How Healthy Are You? Your Hands Tell It All

We see our hands every day, but when was the last time we looked closely at our hands? And in vain, because looking at them, you can learn a lot about the state of health. It is possible to determine by the palms and fingers what exactly went wrong in the body.

11 Hand Conditions That Indicate Bad Health

1- Red Rash 

If a red rash appears on the palms or wrists (sometimes it may have small blisters), this may be a sign of an allergy. In such cases, dermatologists most often talk about nickel allergy. It is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Many items that come into contact with our skin on a daily basis contain nickel. 

This element can be found in rings, bracelets, watches, and even mobile phones. Besides, nickel is also found in some foods. For example beans, peanuts, soybeans, and oatmeal. Besides, a rash on the hands can appear due to allergies to detergents or cosmetics. 

2- Trembling Hands 

Usually, trembling hands can be seen in the elderly or at the time of a strong nervous shock. However, young people experience trembling in their hands for no apparent reason. In some cases, such a symptom is not a reason for worry. In others, it is a reason to take seriously your health. 

If the tremor recurs every day, it could be a sign of a neurological disorder. But sometimes this can happen after a sleepless night, due to excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol. If the trembling is severe and is not stopping, you may need to contact the alcohol abuse hotline. They can guide you via phone if this is a symptom of last night’s drug/alcohol consumption or just a health problem.

 In older people, tremors usually appear at certain times, such as while eating or when a person tries to thread a needle. If the tremor affects only one arm (or is more noticeable on one side of the body) and appears even at rest, this may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s disease. 

3- Numbness And Pain In The Wrist

 If a person complains of pain, slight tingling, and numbness in the fingers, then they may have carpal tunnel syndrome. The cause of the disorder is a pinched nerve in the hand. 

It happens in people who like to sleep with their arms bent at the wrists. But this is just one of the possible causes of tingling in the fingers and numbness in the hands. Sometimes this symptom can be a harbinger of a stroke. 

4- Trigger Finger

This term refers to a condition when the ability to flex and straighten one or more fingers is impaired. Most often, this happens with the ring or thumb, and the cause is usually an inflamed tendon. If such a situation occurs often, then it can be regarded as an indirect symptom of arthritis, thyroid disease, or diabetes. 

5- Red Scales On The Skin

Flaky spots on the skin of the hands combined with yellowed nails are a typical symptom of psoriasis. Besides, scaly skin on the hands may be due to other diseases, including arthritis and cardiovascular disorders. 

6- Red Palms 

Your hands can tell about the state of the liver. If the palms are very red, this can be a sign of organ dysfunction, up to cirrhosis. But in this case, the redness is most intense closer to the edge of the palm in the little finger. 

7- Very Sweaty Hands

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland control metabolic processes in the body. If the thyroid gland is overly active, the body generates more heat. This in turn activates sweating. Therefore, if a person always has sweaty palms, this may indicate thyroid disease. 

8- Blue Fingers

 If you freeze too much, then the hands can become bluish-purple. But sometimes, blue hands can indicate serious health problems. For example, if during stress or when the air temperature changes, the fingers first turn white and then turn blue or purple (sometimes almost black), the person can be suspected of Raynaud’s disease. 

The reason for this condition is sharp vasoconstriction, which temporarily disrupts blood flow to the fingers or toes. At this time, the fingers become numb and cold. Sometimes painful sensations accompany this condition. 

As blood flow resumes, the fingers may tingle, throb, and become severely red. Also, discoloration of the fingers may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases, including lupus or scleroderma. 

9- Constantly Cold Hands 

It is the surest sign of poor circulation in the limbs. The reason for this condition should be sought in the work of the vascular system. The person may have a blockage of capillaries or larger vessels. You should also check the spine for hernias. 

10- Flaky Skin On Fingers 

If the skin on your fingertips begins to peel off, this could be a signal that you are deficient in vitamin B. The most common are B3 (niacin or nicotinic acid) and B7 (biotin). These are particularly important for skin and nail health. 

You can take both substances in the form of pharmacy vitamins or increase the number of foods rich in B vitamins in the diet. You can replenish niacin reserves by eating fish, peanuts, and mushrooms. And tuna and avocado are excellent sources of biotin. 

11- Dry Itchy Skin

This type of symptom may indicate various dermatological diseases. But if a serious illness is ruled out, then vitamin E deficiency may be the cause of itching and dry hands. To restore the reserves of the nutrient, it is useful to rub the vitamin into the fingers and cuticles at night. 

Bottom Line

Hands can tell a lot about a person. A neat manicure decorates and completes the image. But according to the condition of the hands and nails, one can judge not only the accuracy and taste of a person but also the health. Pay more attention to your hands. They will help you recognize the disease at an early stage or even prevent it.