The Health Secrets Hidden In Your Hands

Your eyes may be the window to the soul, but it’s your hands that can give the game away when it comes to wellness

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Hand signals

‘Hands can reveal a significant amount about your general health,’ says Dr Judith Holmes, who has a private GP practice at Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull. ‘At medical school, student doctors are taught to start any formal clinical examination by looking at the patient’s hands, as they can give so many clues as to what may be happening under the surface.’ Here’s what to look out for…

Sweating or dry skin

This could indicate thyroid issues. ‘An overactive thyroid can cause hands to tremor and the skin to become excessively sweaty,’ says Dr Holmes. ‘If underactive, it may cause dry skin on the hands, with the nail separating from the nail bed underneath. You may also see ridging or discolouration of the nails.’ Ask your GP for blood tests. ‘In most cases you’re likely to have other symptoms, such as difficulty staying warm or cooling down, extreme tiredness, protruding eyes or hair loss,’ says Dr Holmes.

Aches and pains

With 27 bones, and a network of ligaments and nerves, it’s no wonder we feel pain at times – or tingling or stiffness. ‘This could be repetitive strain injury, especially if you use a computer mouse regularly, with symptoms easing when you’ve stopped,’ says Dr Holmes. Stretching can help.

With your arm extended, stretch your fingers back one at a time, then all together. Next, squeeze hands into fists, open slowly and as fully as you can. ‘Pain could indicate arthritis, nerve problems/ entrapment or circulation issues,’ she says. If pain is persistent, see your GP.

Pale or white hands