Earth-gray complexion: what does it say about what to do?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The complexion is directly related to the state of health. It's not a secret for anyone that only a healthy person can have a fresh, rich complexion. The slightest changes in the state of the body immediately reflected on the skin, hair, nails. If a gray complexion appears, this is cause for concern. It is necessary to immediately consult a doctor, pass the diagnosis. Practically, there are no such cases that an unnatural, earthy complexion does not indicate any structural or functional pathology in the body.
Epidemiology
In 98% of cases, a change in color is associated with a violation of the internal state of the body. Yellow complexion in 87% of cases is associated with a violation of the liver, with jaundice. A gray complexion in 76% of cases indicates multiple pathologies in the body, associated with a metabolic disorder. In women, the changes appear more quickly than in men 2-3 times, because the female skin is more sensitive to the disturbance of homeostasis.
Causes of the gray complexion
Usually, this pathology indicates a violation of the internal organs, endocrine disorders. Contaminated environment, bad habits and malnutrition often lead to a disruption of the body's resistance, a decrease in the immune status, which causes skin problems. Violation of the normal metabolism, pigmentary pathology, persistent stress, neuropsychic overstrain also leads to a violation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
The complexion can also change with insufficient skin care, especially if the skin is oily. In this condition, the skin glands produce too much secretion, the sebum accumulates in excess. This leads to thickening of the epidermis and discoloration. Non-compliance with the regime of the day, lack of sleep at night, sedentary lifestyle also entail a change in the skin condition.
Risk factors
People who live in large cities, megacities get to the risk group. Here, the environment is most intensely polluted, which affects the health and appearance of a person. People who are exposed to constant stress, work intensively, have a busy schedule, use excessive amounts of coffee, alcohol also fall into the risk group. If you do not have enough vitamins, the complexion changes dramatically, as well as with insufficient motor activity, smoking.
Pathogenesis
At the heart of pathogenesis is the disruption of the normal functioning of the organism at the cellular and tissue level. First, the general metabolic processes are violated, then the structure and function of tissues and organs change. In the body, toxins accumulate, the products of metabolism, the microflora changes. There is a deficit of some substances and a lack of others, which leads to a general imbalance. Blood circulation is also impaired, elimination of toxins. They penetrate into the blood, spread throughout the body, penetrate into various types of tissues, including the skin. Violated pigmentation, the skin changes its shade.
Symptoms of the gray complexion
In medicine, this phenomenon is called dyschromia. This is a condition in which a change in the color of the face occurs. Most often, such changes are a consequence of a metabolic disorder, a violation of the function of internal organs. In order to eliminate pathology, you need to find the cause. To do this, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination, then prescribe the treatment in accordance with the found pathology. Appeal to cosmetologists and dermatologists, as a rule, is ineffective, since the problem lies not in the state of the upper layer of the skin, but in the deep layers of the body and internal organs. The most dangerous is blue and dark complexion. Such shades can indicate a pathology that is life-threatening.
The appearance of any signs of a change in skin condition, a change in shade, even insignificant, indicates the presence of pathology in internal organs. Immediately, without examination, it is impossible to say which changes triggered the dyschromia. Therefore, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo a comprehensive examination.
Pale gray complexion
Pallor usually indicates the presence of serious diseases that can be life threatening. Most often, pallor is noted in the presence of diseases associated with impaired blood function, with spasm of blood vessels or blood circulation disorders in general. Pale person can develop a strong intoxication of the body, with many infectious diseases.
Often the appearance of a pale shade is associated with female diseases, such as endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, uterine bleeding. But often pallor also indicates the presence of cancer, peptic ulcer disease or severe heart disease (angina pectoris, aneurysm, embolism). Internal bleeding, tuberculosis, severe infections, sepsis, can also cause pallor.
The cause may be a lack of melanin, because of which the skin loses its brightness and natural shade. When there are individual spots on the skin of a white shade, you can suspect vitiligo. With a lack of certain substances, especially iron, vitamins, glucose, vascular disorders, nervous and hormonal regulation of blood vessels, pallor develops.
Gray-green complexion
Acquisition of a greenish shade can indicate chronic fatigue, lack of sleep and fresh air, improper nutrition and impaired activity of internal organs. Greenish shade is also observed with thyroid dysfunction, oncological diseases, HIV infection. Also, a long infectious process, sepsis, which causes active inflammation, accumulation of toxins and uncontrolled infection, can cause a green complexion. If a person has intoxication, liver cirrhosis, or other disorders of kidney and liver, a greenish tinge also appears.
Gray-yellow complexion
Yellow complexion is traditionally associated with jaundice, in which severe liver damage occurs. Also, yellow color can occur when the synthesis of bile, with a large amount of bilirubin, which also increases with liver and kidney diseases. Elevated hemoglobin content can be in case of erythrocyte decay. Such decay is most often the result of poisoning or Rhesus conflict. Yellow shade occurs as a result of hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure.
The reason may be more simple - a person could eat a lot of carrots that contain carotene. This substance gives the skin an orange tinge.
Dark gray complexion
The appearance of a dark gray shade indicates renal and adrenal insufficiency, in which endocrine activity is disrupted. Also, a similar color can appear and with a violation of digestion, the activity of the genitourinary system, sexual disorders and sexual dysfunctions.
If the gray shade covers the face unevenly, and in separate spots, it is most often associated with a violation of the thyroid gland, more precisely - with hyperthyroidism. A similar complexion appears with a strong dysbiosis, a violation of the heart. Most often, such pathology is accompanied by bacterial endocarditis, increased bacterial contamination of internal organs, sepsis. Systemic scleroderma, skin porphyria and atherosclerosis can also lead to the appearance of a similar pathology.
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Gray-blue complexion
Blue complexion is directly associated with severe heart and lung diseases. Usually, such a pathology occurs when there is a sharp circulatory deficiency or a glut of the skin with carbon dioxide on the background of a lack of oxygen. Some drugs that affect the blood and organs of hematopoiesis can also lead to the appearance of a bluish shade. For example, with such pathologies associated with the reception or external use of drugs of silver, which often indicates an overdose. This condition is called argyria, requires urgent cessation of therapy with silver, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the bone marrow, eyes, liver and renal failure develops, the nervous system is damaged. Gray-blue complexion is typical for people whose professional activity is related to the processing of silver.
Sometimes such a color may indicate methaemoglobinemia - a condition in which normal hemoglobin is replaced by a damaged one that is not capable of transporting oxygen. Typically, this substitution occurs with severe poisoning, or with an overdose of paracetamol, sulfonamides and nitrites. In some cases, methemoglobinemia may be a hereditary disease, while a cyanotic skin tone accompanies a person all his life, beginning with birth.
In severe anemia, toxic shock, pneumonia with a risk of pleurisy, severe bronchitis, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax and heart defects, a blue shade also inevitably develops.
Gray complexion and bruises under the eyes
A similar condition occurs when the body is depleted, sudden weight loss, nutritional deficiencies in food and vitamin, while consuming poor-quality products. Also, similar changes can occur as a result of the development of cancer processes, blood leukemia and digestive system diseases. Smoking, alcohol abuse, narcotic and psychotropic drugs, antidepressants can provoke a blue complexion with bruises. Long-term use of strong analgesics and a period of recovery after severe inflammatory, infectious diseases can be accompanied by a similar pathology. Also, bruises can appear when the function of the blood, its coagulability, increased fragility of the vessels, in the postoperative and postpartum period is disturbed.
Gray complexion in men, women and children
In men, such a shade is most often a sign of leukemia or cancer, overwork, infectious diseases. Also, gray color and bruises indicate a pathology of the kidneys, the liver, the disorders of the genitourinary system, various malignant and benign neoplasms, adenoma of the prostate gland, alcohol abuse.
In women, a gray complexion can be a sign of disorders in the genitourinary system and reproductive organs. This shade appears in benign and malignant processes in the body, with adrenal and ovarian failure, with cyst and ovarian dysfunction, and endometrial pathology.
At the child the gray complexion more often specifies infringement of activity of kidneys and a liver, hepatitises, acute infectious and inflammatory processes, infringement of a metabolism, hormonal function, and also on recently transferred heavy inflammatory and infectious diseases, a pathology of heart, lungs, circulatory system.
Complications and consequences
So harmless pathology, as a change in complexion can lead to serious consequences and complications. If you do not conduct a timely examination, do not identify the cause of the pathology, and do not eliminate it, you can skip many serious diseases. Changing the complexion is only a consequence of the underlying disease, one of the symptoms that can not be ignored. Not paying attention to the change in complexion, you can skip severe violations of the liver, kidneys, heart. It is possible to skip the early stages of the oncological and inflammatory process, so that these pathologies will develop into more severe pathologies, neglected stages.
Diagnostics of the gray complexion
If you have an abnormal face, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. First you need to get an appointment with the therapist. He will conduct a general examination, collect anamnesis, and, if necessary, prescribe laboratory tests. Based on the results of the analysis, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. If necessary, the doctor will appoint additional specialist consultations. They, in turn, will conduct a general and special inspection, will appoint the necessary laboratory and instrumental studies.
Analyzes
It is often difficult to find out the reason, because they can be different and combined. In general, it is possible to imagine which tests are required for various manifestations of the disease. So, with an increased pallor of the face, you need a general blood test, a definition of reticulocytes, a coagulogram and liver tests.
With a yellow shade of skin, an infectious disease specialist will need consultation, additional tests for dysbacteriosis, bacteriological cultures, and a number of instrumental studies. Usually, tests for viral hepatitis, for determining the immune status, are submitted. Depending on the type of pathology, further treatment is carried out by a hematologist or gastroenterologist.
Instrumental diagnostics
A green shade of the skin requires, first of all, a consultation of the gastroenterologist. Usually he conducts a general examination, after which he appoints a gastroscopy. This is the method that is most accurate and informative. With its help, you can examine the walls of internal organs, carefully examine the condition of the mucous membranes, the cavity of the stomach. The advantage of the method is that with its help one can take an analysis for a biopsy, if there is a suspicion of an oncological process. You can take a scraping to determine the intestinal microflora and Helicobacter bacteria, which are the causative agents of gastritis and ulcers.
In addition, ultrasound may be prescribed, which will show the state and size of organs from a different angle, will allow studying not only the esophagus and intestines, but also the liver, pancreas, spleen, and other organs. On ultrasound, you can monitor many processes in dynamics, for example, you can track the characteristics of peristalsis and motor skills.
To diagnose red, blue, ultrasound of the heart, electrocardiogram, and other studies are prescribed, which are used to obtain a complete clinical picture of cardiac pathologies.
Differential diagnosis
It's difficult to diagnose. Changing the complexion can be a sign of various diseases. It should be for the beginning to determine in which particular system pathology is observed. The general picture can be obtained from clinical analyzes, biochemical blood analysis, immunograms. Based on the examination and laboratory data, the patient is sent to a highly specialized doctor for further diagnosis. For example, if a pathology of the respiratory system is detected, further studies are carried out by pulmonologists and phthisiatricians, with the pathology of the digestive system being treated by a gastroenterologist, in case of cardiac pathology, by a cardiologist.
Who to contact?
Treatment of the gray complexion
Treatment is a complex and time consuming process. It depends on what pathology caused the disease. First of all, the etiological therapy aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease is carried out. So, if the cause was a bacterial infection - a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed, with a viral infection, antiviral drugs are treated. If cardiac pathology is detected, the cardiologist is treated if a pathology of the kidneys and urinary tract is detected, the nephrologist is engaged in treatment, etc.
After the main disease is cured, the main functions are normalized, and rehabilitation therapy is performed. For example, if microbiocenosis has been disturbed, therapy aimed at the restoration of microflora is carried out, immunomodulatory therapy is carried out if necessary, normal biochemical cycle, metabolism is restored. Additionally, a diet, vitamin therapy can be prescribed.
In the third stage, we proceed directly to symptomatic therapy, in which the elimination of the underlying pathologies that occur on the skin is performed. Here you need advice from a dermatologist, cosmetologist. The doctor examines the skin, performs the necessary tests and selects the appropriate course of treatment, if it is still necessary. Often, having cured the underlying disease, the signs of skin damage also disappear, the face acquires a natural shade.
At a reception with a cosmetologist, he carries out a face cleaning. For this, a steam bath, special masks, chemical or biological peels are usually used. These procedures make it possible to exfoliate the upper layer of the epidermis, so that the skin is more quickly renewed and restored. At the second stage, a mechanical cleaning is carried out, during which pores are opened, special cleaning of pores, removal of impurities is carried out.
Then improve skin nutrition, its blood supply. For this, various methods are used: masks, mesotherapy, microcurrent therapy, injection methods, the introduction of vitamin preparations of amino acids. Positively affect the condition of the skin cryotherapy procedures - massage with liquid nitrogen, which promotes skin regeneration, its rejuvenation, removal of scars and scars. The complexion improves significantly.
How to get rid and remove the gray complexion?
In order to remove the gray complexion, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that causes it. Otherwise, no cosmetic procedure will not have the desired effect. It is necessary to go to the reception to the therapist. He will appoint the necessary tests, if necessary, send for consultation to other specialists. Only after a comprehensive examination, you can get an accurate diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment. After this, you need to undergo a full course of treatment. Usually, after eliminating the cause, the complexion improves. If this is not enough, only at this stage it is possible to contact a dermatologist and a cosmetologist for carrying out local cosmetic procedures.
Remove the gray complexion will also help adherence to the regime of the day, adequate nutrition, rejection of bad habits, sufficient drinking regime and regular physical training. Such health improvement systems as qigong and hatha yoga, respiratory practices, relaxation and meditation complexes have proved to be very good.
Medications
It must be understood that medications are not administered uncontrollably. You need to know the cause of the disease, present a clinical picture of what is happening in the body, and only after that you can select suitable drugs. Otherwise they will not only be ineffective, but also harmful. With uncontrolled and incorrect admission, various side effects are possible, and even worsening of the condition. It is important to observe precautions - in no case do self-medication, take any funds only after a doctor's prior consultation.
If a bacterial infection, a dysbacteriosis or a skin mite - demodex is detected, an antibacterial drug, erythromycin, is used. Recommended for 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, after meals.
In case of a metabolic disorder and a lack of vitamin, mediodiotin is prescribed - a vitamin and mineral complex, designed specifically for normalizing the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Take 1 tablet a day for a month.
When wet rashes appear on the skin, pustules on the background of discolouration, Levomycetinum ointment is used. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, dries, eliminates rash. Apply 2-3 times a day, spreading on the skin with a thin layer. The skin should be cleaned beforehand.
If the body is contaminated with slag and toxins, and if there is a sign of intoxication, enterosgel is prescribed. It is a sorbent that removes toxins from the body, cleanses the blood, normalizes the body, improves well-being. Take 1 tablespoon of the drug, stir in a glass of water, drink in the morning, on an empty stomach. The course of treatment is from 7 to 14 days.
Vitamins
In any disease, including in diseases of unexplained etiology, the body needs vitamins. If a change in color is detected, the following vitamins will be useful in daily dosages:
Vitamin PP - 60 mg
Vitamin H - 150 μg
Vitamin C - 500 mg
Vitamin A - 2400 μg
Vitamin E - 45 mg.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
The most effective physiotherapeutic procedures are cryotherapy, mesotherapy, laser treatment, ultrasound, biorevitalization, bioarimization. These procedures are indicated by the doctor-cosmetologist.
Alternative treatment
Alternative medicine has many tools that are used to normalize complexion. Well-proven funds for both external and internal use.
For external use apply various broths for washing, frozen ice for wiping the face, lotions.
Decoction of chamomile and calendula is used not only with a dull, gray complexion, but also with the appearance of gum aids and inflammatory processes on the skin, scarring and erosion. To prepare the broth take 5 tablespoons of chamomile grass and the same amount of calendula, pour a liter of water, give the opportunity to brew for half an hour. Then wait for the water to get a warm, comfortable temperature, wash without using soap and gel for washing.
To refresh the face and give it a light, fresh shade, take 1 thick leaf of aloe, squeeze juice out of it and rub your face with lotion 2-3 times a day.
Cubes for ice give the skin a gentle, natural look, eliminate the gray and yellow tint. To prepare ice, prepare a decoction of the flax seed. One tablespoon of seeds pour a glass of water, allow to infuse during the day. After the product has cooled down, pour out into molds, put in the freezer for freezing. Wipe your face after washing 2 times a day.
Herbal Treatment
Herbs have a positive effect not only on the skin condition, but also on the condition of the body as a whole. Apply both externally and indoors.
To normalize the microflora, stabilize the gastrointestinal tract take a decoction of mint. It is useful for women, but it is contraindicated for men. Peppermint contains female hormones, and therefore it normalizes the female hormonal system, soothingly affects the body. The internal environment of the organism is normalized, respectively, and the external space is normalized. The skin becomes lighter, tightened, acquires a natural glow. To prepare the broth, take 1-2 tablespoons of mint, pour a glass of water, drink at a time. In day you can drink 4-5 glasses. You can add honey to taste. Also, mint can be added as a flavor in regular tea and drink during the day.
A decoction of sage for washing. Take 2-3 tablespoons of sage, pour 1 liter of water. They give the opportunity to brew. Then filter, wait for the product to cool to room temperature, wash. After washing, the face does not rub, you can only get a little wet. Improves the complexion of lavender infusion. Take about 50 grams of lavender, pour 100 grams of vodka or alcohol. Allowed to infuse for 7 days. Then wipe your face twice a day.
Homeopathy
When using homeopathic remedies, precautions should be followed: they should be applied only after preliminary consultation with the doctor. Homeopathy, despite its relative safety, has many side effects. So, it is possible to overdose, drug incompatibility, allergic reactions. In order not to worsen the condition, it must be able to be effectively incorporated into the complex therapy.
- Ointment from hops
Ointment can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently. An oily base, such as butter, is required for cooking. Melt it, add cones of hops. Boil for 5-10 minutes, slowly stirring. Then remove, cool, give the opportunity to brew. After the agent has solidified, it is possible to apply small pieces on the skin, rub it in a thin layer and leave until completely absorbed. Ointment has a regenerating effect, restores the skin, relieves irritation, returns a natural color.
- Propolis ointment
Propolis is melted on the fire, add 12-20 grams of needles to it, boil for 5-10 minutes, slowly stirring. Apply to the skin in a thin layer, leave until completely absorbed.
- Mixture strengthening
Take 200 grams of raisins, dried apricots, prunes, figs. Mix, pass through a meat grinder. Separately, a lemon with a skin and about 300 grams of walnuts are passed through a meat grinder. The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed, add 5-6 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon ground, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger. Stir thoroughly, allow to stand for 3-4 days. Eat 1 tablespoon in the morning and evening. Helps to restore strength, to return the skin to youth and natural color.
- Vitaminized Lotion
To give the skin the usual natural color, you need to prepare the next infusion. Take 50 ml extract of Eleutherococcus and 50 ml of magnolia vine, mix with each other. Add 2-3 drops of vitamin E, mix well. Allow to stand for 2-3 days, then you can wipe your face 2-3 times a day.
What color of hair is suitable for earthy complexion?
Any doctor will answer that it is irrational to choose the color of hair under an earthy shade of the face, since the earthy shade is pathological. It is much more logical to first take a survey, determine the cause of such a pathology, undergo appropriate treatment. Only after this, you can choose the color of the hair, already under a healthy complexion. Beauty is first and foremost health. But if we talk about the combination of colors, it is worth noting that the best option will be dark or red hair color.
Prevention
For the prevention of gray and earthy complexion, it is necessary to undergo a timely examination and eliminate the revealed pathologies. In addition, it is recommended to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, to fully eat, to get the necessary amount of vitamin and trace elements. You need to drink enough water, exercise. It is important to alternate static and dynamic exercises, perform respiratory practices, as well as relaxation complexes, meditation. It is necessary to look after the skin on a regular basis: to cleanse, moisturize, nourish it. It is necessary to try to exclude bad habits, including smoking and alcohol, drink less drugs.
Forecast
A gray complexion can have a favorable prognosis if the diagnosis is timely and receive the necessary treatment. By itself, the complexion does not change, it is always a consequence of diseases of internal organs. If you do not pay attention to an earthy complexion, you can skip early signs of many serious diseases, including malignant tumors, ulcers, anemia, and organ failure.