Our hands are a window to our body’s health. Many diseases can show their symptoms through the hands. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe complications. Here are ten serious diseases that can be identified through your hands:.

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that particularly affects the hands. RA mainly affects the small joints in the fingers and thumb, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

People with RA may also have bumps under the skin on their hands known as Rheumatoid nodules.

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2. Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers to constrict, making the fingers turn white or blue. The condition is triggered by cold temperatures or stress.

Over time, Raynaud’s disease can lead to skin ulcers, scars, or even gangrene if left untreated.

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3. Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is an abnormal thickening of the tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. The thickening can cause the fingers to curl or bend inward, making it difficult to straighten them.

The condition usually develops slowly over time and is more common in older adults.

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4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed.

The symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hand and fingers. The condition can be caused by repetitive hand movements or underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

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5. Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the skin to thicken and harden. The condition can also affect the blood vessels and internal organs, such as the lungs and heart.

In some cases, scleroderma can cause the fingers to become swollen and stiff, known as sclerodactyly.

Related Article Hand Health: Early Warning Signs of Serious Diseases

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6. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and kidneys. In some cases, lupus can cause skin lesions to form on the hands that may be painful or itchy.

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7. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses glucose or blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the hands, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy.

The symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers.

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8. Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The condition can cause pain and swelling in the joints, including the hands and fingers. Gout attacks often occur suddenly and can be severe.

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9. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up rapidly. The condition can cause patches of thick, scaly skin to form on the hands and other parts of the body.

Psoriasis can be mild or severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

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10. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the arms and legs. The condition can cause cramping, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet.

PAD is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

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