7 Things Your Hands Can Tell About Your Health
Hands are one of the first body parts to show signs of aging. But they can also indicate certain health problems. Doctors say that the condition of your hands can be a result of several medical changes going on elsewhere in your body.
Bright Side gathered 7 symptoms that you should pay attention to in order to maintain your health.
Red palms
Doctors explain that red palms (or palmar erythema) can be a sign of liver problems, especially if you are over 50 years old. Usually the redness is located in the outer edge of the palm. The possible reason for red palms is a change in the hormonal balance which causes blood vessel dilation. Rheumatoid arthritis can be also a reason for redness on the palms.
If you've spotted red areas on your hands, you should get medical advice to find out the true reason for it. Meanwhile, try to switch to a healthy diet and lower your alcohol intake.
Sweaty palms
There are several possible reasons for sweaty palms:
- excessive sweating
- stress
- overactive thyroid
In case of hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating, you can try strong antiperspirants. You can also get a medical procedure done to fight hyperhidrosis.
Try to limit your alcohol intake and learn to control your stress levels (meditation, "inhale-exhale" technique). If nothing seems to work you should definitely make a doctor's appointment.
Loss of sensitivity and tingling
Sometimes we wake up with the feeling that we have lost sensitivity in certain parts of our body, and when we move it starts tingling. Usually it's just because we pressed on the sensory nerve for a long time. The tingling is the time that the nerve needs to get back to work.
In some cases these symptoms in the hands can be a sign of a more serious problem like cervical osteochondrosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, venous thrombosis of the limb, a brachial plexus injury, anemia or diabetes. If you often experience loss of sensitivity in your hands without an obvious reason, go and consult with your doctor.
Dry hands
The most common reasons for dry skin on the hands are dehydration and estrogen deficiency which goes hand-in-hand with menopause. To avoid dehydration drink enough water and use moisturizing hand creams. Include oily fish, seeds, and nuts in your diet. Visit your doctor for hormonal replacement therapy, it will help you to control the estrogen drop.
Trembling hands
It's known that shaking hands can be a sign of serious health problems like Parkinson's Disease. If you have serious concern go and get medical advice. In the meantime limit your strong coffee and alcohol intake because they can also cause trembling hands. Other possible reasons are anxiety and major stress.
Weak nails
Weak or cracked nails can be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc is really important for our health, it promotes wound healing, helps cells divide, and strengthens the immune system. Add some zinc-rich foods to you diet like oats, nuts, and meat. Doctors also recommend taking zinc as a supplement if its level is low in your body.
Clubbed fingers
If your fingers look like a club or a drumstick where the nail and finger develop a bulbous end, usually there's a deficit of the oxygen in your body. It may be the symptom of a more serious disease like lung cancer or heart disease. Go and get professional medical advice if you experience "clubbing."
Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms? Let us know in the comments below if you've noticed a connection between your hands and your health.