Your skin is the biggest organ in your body and reflects your overall health. Many people deal with skin issues like allergies and eczema. Figuring out what’s wrong with your skin can be tricky because there are so many different symptoms and causes. Besides looking at your family and medical history, getting a skincare checkup is important to pinpoint the exact problem. In this blog post, we’ll go over different types of blood tests that can help diagnose skin diseases.
Why is a skincare checkup important?
Skincare checkups play a crucial role in maintaining your skin health. Your skin is a canvas that reveals various underlying health complications. For instance, various factors including hormonal imbalance and poor diet may trigger acne, while psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune condition. For this reason, a skincare checkup is essential because it can help determine the underlying cause of your skin issues.
Blood Tests to Diagnose Skin Complications
Skin complications can arise due to a variety of reasons, ranging from allergies and infections to autoimmune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. While many skin conditions can be diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history, blood tests play a crucial role in identifying underlying causes and providing a more comprehensive diagnosis. Blood tests help detect abnormalities in the body’s systems that may contribute to skin issues, offering insights into conditions that aren’t visible on the surface. Here, we’ll explore different types of blood tests used to diagnose skin complications, highlighting their importance in the diagnostic process.
Complete blood count:
Also known as a hemogram test, does not directly identify a specific skin condition, it helps examine different types of blood elements. Abnormalities in the blood counts may indicate a condition contributing to the skin issues. This blood test evaluates different blood components like white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets and others. Abnormalities in these levels may indicate inflammation or infection associated with the skin.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster-than-normal rate can indicate inflammation in the body, which may be linked to skin conditions such as psoriasis, lupus, or vasculitis. While ESR is not specific to any one condition, it helps identify the presence of inflammation, prompting additional diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact cause. Elevated ESR levels often suggest systemic involvement in skin-related autoimmune diseases.
Absolute eosinophil count test:
Higher than normal eosinophil levels may indicate an allergic skin disease. Although the absolute eosinophil count test does not directly diagnose a skin disorder, it helps determine the causes of skin issues. Doctors recommend this test to detect skin allergies and determine the severity of the allergic reaction.
Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests measure various enzymes and proteins in the blood that reflect how well the liver is working. Abnormal liver function can lead to skin problems such as jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, which affect the liver, may also cause skin itching or rashes. Liver function tests can help diagnose these issues by indicating liver damage or dysfunction, leading to appropriate treatment options.
Kidney Function Tests
Kidney function tests evaluate the levels of waste products in the blood, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to assess how well the kidneys are functioning. Poor kidney function can manifest in the skin through symptoms like dryness, itching, or rashes. Conditions such as chronic kidney disease often present with skin complications due to the buildup of toxins in the body that the kidneys can no longer filter effectively. Testing kidney function helps identify whether a skin problem is related to renal issues, guiding further management.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test:
To diagnose a skin condition, an immunoglobulin E test helps identify specific allergens causing the skin disease. Healthcare providers use this test to determine suitable treatment plans and monitor the treatment’s effectiveness.
Patch test:
Healthcare providers recommend the skin patch test if they suspect allergic contact dermatitis. It helps detect delayed hypersensitivity reactions and detects the specific substance causing skin complications.
Allergy profile test:
An allergy profile test is a comprehensive package that includes various blood tests to detect antibodies for different allergens. This test helps detect specific skin problems causing allergens and helps doctors understand the effectiveness of the treatment.
Microbiological analysis:
A microbiological analysis helps detect the presence of microorganisms that are responsible for skin problems. This test determines the cause of the skin disease and helps doctors determine the suitable antimicrobial treatment.
Histopathological examination:
A histopathological examination helps detect microorganisms, abnormal cell growth, and inflammation to detect the underlying causes of skin problems. Also, it helps the doctor to determine a suitable treatment plan.
A skin profile test is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the skin issues and help doctors initiate a suitable treatment plan. Timely diagnosis of skin issues can help prevent further complications associated with the condition. Therefore, if you have any prolonged skin issues, consult with your dermatologist.
