If you recall how a doctor examines you, it will become quite clear that your facial traits give away whether there is something wrong with you or not.

The most important aspect of treatment is a timely identification of the illness.

The signs

Here are certain signs to look for on your face that may reveal that there is something wrong with your body.

1. Dry skin/lips

If your lips are constantly peeling off–no matter what the weather is–it may indicate an underlying health condition. While dry skin and lips may simply point towards dehydration, on rare occasions it may also imply that you should get checked for hypothyroidism and even diabetes.

2. Unwanted facial hair

If you are noticing that there is excess facial hair on the chin, upper lip and even the jawline, it might signify hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder which affects women.

3. Eyebags

Puffiness and eye bags are not only beauty concerns but they can also signify that there is something wrong with your overall health. Yes, you read that right. If your eyes look tired and puffy, you might have chronic allergies.

4. Pale complexion

Notice if there are any changes in your complexion or if it has turned pale. A yellow sheen on your skin could be a sign of anaemia.

5. Rashes

Facial rashes could indicate a number of disorders including digestive problems. For example, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which affects the large intestine, can also cause your skin to flare up.

6. New moles

While moles are usually not a cause for worry, new moles should be checked by your doctor, to rule out any abnormalities. Also, look for changes in existing moles, including colour, border, bleeding or even itching.

7. Hair loss

This one is a no-brainer. While hair loss is always a concern, if you are losing hair from your eyebrows and eyelashes as well, you should be warned. Apart from extreme stress, an autoimmune disorder might be responsible for this. Alopecia areata is a disease in which hair follicles are damaged by the immune system.

8. ​Your face looks different

Facial asymmetry could be a red flag for stroke. If you look in the mirror and your face feels different or one side feels numb, don’t ignore these signs and get yourself checked immediately.