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Expert: Li Hongzheng, Physician in the Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
Although the saying “the hands reveal the diseases of the five organs” may sound mystical, in modern medicine, the condition of the hands can indeed reflect certain diseases.
Yellow Hands: Be cautious of obstructive jaundice. I once had a patient whose entire body was very yellow, including his hands. Upon examination, it turned out he had obstructive jaundice due to bile duct obstruction, leading to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body.
Patients with hepatitis and jaundice often have yellow hands. The liver is responsible for metabolizing bilirubin, but when there is inflammation or liver dysfunction, its ability to metabolize bilirubin decreases, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, which can deposit in the skin and sclera, causing yellowing of the skin.
Clubbing of Fingers: Be cautious of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, and rheumatic diseases. Some chronic hypoxic diseases, such as chronic lung abscess, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer, can lead to clubbing of the fingers.
When the tips of the fingers or toes become enlarged, thickened, widened, and the nails curve from the base to the tip, resembling a hammer, this condition is called clubbing.
Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis may experience joint deformities, such as hand joint deformities. These conditions indicate a more severe state; if the radial nerve is damaged, it can also lead to wrist weakness and drooping.
Clubbing is also seen in some cardiovascular diseases, such as cyanotic congenital heart disease, subacute infective endocarditis, and cirrhosis.
Spoon Nails: Be cautious of anemia, rheumatic fever, etc. Some people’s nails are “spoon-shaped,” characterized by a central depression, raised edges, thinness, rough surface, and striations. This is known as spoon nails, which can indicate iron deficiency anemia or certain high-altitude diseases. Some patients with rheumatic fever or onychomycosis may also exhibit spoon nails, which should raise sufficient concern.
Excessive Sweating of the Hands: Be cautious of hyperthyroidism. Patients with hyperthyroidism may exhibit excessive sweating, with their palms always feeling moist. This is due to the abnormal increase of thyroid hormones in the blood, which accelerates peripheral blood circulation and metabolism, generating a lot of heat. The body sweats excessively to dissipate this heat.
Although the appearance of the hands can assist doctors in inferring health conditions, one should never rely solely on the hands to diagnose diseases. A complete medical history and necessary examinations must be conducted to confirm a diagnosis.
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This article was originally published in Health Times “The Hands Reveal the Diseases of the Five Organs”.
This article was edited by: Zhang Meng, Liang Yuan Chief Reviewer: Yang Xiaoming
