5 Symptoms Due To Uric Acid That Show on the Skin

People do not think about Uric acid until it starts causing problems. It is a chemical in our blood that comes from the food we eat. Our body generally removes uric acid through urine but sometimes it builds up and causes a condition called hyperuricemia. But here is the thing most people know that high uric acid can lead to joint pain or gout and few realise it can also show signs on the skin. So if you notice abnormal changes in your skin as well it could be your body warning you about high uric acid.

If you are noticing red or purple spots in your skin then know that it is the first sign of high uric acid and these spots may appear anywhere like on the arms, legs or even on the face. They can look like small bruises or patches that do not go away easily and these are most of the time caused by uric acid crystals that form under the skin and irritate the tissue so if you notice such spots then it is a good idea to check your uric acid levels with a doctor.
Another sign is the development of small painful bumps or known as tophi. These bumps are usually firm and it also may appear on the fingers, toes, elbows or heels. Tophi are made of uric acid crystals and can sometimes become inflamed or infected and they may feel uncomfortable when touched or during movement. But the thing is people often ignore these bumps until they become painful so early attention can help prevent the further complications.

High uric acid can also cause itching on the skin and you might have notice itching that comes and goes without any clear reason. The skin may feel dry, rough or irritated and scratching only makes it worse and can cause redness or small cuts. It is because the itching can happen in areas where uric acid crystals have started to deposit under the skin and moisturizing and medical treatment can help reduce discomfort.

When uric acid buildup in your skin first thing it does is change the colour of skin. Some people may notice yellowish or whitish patches on joints or near the fingers and toes which means that these patches may feel harder than the surrounding skin and because the colour change happens because of the accumulation of uric acid crystals that push through the skin surface. Spotting these changes early can help in getting timely treatment.

Among many other important signs is that cuts or wounds on the skin that may take longer to heal because high uric acid can cause inflammation in tissues which slows down recovery. You may also notice swelling around joints or skin areas that have tophi so if small injuries take too long to recover it is a signal to check uric acid levels and take steps to manage it through diet and medication.

High uric acid is not only confined to just joint pain it is more than that like it can send signals through your skin to warn you before you get affected by some serious complications. So by paying real attention to your red or purple spots like painful bump or colour changes or itching and slow healing can help you act early. And a healthy diet with proper hydration and regular check ups with your doctor can control uric acid and keep your skin as well as your body healthy.