Here we outline various abnormalities of the hands and what they might indicate to.
A sudden decline in grip strength can be a sign of nerve problems, muscle wasting, etc.
Abnormalities on your hands can sometimes suggest underlying health concerns because the skin, nails, joints, and circulation in your hands are closely linked to internal systems like cardiovascular, nervous, metabolic, and immune functions. Subtle changes in color, texture, swelling, or nail shape can be early indicators of conditions like nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, liver disease, or even autoimmune issues. Since the hands are so vascular and visible, they often show signs of internal imbalances sooner than other parts of the body. In this article, we outline various abnormalities of the hands and what they might indicate to.
10 Abnormalities on your hands that may suggest health concerns
1. Cold hands
Consistently cold hands may indicate poor circulation, low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), or Raynaud's disease, a condition that affects blood flow. If your hands stay cold even in warm conditions, it's worth checking your blood pressure and thyroid levels.
2. Shaky hands
Mild hand tremors could be caused by caffeine or stress, but persistent shaking might be linked to neurological issues like Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. It can also signal thyroid overactivity (hyperthyroidism).
3. Clubbed fingertips
When the tips of the fingers swell and nails curve downward, it may point to oxygen deprivation in the blood, often associated with lung diseases, heart conditions, or even liver issues.
4. Discoloured nails
Yellow nails might suggest fungal infections, chronic bronchitis, or lymphedema, while pale nails can indicate anaemia. Bluish nails could mean a lack of oxygen in the blood, possibly related to heart or lung disorders.
5. Swollen fingers
Swelling in the fingers that doesn't go away may be due to arthritis, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances. Inflammation and fluid retention can both be signs of internal stress.
6. Red, itchy rashes
Persistent rashes on the hands can be due to eczema or psoriasis, but they might also be triggered by autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions to medications or foods.
7. Peeling skin around fingertips
Frequent peeling may signal vitamin B deficiency, especially B3 (niacin) or B7 (biotin), or even dehydration. It can also result from overexposure to harsh soaps and sanitisers, which compromise the skin barrier.
8. Numbness or tingling
These sensations may suggest nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or more systemic issues like diabetes, which affects nerve health. It could also be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency.
9. Dark lines under nails
These could be harmless bruises from trauma, but if unexplained, a dark line under the nail could point to melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It's something that should be evaluated quickly.
10. Weak grip strength
A sudden decline in grip strength can be a sign of nerve problems, muscle wasting, or even early rheumatoid arthritis. It can also reflect overall decline in physical health, especially in older adults.
Paying attention to persistent or unusual changes in the hands can help in early detection and timely management of several health conditions.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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