A doctor has outlined several warning signs people shouldn’t brush off, explaining why they warrant a check-up.
Booking an appointment isn’t how most people want to spend their day. It can take time, feel intimidating, and sometimes comes with added expense.
Even so, medical professionals frequently stress that delaying an evaluation when something feels “off” can allow serious problems to go unnoticed for longer than necessary.
A doctor from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has shared a message on social media, pointing to three symptoms he considers major red flags.
“Here are three red flag health symptoms that you should never ignore.
“Please make sure you go to a doctor and get checked out if you have any of the following.
“Number one, a change in the shape, size or color of a mole more often than not is usually benign, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and get checked out.”
Alongside changes in a mole’s appearance, the NHS also advises seeing a doctor if a mole becomes painful or itchy, looks inflamed, starts bleeding or crusting, or if you notice a new or unusual mark that hasn’t cleared up after a few weeks. They also note that a dark area under a nail should be assessed if it wasn’t caused by an injury.
“In addition to this, the NHS says you should also go see a doctor if a mole is painful or itchy, you have a mole that is inflamed, bleeding or crusty, you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks or if you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”
The doctor’s second red flag was unexplained weight loss.
Unintentional weight loss can be linked to many different issues, including cancer, thyroid problems, diabetes, heart failure, digestive conditions, infections, as well as stress or depression. In some cases, it may also be related to changes in diet or side effects from medication.
“It’s important to see a GP as soon as possible if you have weight loss and other symptoms. The earlier the cause is found, the sooner it can be treated.”
He then highlighted a final symptom involving changes to bowel habits.
“And finally, number three – a persistent change in the way that you poop.
“So are you now more constipated? Are you having more diarrhea or more loose stools?
“Are you having blood in your stools? All of these can signify different conditions, but once again, we just need you to book an appointment with your doctor to rule out some of the more sinister causes of it