Doctor Shares Five Subtle Signs On Your Hands That Can Indicate Serious Health Problems

It would be great if we could always know exactly what’s happening with our bodies, but unfortunately, it's not that straightforward.

Luckily, our bodies do give off certain signs that health experts can help us interpret.

Our hands are quite expressive and can sometimes signal when something might be wrong.

According to a doctor, there are several instances when you should really pay attention to what your hands are telling you.

Dr. Donald Grant, a senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, shared with YahooLife that there are five features of your hands that could offer insights into your health.

Listen to your fingernails, they have such things to tell you. Getty Stock Photo

Nailing it

Dr. Grant mentioned that you should keep an eye on your fingernails. Look out for small dents on the surface or any yellowing.

These could be signs that your nail is crumbling, or it might indicate a fungal infection or some other long-term health issue.

There are many things about your nails that could suggest health problems, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to what your hands are trying to tell you.

Your skin suddenly changing colour quite significantly is a warning sign. Getty Stock Photo

The truth is skin-deep

Dr. Grant pointed out that the texture and color of your skin can change quite a bit when you're not feeling well.

He talked about a condition called Palmar Erythema, which makes your palms red and gives a burning sensation.

Dry patches could suggest issues like eczema, an allergic reaction, or a lack of essential vitamins.

Cracking your knuckles won't destroy your joints, but you should pay attention to them. Getty Stock Photo

Out of joint

You know how cracking your knuckles makes that popping sound? Don’t worry, it won’t give you arthritis, despite what you might have heard.

However, you should keep an eye on your joints and notice if they are getting stiff.

This could be a sign of arthritis, and you might also experience swelling and pain, which can affect your hand’s dexterity.

Dr. Grant suggested that managing pain with ibuprofen and doing the right exercises could help ease the stiffness.

If your hands are suddenly rather cold then it could be a problem. Getty Stock Photo

A cold grasp of things

You may have met people with very cold hands, or they might have just come from a cold place. Normally, they’re fine.

But if you’re experiencing sudden changes in hand temperature, Dr. Grant said it could be a sign of 'poor circulation' or anemia.

He added: "Aside from anemia, cold hands may also indicate an underlying health condition such as diabetes or blood clots.

"If you notice a persistent change in hand temperature, it might be wise to get additional medical advice."

Do beware the dreaded sausage digits. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

It’s always best to listen to a doctor when it comes to health matters.

Chonky sausage fingers

We’ve all had a good laugh at King Charles’ chunky fingers, and it seems like he’s in on the joke.

But if your fingers start to get noticeably wider, it could be a sign of pulmonary fibrosis, a type of lung disease, according to Dr. Grant.

He also mentioned that it could indicate sickle cell disease, tuberculosis, or an infection.

He recommended seeking medical advice if your fingers are changing shape quickly.