We put creams on them, we make them super cute mani, and we use them daily, but perhaps we do not realize that there is much that hands can say about health.
Knowing how to pay attention to the signs and symptoms that manifest in them can help you identify underlying health problems.
These symptoms in your hands can tell you something about your health
Tingling
We all know the tingling sensation when we sleep in an awkward position or sit on our hands for too long, but if you experience regular tingling it doesn’t go away over time. It could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
According to the Mayo Clinic, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a vital nerve (known as the median nerve) in the wrist is compressed, causing tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers. This will most likely resolve itself, but some people may end up needing surgery.
People with diabetes may also develop nerve damage caused by maintaining high blood sugar levels for a long time. According to Dr. Maria S. Prelipcean, if you have diabetes and notice numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hands or feet, you should visit your doctor. These are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. It’s often dangerous when you can’t feel the pain and you develop a foot ulcer.
Nail stains
If you are like us and you like to have your nails always fixed, we recommend you take a break from time to time to check the condition of your natural nails (not to mention that you will save some money).
White spots on the nail are usually a sign of trauma to the nail bed, such as crushing yourself with a door. But if you notice more obvious changes in the color of your nails (if they’re half white and half brown, for example), this could be a sign of kidney disease, cirrhosis, or type 2 diabetes.
Sweaty hands
It’s super normal to sweat your hands when you’re anxious or nervous as wet hands are a bodily response to nerves, exercise, or even low blood sugar. If you feel like your hands are sweating and you’re not nervous or exercising, it could be hyperhidrosis.
However unexplained sweating on the hands (it can also appear on the face, neck, and armpits) can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
