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Question Category:
SYMPTOMS - SKIN - GENERAL
 


In the 'Symptoms - Skin - General' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about red palms/fingertips:
 
Do you have palms and fingertips that are more red than average?

 

Your answer  

...indicates  

...and suggests
1.   "No / don't know"      
2.   "Somewhat"    Red palms/fingertips   A symptom
3.   "Definitely"    Red palms/fingertips   A symptom


Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.  Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
 
Answers Condition Comment

 

2

3

 

 

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

--

 

2

3

 

 

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

--

 

2

3

 

 

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Red palms (palmar erythema - liver palms) are often found in patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis and can be seen in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

 

2

3

 

 

Hepatitis

Red palms can occur in any chronic liver disease and are not specifically caused by the hepatitis virus. The cause for the redness is unknown, but it is speculated that it may involve upset hormone metabolism or microcirculatory changes.

 

2

3

 

 

Hyperthyroidism

--

 

2

3

 

 

Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency

--

 

2

3

 

 

Polycythemia Vera

--

 

2

3

 

 

Pregnancy-Related Issues

(Women only) The palms of the hands can become pink or red during pregnancy due to increased blood flow. This should disappear after delivery.

 

2

3

 

 

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

--



GLOSSARY

Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.

Cirrhosis (Liver Cirrhosis)
A long-term disease in which the liver becomes covered with fiber-like tissue. This causes the liver tissue to break down and become filled with fat. All functions of the liver then decrease, including the production of glucose, processing drugs and alcohol, and vitamin absorption. Stomach and bowel function, and the making of hormones are also affected.

Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.

Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.

Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.

Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.




Last updated: May 10, 2007


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