A doctor has urged people to keep an eye out for any changes in their hands that could indicate a number of serious health issues. According to one expert, the appearance or texture of hands can often signify a larger health concern.
Doctor Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained: “From cardiovascular disease to psoriasis, our hands can tell us a lot about our health – indicating potentially serious health conditions.
“It’s vital to understand the telltale signs of illness and how to spot changes in hands to avoid a further reduction in well-being.
“Therefore, let’s take a look at the five signs to look out for.”
These signs can affect the skin, nails, joints and even the overall size of the hands.
Nails
A range of health issues can all lead to alterations in nail appearance and texture, according to Dr Grant.
He said: “Firstly, pitted nails are when small dents or pits form on the surface of fingernails and can indicate psoriasis, in severe cases, it can cause the nails to crumble.
“Additionally, yellow nails can be an indicator of a range of health issues, including fungal infections or underlying health conditions such as lung disease.
“With so many potential causes, it’s vital to seek further advice from a GP to diagnose the issue and receive the correct treatment.”
Skin
It’s also important to keep an eye on skin, as the texture and appearance can alter quite rapidly when ill.
Dr Grant continued: “Palmar erythema is a skin condition causing the palms of hands to turn red, it can also bring a burning sensation and affects people for a range of reasons, including pregnancy – however, it can also be a sign of worrying health conditions such as lymphoma or liver disease.
“Additionally, vitamin deficiencies, such as not attaining enough calcium or vitamin D can lead to dry patches of skin appearing on the hands, highlighting the need for a well-balanced diet.
“Dry skin may also be a sign of eczema or an allergic reaction. Over-the-counter products such as CeraVe moisturising cream are effective at repairing the skin’s natural barrier and providing much-needed hydration.”
Stiff joints
When the joints in hands start to become stiff, it’s usually a sign of arthritis.
“Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness while reducing movement,” he said. “It tends to affect the base of the thumb and middle joints of the fingers but can cause pain all throughout the hand.
“While it can be difficult to treat osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen can be used to manage pain and swelling while adopting a healthy amount of exercise can help ease stiffness.”
Cold hands
Dramatic temperature changes are a massive indicator that something’s not quite right.
Dr Grant said: “Firstly, cold hands can be a sign of poor circulation but may also suggest anaemia, when a lack of red blood cells is present.
“Aside from anaemia, cold hands may also indicate an underlying health condition such as diabetes or blood clots. If you experience a long-lasting change in hand temperature, it may be best to seek additional medical advice.”
Thickened fingers
Monitoring changes in fingers, such as width, can help spot dangerous life-threatening diseases.
“A common symptom of pulmonary fibrosis – a type of lung disease – is the widening of fingers and clubbing of fingernails,” Dr Grant continued.
“Dactylitis, where fingers become much wider in appearance, can be a sign of sickle cell disease, tuberculosis or a bacterial infection. With so many potentially dangerous causes, I strongly advise people to seek urgent medical attention if they notice any changes to their fingers.”
He added: “Overall, changes in our hands and fingers can indicate a wide variety of conditions, ranging from psoriasis to lung disease.
“By understanding the telltale signs, people can quickly access medical advice or over-the-counter treatments to help reduce pain and avoid life-threatening illnesses.”