Most often, itchy skin is just a matter of dryness or related to a skin condition such as eczema. Still, some underlying illnesses can also cause itchy skin, says New York City cosmetic dermatologist Sejal Shah, founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology. "Conditions that can cause itchy skin are varied and include liver diseases, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid disease and even some cancers," she says. A scary thought, yes, but there's no need to panic. The point is that if you can't stop itching, no matter what, it's worth seeing your doctor.
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Broken Nails
We've all been there: You make a conscious effort to grow out your nails, they finally get to the length you want them and then the day before your manicure, they all start to break. Majorly annoying, yes, but also a sign that you might need to eat more protein. "Weak nails can indicate inadequate protein intake as well as vitamin deficiencies," says Ingleton. Along with upping the amount of protein in your diet, a biotin supplement will help strengthen your tips, she says (though obviously be sure to check with your doc before starting any kind of supplement).
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Dry Hair
It's usually hair care practices (skimping on conditioner, ODing on hot tools) or environmental factors (hello, winter weather) that are to blame for dry strands. But if you've ruled out both of those and your locks are still lacking in moisture, it may be something deeper. Dry hair can also be a sign of hypothyroidism, says Shah, a condition in which your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones. It's easily tested for and treated, so this is a symptom worth bringing up to your doctor.
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White Spots on Your Nails
Here's a total red herring: there's actually no need to stress at all about this one. While you may have heard these white splotches are a sign that you're not getting enough calcium, that's not the case. "White spots are common and do not indicate any actual disease," says Ingleton. They'll likely go away on their own as your nails grow out and, if not, there's always bright polish.
