Here are 10 unusual symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
You may have a health problem and not realize it.
1 – The sensation of insects running over your body
A feeling of stinging or crawling insects on your body has baffled doctors. At first, it was thought people with these symptoms were because of a delusional problem, but further study revealed this as a tick-borne illness called Morgellons disease. This spirochetal infection causes an overproduction of keratin and collagen skin cells that cause weird sensations on your skin. It was thought at one time there were actually fibers embedded in your skin because that’s what it feels like. It’s a rare disease, and because few doctors are familiar with this disease, it can take years to diagnose.
2 – Chewing ice
Chewing ice is often a sign of an iron deficiency. It’s a common disorder in young menstruating females or people who have lost a lot of blood from hemorrhaging or in blood donors because they are at the highest risk of iron deficiency. If you’re diagnosed with an iron deficiency, you will be prescribed iron supplements.
3 – An itching and creeping feeling in your legs
- Lack of iron
- If you’re taking medications such as antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, antinausea drugs, and some cold and allergy drugs
- Overuse of alcohol
- Too much caffeine
- Last trimester of pregnancy, around 4 weeks before delivery
Once diagnosed, RLS can be treated through medications.
4 – Strange salt craving
- Dark skin pigment
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Low blood pressure
This rare disease is hard to diagnose, mostly because many doctors aren’t familiar with it. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Most people with Addison’s disease are diagnosed during an adrenal crisis, which can lead to death. You know your body. If you feel something is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to run tests.
5 – Gray ring around the cornea of your eye
A weird grayish colored ring around the cornea of your eyes may or may not be something to worry about. It could be a sign of high cholesterol in younger people, but in people older than 45, it’s not that big a deal. If you’re concerned, it’s worth making an appointment with your doctor. They will do a blood test to check your cholesterol levels.
6 – Bloodshot eyes
Having bloodshot eyes after a night out on the town isn’t a big deal, but if your eyes are constantly bloodshot, take notice. Bloodshot eyes could be an indication of an eye infection called conjunctivitis. It often shows up after a cold. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so get your eyes checked by a doctor. They’ll give you a prescription for antibiotic eye drops, which can quickly clear up conjunctivitis. If you have eye pain or vision problems, it could indicate something more serious like glaucoma, which, left untreated, can lead to blindness. Don’t hesitate to get your eyes checked if you have any concerns. Many eye diseases can be prevented if caught soon enough.
7 – Excessive sweating
If you find you have an excessive amount of sweat even when you don’t exercise, it’s more than embarrassing. It could be a sign of a condition called hyperhidrosis. It’s a treatable condition, but in rare situations, it could require surgery to remove your sweat glands. A disease may trigger it, but not necessarily. Excessive sweating could also be a sign of a serious disease called non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a type of cancer that attacks your lymphatic system. Other symptoms of NHL include:
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Skin rash
- Swelling of your lymph nodes
8 – Black lines on your fingernails
Another condition that causes black or brown lines on your nails is called Melanonychia. This condition is more prevalent in people with a darker complexion. It’s caused by pigment cells depositing melanin into your fingernails. The deposits group together, and as the nail grows, brown or black stripes show up. The causes of Melanonychia include
- Pregnancy
- Trauma to the nail like nail-biting, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Nail infection
- Lichen planus
- Psoriasis
- Viral warts
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Too much iron
- HIV
- Lupus
- Chemo treatments
Diagnosis involves examination and sometimes a biopsy to rule out cancer or more serious causes.
9 – Sudden or unexplained bruising
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Low-grade fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
A shortage of red blood cells causes AML. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They can do a blood test to determine if you have this deadly disease.
10 – Pale stools
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Discolored teeth
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Liver disease
- Infertility
- Itchiness
- Mouth sores
If your bowel movements are white or clay-like in consistency, this means you have a lack of bile, which may indicate a serious liver problem. You should get to your doctor right away. This could be a life-threatening disease.
It’s good to pay attention to any symptoms. Talk to your doctor about these symptoms, and if they don’t seem concerned. But if the symptoms still persist, don’t hesitate to go back again or find a doctor who will listen to you. You know your body best, so you know when something is not right or unusual. Often, doctors are unfamiliar with a rare disease, so you need to be diligent to get the proper tests and care you need.