Blog 5 Things Your Hands May Be Telling You
Our hands are one of the most important parts of our body when it comes to day-to- dayactivities, and they are revealing, too. "It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands forimportant clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell youa great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."
Here are 5 important clues your hands can reveal about your overall health:
Blotchy Red Palms:In the short term, red palms might mean you gripped the shovel too hard,washed a few too many dishes, or grabbed the teakettle too soon (or you are pregnant, as redpalms may be normal due to increased blood flow). But if your palms remain reddened over along period of time, this may be a condition called palmar erythema, which could be a sign ofliver disease, particularly of cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver.
The Length of Your Fingers:Comparative finger length can tell you a surprising amount aboutyour likelihood of having certain conditions. Typically, men's ring fingers tend to be longer thantheir index fingers, while in women it's the opposite. Women who have a "masculinized"pattern,with ring fingers longer than their index fingers, are twice as likely to suffer from osteoarthritis,according to a 2008 study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism. Longer index fingers, on theother hand, are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in women and with a lower risk ofprostate cancer in men. A 2010 study found that men whose index fingers were noticeably longerthan their ring fingers were 33 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Swollen Fingers:Swollen fingers can happen for the simplest of reasonslike it's hot outside oryou’ve eaten salty foods. But if your fingers feel thick and stiff or your rings still won't fit afterseveral days of drinking plenty of fluids and cutting back on salt, the swelling could suggesthypothyroidism.
Pale Nails or Red Stripes Under the Nails:Under normal circ*mstances, if you press gently onyour fingernails they turn white, and then when you release the pressure they turn pink again. Ifyour nails stay white more than a minute after you press on them, or they look pale all the time,this can be a sign of anemia.Red stripes under the nails are called splinter hemorrhagesbecause they look like tiny red orbrownish splinters under the nails. These are minute areas of bleeding that run in the direction ofnail growth, and they can signal infection in the heart or blood.
Thick, Rounded Fingertips:Known as "clubbing" thickened fingertips that angle out above thelast knuckle like miniature clubs can be a sign of heart or lung disease. You may also notice thenail rounding, so your fingers curve downward like the inside of a spoon.
If you are concerned about what your hands may be telling you about your health, contact yourdoctor for a medical evaluation.
You Might Also Enjoy...
It’s always smart to keep an eye on your skin. But giving yourself a thorough self-exam from time-to-time is even better. This May, in recognition of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re here to teach you how to tackle this important task.
Scalp thinning and balding may be common problems, but that doesn’t make hair loss any easier to live with. Luckily, there are ways to wake up dormant follicles and support healthy hair regrowth — with few risks or side effects. Learn more here.
Hearing the word “chemical” in reference to a skin care treatment can seem alarming, especially since they often involve the face. However, they’re a safe, quick, and cost-effective way to completely rejuvenate your skin. Read on to learn more.
There’s a reason why people love Botox® Cosmetic and dermal fillers — they can provide dramatic results without risky surgeries. And guess what? When combined, they practically turn back the hands of time. Learn more here.
Have you been working day after day to improve the appearance of your legs, only to be left with stubborn pockets of fat that won’t budge? When diet and exercise only go so far, CoolSculpting® can do the rest. Learn more here.
Do you have rosacea? Then you’re no stranger to the facial redness it can cause. But what if it seems to last longer and longer with each flare-up? The right treatment strategy is key. Here’s what you should know.
