$Unique_ID{BRK01447} $Pretitle{} $Title{What Does Looking at the Fingers and Nails Tell a Physician?} $Subject{nails examination special procedures procedure hands fingers nail clubbing heart lung disease clubbed fungus infection anemia psoriasis rheumatoid arthritis thyroid splinter hemorrhage weak soft brittle splitting fingernail fingernails finger fungal infections splintering hand} $Volume{P-20} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What Does Looking at the Fingers and Nails Tell a Physician? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I get a great kick out of my refined and distinguished physician. He always pretends he likes holding my hands, when I know he is really taking a good look at my fingers and nails. It is a great game, but I always wanted to ask him what he was looking for. Perhaps you can tell me? Thank you for considering this question. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Gallantry in the examination room! Not bad, and a great technique to permit a close observation of the nails, which, while not providing a complete diagnosis, may provide some interesting clues to medical conditions. Not all changes have medical significance though, so not to worry. However, here are a few. Since the days of Aristotle, physicians have noted a condition called clubbing as being associated with underlying heart or lung disease. Clubbed nails are bulbous in shape and soft near the cuticle. Thick nails may reveal a fungus infection, while nails that curve like a spoon, or soft, pale nails may result from an anemia. Psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems may also cause nail changes. If a splinter hemorrhage can be observed beneath the nail in the nail bed, an infection of a heart valve may be the cause. However, we have no answers for weak, soft, brittle or splitting nails, and neither vitamin or topical therapies seem to be effective. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.