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But taking off your clothes and carefully studying your reflection could be good for you, helping you spot early signs of a health problem.
Here, with the help of leading experts, we look at what your naked body may be trying to tell you.
AN ODD LUMP IN YOUR GROIN
This could be a sign of a hernia, when part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue, producing an externally visible lump.
The most common form is an inguinal hernia which is caused by a part of the bowel pushing through the groin wall.
‘You may only see the resulting lump when you’re standing up because gravity and abdominal pressure will make it protrude,’ says Dr Anton Emmanuel, a consultant gastroenterologist at University College London Hospitals. ‘It will, in effect, disappear when lying down.’
Inguinal hernias are most common in men, sometimes as a result of heavy lifting. The problem may require an operation to push the protruding part back into place. The weakness in the muscle wall is then surgically closed.
Inguinal hernias are most common in men, sometimes as a result of heavy lifting. The problem may require an operation to push the protruding part back into place
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Inguinal hernias are most common in men, sometimes as a result of heavy lifting. The problem may require an operation to push the protruding part back into place
DARK SKIN PATCHES IN THE ARMPITS
Known as acanthosis nigricans, these darkened, thickened patches of skin can be an early sign of type 2 diabetes, says Dr Nida Chammas, a consultant diabetes endocrinologist at the BMI Clementine Churchill Hospital, Middlesex.
Typically a hand span in size, the patches tend to be dry and have a rough, velvety feel and may also itch.
‘They are linked to obesity, which in turn can cause insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes when the body is unable to properly use the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and so the pancreas tries to produce more and more,’ says Dr Chammas.
‘High levels of insulin in the blood are thought to cause changes in skin cells that lead to the formation of these patches.’
Although it’s not clear why, they typically form in folds such as the armpits, neck and groin.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, reducing carbohydrate intake and exercising more may help to restore the original skin colour.
To help those whose patches stem from insulin resistance, a GP can prescribe medication such as metformin to reduce insulin levels, which can also help reduce the colour of the patches.
