The thumb sign (Steinberg sign) involves folding your thumb into your closed fist - the test is positive if the entire thumb extends beyond the palm's edge Marfan TrustWikipedia. The wrist sign (Walker-Murdoch sign) is performed by wrapping your thumb and fingers of one hand around your opposite wrist - it's positive when the little finger and thumb overlap
The stork balance test requires standing on one leg with hands on hips, raising the other foot against the inside knee, then balancing on the ball of the foot - you should aim to maintain balance for more than 10 seconds Self-test: Balance/Coordination | Cellucor. The Romberg test involves standing with feet together, arms at your sides or crossed, first with eyes open then closed for 30 seconds to assess balance and proprioception Romberg Test for Balance Issues: What It Is & Types.
The 30-second chair stand test measures lower body strength by counting how many times you can stand up and sit down from a chair (17 inches high) in 30 seconds without using your arms Shirley Ryan AbilityLabPhysiopedia. Grip strength can be measured with a hand dynamometer, with normal ranges for men in their 60s between 28-48 kg A test of strength - Harvard Health.
The sit-to-rise test assesses balance, coordination, flexibility, and leg strength - you lower yourself to the floor and stand back up, starting with a score of 10 and subtracting points each time you use hands, knees, or other support A test of strength - Harvard Health.
Frank's sign is a diagonal crease in the earlobe extending from the tragus to the rear edge - it has been associated with coronary artery disease in some studies Stanford MedicineWikipedia. However, research shows its diagnostic accuracy is insufficient to affect clinical management on its own, only slightly changing pre-test probability of coronary disease Diagonal Earlobe Crease (Frank’s Sign) for Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies - PMC.
Measuring waist circumference can indicate diabetes risk - women with waist measurements of 35 inches or above and men with 40 inches or above have a much higher risk of developing diabetes DIY medical tests: How to self-check your health at home | wthr.com. Excess belly fat raises risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes Waist Measurement: How To Measure Your Waist Circumference
If your blood pressure is higher than 120/80 after testing it a couple of times, you should see a doctor DIY medical tests: How to self-check your health at home | wthr.com.
The skin pinch test involves pinching the skin on the back of your hand for about 3 seconds - if well-hydrated, the skin should snap back immediately, but if dehydrated, it will stay tented or return slowly MedlinePlusTODAY.com. This test is less reliable in older adults who have naturally less elastic skin Skin Pinch Test Can Show If You're Dehydrated, Need More Water.
COORDINATION TESTS:
The heel-to-toe walk involves walking in a straight line placing one foot directly in front of the other - you should be able to continue for at least 30 seconds for good balance and coordination Self-test: Balance/Coordination | Cellucor. The wall ball toss test measures hand-eye coordination by throwing a tennis ball at a wall and catching it with alternating hands - you should achieve 20 or more successful catches in 30 seconds Self-test: Balance/Coordination | Cellucor.
The ABI test is a quick, noninvasive way to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) by comparing blood pressure in your arms versus your ankles Ankle-Brachial Index: Test & What It Means.
You lie down and rest for about 10 to 30 minutes before the test starts, remaining on your back during the test with your arms and ankles propped up at the same level as your heart Ankle-Brachial Index: Test & What It Means. A technician takes blood pressure in both arms using an inflatable cuff, then places a blood pressure cuff just above each ankle and uses an ultrasound probe to listen to blood flow while measuring pressure Ankle Brachial Index Test | Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The ABI is calculated for each leg by taking the higher pressure of the two arteries at the ankle, divided by the higher of the two brachial (arm) systolic pressure measurements Ankle Brachial Index | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine.
Normal ABI is 1.0-1.4, indicating no blockage and low probability of PAD. An ABI of 0.90-0.99 indicates borderline PAD. An ABI lower than 0.90 indicates PAD, and values below 0.5 suggest severe PAD Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). Values above 1.4 suggest noncompressible calcified vessels, often seen in diabetic or elderly patients Ankle Brachial Index | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine.
Major cardiovascular societies recommend measuring an ABI in every smoker over 50 years old, every diabetic over 50, and all patients over 70 Ankle Brachial Index | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine.
Xanthelasma appears as harmless, yellow growths on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose, formed by cholesterol deposits that build up under your skin Xanthelasma: What It Is, Causes and Treatment. These are soft, lipid-rich deposits manifesting as semisolid, yellowish papules or plaques, typically found on the inner aspect of the eyes, most commonly along the corners of the upper and lower eyelids Xanthelasma Palpebrarum - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
About half of the people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol levels, and researchers have found that having xanthelasma means it's very likely you'll develop heart disease, heart attack, or atherosclerosis in the future - even if your cholesterol levels are normal Xanthelasma: What It Is, Causes and Treatment.
Xanthelasma may be an early warning sign that cholesterol has started to build up in your blood vessels, and over time it can form plaque in your arteries leading to atherosclerosis, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke Xanthelasma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More.
Xanthelasma is associated with hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease Xanthelasma Palpebrarum - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Excellent addition! Corneal arcus in younger people is indeed another important visual sign to look for. Here's what you need to know:
Corneal arcus appears as a white, blue, or gray crescent shape (arc) made of lipid deposits that curves around the outer edges of the cornea of the eye, and the curve can extend all around the cornea to form a ring Arcus Senilis (Corneal Arcus): Causes & Treatment. The rings form in front of the iris, the colored part of the eye Arcus senilis: Causes, symptoms, and treatment.
If you're 50 to 60 years old or older, the rings are called arcus senilis and are seen as a normal part of aging. However, if you're 40 years old or younger, or if the ring appears only in one eye, your healthcare provider may suspect that you have an underlying condition including high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels Arcus Senilis (Corneal Arcus): Causes & Treatment.
In people with familial hyperlipidemia, this arc or ring typically occurs before age 45 and is linked to an increased risk of heart disease Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol? | Beacon Health System. In individuals under 40 years, corneal arcus is strongly associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease Corneal Arcus: What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis, and More | Osmosis.
Twenty percent of people with AL amyloidosis have an enlarged tongue, which can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing, and altered taste. Tongue enlargement does not occur in ATTR or AA amyloidosis Amyloidosis - Wikipedia.
When the enlarged tongue presses against the bottom teeth, wavy or scalloped marks can form along its edges, appearing in about 15 percent of people with AL amyloidosis Amyloidosis Tongue: Macroglossia and 3 Other Symptoms | MyAmyloidosisTeam. Macroglossia is considered a hallmark of AL amyloidosis and is rarely observed in other subtypes, and it could present as apparent tongue enlargement or subtle tooth indentation on the lateral tongue Lingual liability: macroglossia and dyspnoea as the harbinger of systemic AL (light-chain) cardiac amyloidosis - PMC.
The face is most commonly affected with minor trauma sometimes precipitating eyelid and periorbital purpura (pinch purpura or raccoon eyes sign). Purpuric lesions are found in flexural regions such as the nasolabial folds, neck, and axillae Primary Systemic Amyloidosis Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination, Complications.
Purpura, ecchymoses, petechiae, and hemorrhagic blisters occur especially over eyelids and the periorbital areas due to capillary wall fragility from amyloid infiltration of vessel wall, and can be triggered by minor trauma and even coughing Systemic Amyloidosis: Cutaneous features — DermNet.
About 25 percent of people with systemic AL amyloidosis may experience purpura or easy bruising, with patches most commonly seen around the eyes and eyelids appearing purple, reddish, or dark brown depending on skin tone When To Suspect Amyloidosis: 12 Surprising Symptoms That May Lead to Diagnosis | MyAmyloidosisTeam.
Periorbital bruising is common in AL amyloidosis, and when present with associated heart failure, it is pathognomonic for AL amyloidosis. Any patient with overt macroglossia or lateral tongue indentation with or without associated periorbital bruise and symptoms of dyspnea should be evaluated for AL cardiac amyloidosis Lingual liability: macroglossia and dyspnoea as the harbinger of systemic AL (light-chain) cardiac amyloidosis - PMC.
Other skin manifestations include papules, plaques, or nodules with a shiny-waxy or hemorrhagic appearance in areas such as eyelids, retro-auricular region, neck, axillae, and anogenital region, as well as hair loss from destruction of hair follicles and nail dystrophy with ridging, splitting and brittleness Systemic Amyloidosis: Cutaneous features — DermNet.
The most characteristic skin lesion consists of waxy papules, nodules, or plaques evident in the eyelids, retroauricular region, neck, or inguinal and anogenital regions Primary Systemic Amyloidosis Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination, Complications.
Amyloid purpura is caused by amyloid deposition in blood vessels and reduced activity of thrombin and factor X, two clotting proteins that lose their function after binding with amyloid Amyloidosis - Wikipedia.
AL amyloidosis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis. If untreated, the median survival of patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis is 6 months from the onset of heart failure, so prompt recognition and diagnosis is imperative Lingual liability: macroglossia and dyspnoea as the harbinger of systemic AL (light-chain) cardiac amyloidosis - PMC.
The combination of macroglossia (especially with tooth indentations on the tongue edges) and periorbital purpura are highly specific signs that should prompt immediate medical evaluation for AL amyloidosis.
Livedo reticularis causes a lace-like pattern of darkened skin, appearing as a dark lace-like pattern due to a disruption of blood flow in tiny vessels under the skin Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment. When a person has livedo reticularis, a blotchy or web-like pattern of red, blue, or purple lines appears across the skin, and in very deep skin tones, the pattern may be dark brown Mottled skin (livedo reticularis): Causes, treatment, and more.
Livedo reticularis refers to a netlike pattern of reddish-blue skin discoloration, with the legs often affected Livedo reticularis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Harmless (Physiologic): Physiologic livedo reticularis, also called cutis marmorata, is a temporary, harmless condition due to cold exposure that goes away when your skin warms up. It typically affects infants, children and young women with lighter skin Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
Primary (Idiopathic): Primary livedo reticularis occurs when blood vessels just below your skin's surface suddenly constrict for unknown reasons. It's temporary and unrelated to temperature changes, and is diagnosed when underlying conditions have been ruled out Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
Secondary (Concerning): Secondary livedo reticularis occurs as a complication of underlying medical conditions Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Rarely, idiopathic livedo reticularis can be an early symptom of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition in which abnormal antibodies can lead to abnormal micro blood clots, which decrease blood flow and increase the risk of stroke and pulmonary embolism. Mottled skin, along with red or purple skin patches, is a common symptom of APS Mottled skin (livedo reticularis): Causes, treatment, and more.
Sneddon syndrome occurs in about 25% of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and up to 70% of those with lupus-associated APS Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
Other Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders that can lead to mottled skin include dermatomyositis, lupus, polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and antiphospholipid syndrome Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
Secondary livedo reticularis is also known as livedo racemosa Livedo reticularis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Livedo racemosa often affects the trunk and buttocks as well as legs, and the net-like violaceous pattern tends to be composed of irregular, broken macules with an annular pattern Livedo reticularis.
The discoloration is caused by reduction in blood flow (ischemia) through the arterioles that supply the cutaneous capillaries, resulting in deoxygenated blood showing as blue discoloration Livedo reticularis - Wikipedia.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a dark lace-like pattern on your skin. Since livedo reticularis can be a sign of many medical issues, a timely assessment is essential Mottled Skin (Livedo Reticularis): Looks Like, Causes, Treatment.
The key distinction is whether the pattern resolves with warming (usually benign) or persists (potentially indicating an underlying condition requiring evaluation).
Water Hammer Pulse (Corrigan's Pulse): The water hammer pulse is a bounding pulse with rapid systolic rising and diastolic collapse that can be appreciated at either the radial, ulnar or brachial artery Aortic Regurgitation Exam | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine. To feel a water hammer pulse, with the patient reclining, the examiner raises the patient's arm vertically upwards and grasps the muscular part of the forearm - a water hammer pulse is felt as a tapping impulse transmitted through the bulk of the muscles Collapsing pulse - Wikipedia.
Corrigan's pulse is characterized by the abrupt distension and quick collapse of carotid arteries in aortic regurgitation, whereas water hammer pulse is the characteristic pulse observed in peripheral arteries Water hammer and Corrigan's pulses - PMC.
Visible Carotid Pulsations: The Corrigan's pulse is a bounding carotid pulse, characterized by a rapid systolic rise and a rapid diastolic collapse, detected by inspecting the base of the patient's neck, right where the carotids are Aortic Regurgitation Exam | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine.
Quincke's Sign: Quincke sign is the visible pulsation of the fingernail capillaries, best seen while applying slight pressure to the fingernail Aortic Regurgitation - Cardiovascular Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition. On physical examination, a patient exhibiting this sign will have an alternating reddening and blanching of the nailbed with each pulsation, which can be further enhanced with the use of illumination Quincke Sign - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
De Musset's Sign: De Musset sign is a bobbing motion of the patient's head with each heartbeat Aortic Regurgitation Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination.
Widened Pulse Pressure: There is an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure directly caused by the retrograde diastolic blood flow. This determines an increase in pulse pressure (systolic BP – diastolic BP) which manifests with several clinical signs throughout the body Aortic Regurgitation Exam | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine.
Hill's Sign: Hill sign is popliteal cuff systolic blood pressure 40 mm Hg higher than brachial cuff systolic blood pressure Aortic Regurgitation Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination. However, the Hill sign has been described as when the difference is greater than 20 mm Hg between arm and foot systolic blood pressure, though this is now thought to be an artifact of measurement and its removal from the classic diagnostic signs has been recommended by some authors Quincke Sign - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Traube's Sign: Traube sign ("pistol-shot" pulse) produces booming systolic and diastolic sounds auscultated over the femoral artery Aortic Regurgitation Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination.
Duroziez's Sign: Duroziez sign is a systolic murmur over the femoral artery with proximal compression of the artery, and diastolic murmur over the femoral artery with distal compression of the artery Aortic Regurgitation Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination.
MĂĽller's Sign: MĂĽller sign is visible systolic pulsations of the uvula Aortic Regurgitation - Cardiovascular Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition.
These findings are not always present since they are typical of chronic severe aortic insufficiency Aortic Regurgitation Exam | Stanford Medicine 25 | Stanford Medicine. The quintessential finding for aortic regurgitation is an early diastolic, decrescendo murmur best auscultated at the sternal border Quincke Sign - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
The most accessible signs for self-observation would be the water hammer pulse (feeling your own radial pulse with your arm raised), Quincke's sign (observing your fingernails), and potentially noticing an unusually wide pulse pressure when checking blood pressure. However, these signs indicate severe disease and warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body's tissues, most often in your feet and ankles Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. If you press your finger to a swollen area and it leaves a dimple, you have what's called pitting edema Pitting Edema: Fluid Buildup in Your Body.
Your healthcare provider will test an area of your body for edema by gently pressing their finger on a swollen area of your skin for five to 15 seconds (pitting test). After they release pressure, a dimple (pit) will appear in your skin. The pit indicates that there is fluid built up in your tissues Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
The examiner places their index finger on the tibia 5 cm above the medial malleolus (the bony bump on the inside of your ankle) and applies firm pressure for 20 seconds Quantitative measurement of pitting edema with a novel edema ruler - PMC.
The severity of pitting edema is graded on how deep the pit is and how long it takes to rebound:
Grade 1: Immediate rebound with 2 millimeter pit. Grade 2: Less than 15-second rebound with 3 to 4 mm pit. Grade 3: Rebound greater than 15 seconds but less than 60 seconds with 5 to 6 mm pit. Grade 4: Rebound between 2 to 3 minutes with an 8 mm pit Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
Pitting edema can be caused by congestive heart failure, kidney disease (which can't remove extra salt and water), liver disease, lung disease (when pressure in heart or lungs gets too high), vein problems, blood clots, or side effects of medicines such as drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure meds, estrogen pills, or over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen Pitting Edema: Fluid Buildup in Your Body.
Pitting edema is a specific type of edema associated with pitting or indentation in affected areas and is often caused by systemic conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or low protein levels where fluid retention is the main issue Pitting Edema: What Is It, Causes, Grading, Diagnosis, Treatment | Osmosis.
Pitting edema is usually caused by a localized problem with veins in the affected area or a systemic problem with your heart, kidneys, or liver function. Nonpitting edema is more likely to be caused by issues with your thyroid or lymphatic system Pitting Edema: Causes, Scale, Treatment, and More.
Get help for pitting edema right away if you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, trouble breathing, dizziness, confusion, or fainting spells. These are signs that you might have a serious heart problem or a blood clot in your lungs Pitting Edema: Fluid Buildup in Your Body.
Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in a single limb should seek immediate medical attention. When leg pain and swelling persist after sitting for several hours, this may indicate deep vein thrombosis Pitting edema: Causes, treatment, and more.
Assess how far up the body the edema goes - 1+ pitting edema on the chest wall may be more significant than 3+ pretibial pitting edema Pitting Edema Assessment: Physical Exam. The location and extent of swelling can provide important clues about the underlying cause.
This is a simple but valuable test that anyone can perform at home to check for fluid retention, which could signal various underlying health conditions requiring medical attention.
Orthopnea (Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down): Orthopnea is shortness of breath (dyspnea) that happens when you're lying on your back in a supine position, with sitting or standing up relieving this symptom Orthopnea: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. The presence and severity of orthopnea can be assessed by asking "With how many pillows do you sleep?" and "With how many pillows did you sleep weeks/months ago?" - if there is an increase in the number of pillows, this indicates worsening Orthopnea: What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More | Osmosis.
Both paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and orthopnea (shortness of breath while lying down) are considered common symptoms of pulmonary edema, which occurs when fluid builds up in the alveoli, or air sacs, of the lungs Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND): Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea describes a shortness of breath during sleep that comes on suddenly, causing the person to wake up gasping. PND typically occurs one to two hours after a person initially falls asleep Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea. With paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea specifically, it is felt while sleeping and causes a person to wake up after about 1 to 2 hours of sleep, and patients often describe gasping for fresh air from an open window Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea - Wikipedia.
Another sign of PND can be a tendency to prop yourself up with pillows before sleeping in order to avoid shortness of breath during sleep Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea. When orthopnea is severe, patients may be unable to sleep in bed and may choose to sleep in a recliner or chair Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
Physical Examination Findings: On examination, positive findings include confusion, agitation, and irritability which may be present, associated with excessive sweating, cold extremities, upright posture (sitting upright), and cyanosis of the lips. JVP/JVD (jugular venous pressure/distention) is usually raised. Tachypnea is usually present with the patient gasping for breath Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Fine crackles are usually heard at the bases of the lungs bilaterally and progress apically as the edema worsens. Ronchi and wheezing may also be presenting signs Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Associated Symptoms: Common symptoms include orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, swelling of the body/lower extremities, weight gain, and fatigue Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
Orthopnea is caused by pulmonary congestion during recumbency. In the horizontal position there is redistribution of blood volume from the lower extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs. In patients in whom the additional volume cannot be pumped out by the left ventricle because of disease, there is a significant reduction in vital capacity and pulmonary compliance with resultant shortness of breath Dyspnea, Orthopnea, and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea - Clinical Methods - NCBI Bookshelf.
Orthopnea is different from paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. PND occurs when shortness of breath wakes you up at night and only occurs during sleep, whereas orthopnea can occur when you're not sleeping - for example when lying down to watch TV Orthopnea: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.
Pulmonary edema is a medical emergency. Contact your healthcare provider if you have difficulty breathing when you lie down, as it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition like heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, which requires immediate attention Orthopnea: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.
The most accessible self-test is to notice:
How many pillows you need to sleep comfortably - an increasing number suggests worsening
Whether you wake up gasping for air 1-2 hours after falling asleep
Whether you can lie flat comfortably or need to sit upright to breathe
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially suddenly or severely, seek immediate medical attention as pulmonary edema can be life-threatening.
Clubbed fingers refers to the way the ends of your fingers look, including your nails and the areas around and under them. The angle where your nail meets the cuticle gets wider, your nail may begin to look like a hill, the tips become wide and round, and the tips of your nails curve downward Clubbed Fingers: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
Place the terminal phalanges of similar fingers back to back (especially ring fingers) and look for a small diamond-shaped window outlined by the bases of nail beds and nails. In the normal individual, a distinct aperture or 'window', usually diamond-shaped, is formed at the bases of the nail beds. The earliest sign of clubbing is obliteration of this 'window' Schamroth sign • LITFL • Medical Eponym Library.
To take the test, put your hands out in front of your eyes and place your index fingers together with the nails touching face to face with each other. Normally, you should see a diamond-shaped space between the two nail bed angles. If you can't see this space however, your fingers could be clubbed—and this in turn may be a sign of an underlying condition This Simple Finger Test Could Reveal Signs of Lung Cancer and Other Health Conditions - Newsweek.
When the distal phalanges of corresponding fingers of opposite hands are directly opposed (place fingernails of the same finger on opposite hands against each other, nail to nail), a small diamond-shaped "window" is normally apparent between the nailbeds. In clubbed nails, this window is obliterated Nail clubbing - Wikipedia.
Clubbing often indicates problems with your lungs, heart or digestive system. Clubbing usually happens because of long-lasting (chronic) low levels of oxygen in your blood, known as hypoxemia Clubbed Fingers: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
Clubbing is associated with lung cancer, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or cardiovascular disease. Clubbing may also run in families, and occur unassociated with other medical problems Nail clubbing - Wikipedia.
Finger clubbing occurs in around 35 percent of people with non-small cell lung cancer but only around 4 percent of people with small cell lung cancer This Simple Finger Test Could Reveal Signs of Lung Cancer and Other Health Conditions - Newsweek. Because chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) itself rarely causes clubbing, physicians should suspect underlying lung cancer when clubbing is observed in a patient with COPD Schamroth sign - PMC.
Mild clubbing involves loss of the normal angle (less than 165 degrees) between the nailbed and the fold - Schamroth's window is obliterated, but clubbing is not obvious at a glance. Moderate clubbing shows increased convexity of the nail fold, with clubbing apparent at a glance. Gross clubbing involves thickening of the whole distal (end part of the) finger resembling a drumstick Nail clubbing - Wikipedia.
If the depth of the digit is larger at the nail fold than at the distal interphalangeal joint, clubbing is present. This is easier to observe from a side view, or profile view What diagnostic tests should be done after discovering clubbing in a patient without cardiopulmonary symptoms? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
A noteworthy feature of clubbing is the speed with which it can develop, about 2 weeks in patients with new-onset empyema, and how quickly it can reverse, also about 2 weeks in patients after corrective cardiac surgery Nail Clubbing - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. Finger clubbing is reversible following lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis Finger clubbing: Causes, Grading and Schamroth’s sign | Medcrine Academy.
If you suspect you have finger clubbing using the Schamroth window test, visit a doctor as soon as possible for further examination, as this may be a sign of an underlying condition This Simple Finger Test Could Reveal Signs of Lung Cancer and Other Health Conditions - Newsweek.
Digital clubbing can also be congenital (something you're born with) or hereditary. If you're born with clubbed fingers and toes, you won't have to treat them - they won't cause you problems Clubbed Fingers: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.
The Schamroth sign is one of the easiest and most reliable self-tests you can perform - it takes just seconds and requires no equipment. Simply press your index fingernails together and look for the diamond-shaped window. If it's missing, seek medical evaluation.
Splinter hemorrhages are small areas of bleeding under your nails. They look like thin, red or reddish-brown lines below your nails. They run vertically in the direction of your nail growth Splinter Hemorrhages: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments. Splinter haemorrhages present as longitudinal 1–3 mm red lines under the nail plate, and they can be single or multiple Splinter haemorrhage.
They appear as vertical, nonblanching, reddish-brown lines underneath the nail plates Splinter Hemorrhage - PMC.
Trauma is by far the most common cause of splinter hemorrhages Splinter Hemorrhage - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Haemorrhages under the distal third of the nail plate (the part near the tip) are frequent and are usually a result of trauma such as a sports injury Splinter haemorrhage.
Studies show that 15% to 33% of people with endocarditis have splinter hemorrhages Splinter Hemorrhages: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments. Splinter hemorrhages in endocarditis develop as a consequence of septic embolization from an original source of infection, for example, valvular or pacemaker vegetation Splinter Hemorrhage - PMC.
Most often, splinter hemorrhages are due to trauma (for example, nail biting or using a cane) and manifest distally to the nail (near the tip). Comparatively in systemic diseases, for example bacterial endocarditis, the splinter hemorrhages develop proximally (near the base) and occur in multiple nails Splinter Hemorrhage - PMC.
Proximal haemorrhages, especially affecting multiple fingernails, are more likely due to a systemic disease, especially in women Splinter haemorrhage.
Splinter hemorrhages may be due to inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis). Several diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus can cause vasculitis. Splinter hemorrhages are commonly seen in conditions such as nail psoriasis and lichen planus - up to 35% of people with lichen planus reported having splinter hemorrhages Splinter Hemorrhages: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.
Splinter hemorrhages are not specific to any particular condition and can be associated with subacute infective endocarditis, scleroderma, trichinosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic nails, antiphospholipid syndrome, haematological malignancy, and trauma Splinter hemorrhage - Wikipedia.
At first they are usually plum-colored, but then darken to brown or black in a couple of days Splinter hemorrhage - Wikipedia. The red line moves distally with time (weeks to months) Splinter haemorrhage.
Identification of splinter hemorrhages should always raise concern for critical illness and further reinforces the importance of meticulous and detailed physical examination Splinter Hemorrhage - PMC.
Anyone with persistent splinter hemorrhages or who experiences splinter hemorrhages with no clear traumatic cause should consult a medical professional Splinter hemorrhages: Causes and treatment.
Certain presentations of splinter hemorrhages should make one consider a systemic cause, particularly bacterial endocarditis. Their simultaneous appearance in multiple nails is more frequently associated with systemic disease. Also, their occurrence closer to the lunula (near the base) as opposed to the distal nail plate seems to be more directly correlated with systemic disease Splinter Hemorrhage - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
Simply look at your fingernails and toenails in good lighting. Splinter hemorrhages are thin vertical lines running in the direction of nail growth. If you see:
Single lines near the nail tips after known trauma → likely benign
Multiple lines on several nails, especially near the base → seek medical evaluation
Lines with no history of trauma → consult a healthcare provider
Splinter hemorrhages are easy to spot but important to understand in context. While most are harmless and trauma-related, their pattern and location can provide important clues about underlying health conditions.
Finding Your Pulse: Use the first finger (the one you point with) and middle finger of one hand and place the pads of these fingers on the inside of the wrist on your other hand, at the base of your thumb. Press lightly and feel the pulse. If you cannot feel anything press slightly harder How to check your pulse - Heart Health - BHF.
Checking for Regularity: Once you've found your pulse, continue to feel it for 30 seconds. Check to see if it feels normal and steady or irregular. A normal heart rhythm should be regular and steady. An irregular pulse could be a sign of an arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), such as atrial fibrillation How to check your pulse - Heart Health - BHF.
If your pulse feels irregular, try checking for 60 seconds instead. The beat should be steady and regular. Irregular beats will be noticeable and out of rhythm Signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation - Hamilton Health Sciences.
Feel the pulse for at least thirty seconds and determine whether the beats fall in time or are irregular. Regularly irregular means regular heart rate with occasional missed or extra beats, seen in second degree heart block or premature ventricular contractions. Irregularly irregular means no clear pattern, as seen in atrial fibrillation The Radial Pulse | Cardio Exam - MedSchool.
AFib is an irregular heart rhythm that begins in the upper chambers of your heart. With AFib, your heart's electrical system doesn't work as it should. Instead of sending electrical signals in a steady pattern, it sends many different signals at the same time, causing a fast, chaotic rhythm in your upper chambers Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Symptoms & Treatment.
When someone has atrial fibrillation, impulses fire off from different places in the atria (the top heart chambers), causing chaotic electrical activity, which makes them have an irregular, and sometimes fast, pulse What is atrial fibrillation? - Heart Matters magazine - BHF.
At rest, a normal heart rate should be 60 to 100 beats per minute. In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate can often be considerably higher than 100 beats per minute, and each individual beat is erratic Atrial fibrillation - Diagnosis - NHS.
Pulse palpation has a high sensitivity but relatively low specificity for atrial fibrillation. Pooled sensitivity was 94% and pooled specificity was 72%. It is therefore useful for ruling out atrial fibrillation and may be a useful screen to apply opportunistically for previously undetected atrial fibrillation Is pulse palpation helpful in detecting atrial fibrillation? A systematic review - PubMed.
Symptoms include suddenly feeling like your heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, skipping or missing a beat (heart palpitations) – this may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and atrial fibrillation is found as part of a routine check-up Atrial fibrillation - NHS.
When you put your hand on your chest, you might feel your heart's familiar lub-dub beat. If your heart races or the beats feel irregular and the feeling lasts for a few minutes, that's a sign you might have atrial fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms and Signs: What AFib Feels Like.
Whether or not you feel symptoms, being in AFib is serious. It means your heart is out of rhythm. When your heart isn't beating normally, you have a higher risk of dangerous blood clots forming in your heart and traveling to vital organs such as your brain, resulting in a stroke, as well as other complications Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): Symptoms & Treatment.
If your pulse feels irregular, talk to your healthcare provider. If your pulse is irregular, your doctor may want to do some further testing to see if you have AFib Signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation - Hamilton Health Sciences.
Sit quietly for a few minutes to get an accurate resting pulse
Find your pulse at your wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse)
Feel for at least 30-60 seconds - don't just count, but feel the pattern
Notice the rhythm - are the beats evenly spaced or irregular?
Count the rate - how many beats in 60 seconds?
An irregular pulse, especially if "irregularly irregular" (completely chaotic with no pattern), is a simple but important sign that warrants medical evaluation, as it could indicate atrial fibrillation - a condition that significantly increases stroke risk but is very treatable when detected.
Normal Bubbles: Most people notice bubbles in the toilet after urinating, which is completely normal. However, it's important to understand the difference between regular bubbles and foam. Bubbles are bigger, clear and flushable, while foam is white, and it stays in the toilet after you flush. It can often look like the foam that you see when pouring beer Foamy Urine: What's Normal, What's Not | Northwestern Medicine.
The appearance of a single layer of larger bubbles upon voiding that quickly dissipate can be considered normal. Foamy urine is characterized by the appearance and persistence of multiple layers of small to medium bubbles in urine voided into a container Foamy Urine: Is This a Sign of Kidney Disease? - PMC.
Proteinuria (Protein in Urine): If you regularly have foamy urine or if your pee gets foamier over time, it may be a sign that there's a high level of protein in your pee (proteinuria). Excess protein in your pee can be a sign of conditions that directly affect your kidneys, such as diabetes or lupus Foamy Urine: Bubbles, Causes, Diagnosis & What's Normal.
Your kidneys should filter the protein, but keep it in your body. If your kidneys are releasing protein into the urine, they are not working properly Foamy Urine: What's Normal, What's Not | Northwestern Medicine.
According to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, about one-third of patients with foamy urine have abnormal proteinuria When to Worry About Foamy Urine | UPMC HealthBeat. Only about one third of patients volunteering this complaint will be found to have abnormal proteinuria, so most cases of "foamy" urine remain unexplained Foamy Urine: Is This a Sign of Kidney Disease? - PMC.
If someone has a full bladder and urinates with a lot of force, the stream can create bubbles in the toilet bowl. This is a normal occurrence and not a cause for concern. Sometimes, residual cleaning products in the toilet bowl can react with urine and create foam. This is not related to a person's health Foamy Urine: What It Means and When to See a Doctor | Manchester Urology Associates, PA.
Dehydration may cause urine to appear darker and more concentrated than usual because the concentration of urochrome (a yellow waste product) increases when a person is dehydrated Foamy urine: Causes and treatment.
Occasional foamy urine is normal, but frequent foam could be a sign of something more serious. You also should contact your doctor if you're experiencing other unexplained symptoms along with foamy urine When to Worry About Foamy Urine | UPMC HealthBeat.
It's important to note that foamy urine, when accompanied by swollen legs and swelling or puffiness around the eyes can indicate serious kidney disease Foamy Urine: What's Normal, What's Not | Northwestern Medicine.
Other symptoms that can accompany foamy urine include fatigue, swelling, puffiness around your eyes, blood in urine, dry or itchy skin, frequent urination, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, pain when urinating, sleep problems, and swelling especially in your feet, ankles, stomach, or face When to Worry About Foamy Urine | UPMC HealthBeat.
Research indicates that more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), often without realizing it—that's an estimated 37 million Americans. When the kidneys are compromised, they may allow protein to leak into the urine, resulting in a foamy appearance. This can be one of the early signs of CKD Understanding the Connection Between Foamy Urine and Kidney Disease - Texas Kidney Institute.
If you notice foam in your urine, you should talk with your primary care physician. A simple urine test can confirm if you have protein in your urine, and how much Foamy Urine: What's Normal, What's Not | Northwestern Medicine.
A doctor can diagnose the cause of foamy urine by first testing a urine sample with a dipstick to determine whether or not protein levels are high. If the urine has high protein levels, the doctor may want to confirm that this effect is consistent, and they will recommend a 24-hour urine test Foamy urine: Causes and treatment.
When you urinate, look at the toilet bowl:
Normal: Some bubbles that quickly disappear when you flush
Concerning: White foam that persists after flushing, resembling beer foam
Action needed: If you see persistent foam regularly, especially with multiple layers of small bubbles
This is one of the easiest self-tests - it requires no special equipment or technique, just observation. While most foamy urine is harmless, persistent foam (especially with other symptoms like swelling) warrants a simple urine test to check for protein, which can be an early warning sign of kidney disease.
Calcinosis Cutis as a visible sign:
What to look for: Hard, firm bumps or nodules under the skin that feel like small stones or pebbles. They may appear white or yellowish through the skin, and can sometimes ulcerate (break open) and leak a white, chalky, paste-like material. The deposits can be as small as a pinhead or grow to several centimeters.
Where it commonly appears: Fingertips, hands, elbows, knees, buttocks, or anywhere subject to repeated pressure or trauma. In autoimmune conditions, it often appears on the fingers and around joints.
What it might signal: The presence of these calcium deposits can indicate autoimmune diseases (especially scleroderma, dermatomyositis, or lupus), chronic kidney disease with mineral imbalances, overactive parathyroid glands, or vitamin D toxicity. It can also develop after tissue injury or infections.
What to do: If you notice these characteristic hard lumps, especially if they're multiple or growing, document them with photos and see a doctor. Blood tests (calcium levels, kidney function, parathyroid hormone) and imaging can help determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.
Muscle Cramps
What to look for: Sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles that cause visible tightening and intense pain. The muscle may feel hard to the touch and you might see it visibly bunched up or twitching. They typically last from seconds to several minutes, most commonly affecting the calves, feet, thighs, or hands.
What it might signal: Occasional cramps are normal, especially after exercise. However, frequent or severe cramping can indicate dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (low potassium, magnesium, or calcium), poor circulation, nerve compression, thyroid problems, diabetes, or side effects from certain medications (like diuretics or statins). Nighttime leg cramps can sometimes signal peripheral artery disease or neurological issues.
What to do: Track the frequency, location, and timing of cramps. Note if they occur during exercise, at rest, or at night. Stay well-hydrated and ensure adequate electrolyte intake. If cramps are frequent, severe, don't improve with stretching, cause muscle weakness, or are accompanied by swelling or skin changes, see a doctor for evaluation of underlying causes.
Whole Body Itch (Generalized Pruritus)
What to look for: Persistent itching sensation affecting large areas of the body or the entire body, rather than just localized spots. The itching may occur with or without visible rash, redness, or skin changes. It may be constant or come in waves, and can be worse at night or after bathing.
What it might signal: Without a rash, generalized itching can indicate internal issues like liver disease (especially with jaundice), kidney failure, thyroid problems, iron deficiency anemia, certain cancers (lymphoma, leukemia), diabetes, or nerve disorders. It can also signal reactions to medications, pregnancy-related conditions, or psychological factors. Dry skin is the most common benign cause, especially in older adults or during winter.
What to do: Note whether you have any rash, skin changes, yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or other symptoms. Track when the itching started and what makes it better or worse. If severe itching persists for more than two weeks without an obvious cause like dry skin, or if accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, fever, or changes in bowel/urinary habits, see a doctor. Blood tests can check liver function, kidney function, thyroid, and blood counts.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
What to look for: An uncomfortable, irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations described as crawling, creeping, pulling, tingling, or aching deep inside the legs. Symptoms typically worsen during rest or inactivity (especially when lying down or sitting), are worse in the evening or at night, and are temporarily relieved by movement like walking or stretching.
What it might signal: RLS can be primary (idiopathic, often hereditary) or secondary to underlying conditions including iron deficiency (even without anemia), kidney failure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, or pregnancy. Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics) can trigger or worsen symptoms. It's also associated with sleep disorders and can significantly disrupt sleep quality.
What to do: Track the pattern and severity of symptoms, noting what triggers them and what provides relief. Pay attention to sleep quality and daytime fatigue. If symptoms occur more than twice a week and interfere with sleep or daily activities, see a doctor. Blood tests should check iron levels (especially ferritin), kidney function, and blood sugar. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene may help.
Metallic Taste
What to look for: A persistent or recurring taste in your mouth that resembles metal, coins, or iron, even when you haven't eaten anything. It may be constant or come and go, and can affect your appetite or enjoyment of food. The taste may be accompanied by changes in smell perception or other taste disturbances.
What it might signal: Common causes include medication side effects (antibiotics, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs), poor oral hygiene or gum disease, pregnancy (especially first trimester), sinus infections or upper respiratory infections, acid reflux, and vitamin deficiencies (especially B12 or zinc). More serious potential causes include kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, certain neurological conditions, or heavy metal poisoning. It can also occur with COVID-19 infection or after dental work.
What to do: Note when the taste started, whether it's constant or intermittent, and if it coincides with new medications or dental procedures. Check for other symptoms like nasal congestion, heartburn, or changes in urination. Practice good oral hygiene including brushing your tongue. If the metallic taste persists for more than a week or two, or is accompanied by fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, confusion, or other concerning symptoms, see a doctor for evaluation.
Loss of Appetite
What to look for: A significant decrease in your desire to eat, feeling full quickly after starting a meal, or finding food unappealing when you normally would enjoy it. This may be accompanied by unintentional weight loss, skipping meals without feeling hungry, or having to force yourself to eat. Note whether this represents a change from your normal eating patterns.
What it might signal: Short-term loss of appetite often accompanies infections, stress, or minor illnesses and is usually temporary. Persistent loss of appetite can indicate more serious conditions including depression or anxiety, thyroid problems, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, chronic infections, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcers, gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease), or various cancers. Medications (especially antibiotics, chemotherapy, or pain medications) are also common causes. In older adults, it can signal dementia or normal age-related changes.
What to do: Track how long you've had decreased appetite and whether you're losing weight. Note any other symptoms like nausea, pain, fatigue, mood changes, or digestive issues. If loss of appetite persists for more than a few days without an obvious cause like a cold, or if accompanied by unintentional weight loss (especially more than 5% of body weight), fever, pain, or other concerning symptoms, see a doctor promptly for evaluation.
Easy Bruising
What to look for: Bruises appearing with minimal or no remembered trauma, bruises that are larger than expected for the injury, bruising in unusual locations (like the trunk or face rather than limbs), or an increase in bruising frequency compared to your normal pattern. The bruises may take longer to heal than usual or appear spontaneously without any injury.
What it might signal: Common benign causes include aging (thinner skin), sun damage, certain medications (aspirin, blood thinners, corticosteroids, some antidepressants), or vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamins C or K). More serious causes can include blood clotting disorders, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), leukemia or other blood cancers, liver disease, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Sudden onset of easy bruising can also indicate medication reactions or autoimmune conditions.
What to do: Document the pattern of bruising with photos if possible, noting size, location, and how quickly they appear and heal. List all medications and supplements you're taking. If easy bruising develops suddenly, is accompanied by bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, tiny red dots on skin (petechiae), excessive menstrual bleeding, or fatigue, see a doctor promptly. Blood tests can check platelet count, clotting factors, and liver function.
Uremic Frost
What to look for: A rare visible sign where white or yellowish crystalline powder or frost-like coating appears on the skin, most commonly on the face, neck, and areas where sweat accumulates. The crystals are made of urea and other waste products that accumulate in sweat when the kidneys are severely failing. It may be accompanied by a urine-like smell from the skin and breath (uremic fetor).
What it might signal: Uremic frost is a sign of severe, advanced kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) where the kidneys can no longer filter waste products from the blood effectively. By the time uremic frost appears, the person typically has extremely elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and is critically ill. This is a medical emergency indicating the urgent need for dialysis or kidney transplant. It's rarely seen today because kidney disease is usually diagnosed and treated before reaching this severe stage.
What to do: If you or someone you know develops uremic frost, this is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization. The person will likely have other severe symptoms including extreme fatigue, confusion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling throughout the body, and very little or no urine output. Call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. This condition requires urgent dialysis to remove the accumulated toxins from the blood.
Strange Pee Colors
What to look for: Urine that deviates from the normal pale yellow to amber range. Colors to note include: dark brown (like tea or cola), pink/red, orange, blue/green, cloudy/milky white, or very dark yellow. Also observe changes in clarity (cloudy vs. clear), foam or bubbles, and any unusual odor. Normal urine color varies with hydration - pale yellow when well-hydrated, darker yellow when concentrated.
What it might signal:
Dark brown/tea-colored: Severe dehydration, liver disease (especially with jaundice), or muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
Pink/red: Blood in urine (infection, kidney stones, tumors), certain foods (beets, blackberries), or medications (rifampin, phenazopyridine)
Orange: Dehydration, liver/bile duct problems, or medications (including some antibiotics and laxatives)
Blue/green: Rare; usually from artificial food dyes, medications (methylene blue), or very rarely bacterial infections
Cloudy: Urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or excess protein (kidney disease)
Foamy: Protein in urine (potential kidney disease) or simply forceful urination
What to do: Track the color change duration and any accompanying symptoms like pain, fever, frequent urination, or abdominal pain. Consider recent foods, medications, or supplements. If urine is persistently dark brown, red/pink (without dietary cause), cloudy with pain/fever, or foamy for several days, see a doctor. A simple urinalysis can identify blood, protein, infection, or other abnormalities requiring further evaluation.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
What to look for: A group of inherited connective tissue disorders with several observable signs. Key features include unusually stretchy, velvety skin that can be pulled away from the body and snaps back (hyperextensibility), joints that bend far beyond normal range (hypermobility - such as bending fingers back to touch the forearm, hyperextending elbows or knees backward), easy bruising with widened or unusual scarring (thin "cigarette paper" scars), and very soft, fragile skin. People may also notice they can do unusual things like touch their thumb to their forearm or put their palms flat on the floor with straight knees.
What it might signal: EDS represents a genetic defect in collagen production affecting skin, joints, and blood vessels. There are multiple types with varying severity. The hypermobile type causes joint pain, dislocations, and chronic pain. The vascular type is most serious, involving risk of arterial or organ rupture. People with EDS often experience chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and may have associated conditions like POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) or mast cell disorders. Family history is often present.
What to do: If you notice unusual joint flexibility combined with stretchy skin and easy bruising, especially with a family history, document specific examples (photos of hyperextended joints, scars). Track any joint dislocations, chronic pain, or digestive issues. See a doctor, preferably a geneticist or rheumatologist familiar with EDS. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation using the Beighton score for hypermobility and may include genetic testing for certain types. Early diagnosis helps prevent injuries and manage symptoms.
Red Palms (Palmar Erythema)
What to look for: Unusual redness on the palms of your hands, typically appearing on the outer edges (the "heels" of the palms near the pinky side) and the base of the thumb, while the center of the palm remains relatively normal in color. The redness may be blotchy or uniform and doesn't blanch (turn white) when you press on it. The palms may feel warm but are usually not painful or itchy. Sometimes the soles of the feet show similar redness.
What it might signal: Palmar erythema can be a sign of liver disease (especially cirrhosis), where the liver cannot properly process hormones that affect blood vessels. Other causes include pregnancy (hormonal changes), hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, chronic infections, or certain cancers. It can also be hereditary or idiopathic (no identifiable cause) in some people. Medications and excessive alcohol use are additional potential causes. When associated with liver disease, it often appears alongside other signs like jaundice, spider veins, or abdominal swelling.
What to do: Compare your palms to others or to photos of your hands from earlier times. Note if the redness is new or worsening, and check for other symptoms like yellowing skin, fatigue, abdominal swelling, or weight changes. If you develop red palms without obvious cause (like pregnancy), especially with other concerning symptoms or a history of alcohol use or liver problems, see a doctor. Blood tests can evaluate liver function, thyroid levels, and other potential causes.