observe a pigmented growth or a sore or spot that bleeds easily and does not heal, consult with your physician, dermatologist or eye specialist if the lids are involved.
Seeing your ophthalmologist is important not only for your eyes but also for you skin health.