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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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01447.txt
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1994-01-17
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$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.
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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.