Looking at Hands

[Clare.T]

We often mention not to wear nail polish when visiting the doctor because a good doctor will look at your hands and nails for signs of disease.


This Medscape article is a fascinating account of the sort of signs that might indicate certain conditions. It is written about hand examination in the elderly in particular and not especially about lupus. I thought there might be an omission in the nail 'splinter' section.

I like the quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was a doctor as well as an author. Sherlock Holmes detecting methods are very like the diagnostic process.

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

http://www.radiology.medscape.com/viewarticle/527751

Wishing all Well
Clare

[Joandublin]

What a lovely article Clare. I love this quote from it:

By beginning the examination with a careful look at the hands, the process immediately reflects the clinician's attentive, meticulous, conscientious manner (competence) to the patient.

It reminds us all, sadly, of the lack of general compassion and empathy there is within the medical profession.

Quite apart from the medical knowledge that can be gleaned from studying the hands, the mere gesture of taking someones hands can inspire so much comfort and confidence that, in and of itself, it is a therapy.

Thanks for finding it Clare. I loved it!

Cheers
Joan:rose:

[Lily]

Thanks Clare!

Fascinating article, probably the most comprehensive one we have had so far on just why they examine our hands and what they might be looking for.

And yes, its a good place to start an exam.............less threatening and puts the patient at ease immediately, whilst gaining a lot of info ............tricky docs :lol:

love
Lily

[Raglet]

geesh, and i was hoping to find out how long my lifeline was and whether I'd ever be rich!

doesn't look like I ever am going to be, but at least I my fingernails don't suggest Alzheimers, that's something to be greatful for

cheers

raglet

[Christine UK]

Do i have to register as all that came up was a log in page.

[Joandublin]

Hi Christine.

Yes you do have to register. Its free. Medscape is a good medical site so its worth doing the registration.

Its interesting but I am registered with them and when I click on the link using Internet Explorer I get straight in but if I am using Firefox as my browser its asking me to register:rolleyes:

Ah well....

Joan:rose: