By Stacey Chia
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Do you have cold feet?
It could mean that you are feeling nervous about something. Then again, you may have Raynaud's syndrome, a disorder that causes the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears and nose to constrict during an attack.
While doctors don't rule out the possibility that some changes in your body might be an indicator of more serious health problems, they warn that you should not make self-diagnoses based solely on these indicators.
Some websites claim that fingernail health is an indicator of overall health and wellness and that it is possible to tell if you have a digestive, heart or even fungal disorder, by looking at your nails.
However, Dr Ang Chee Beng of Ang-Skin and Hair Clinic disagrees.
'The signs on the nails are non-specific and the same sign may indicate several problems,' he said.
Don't self-diagnose and medicate. Always consult a doctor if you have doubts or suspicions about changes in your body.
Still, there are some ailments that first show up as bodily changes.
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Diffuse hair loss
What it may mean: According to Dr Joyce Lim from Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic, hair that falls in a diffuse pattern may indicate anaemia, thyroid disease and malnutrition.
What can be done: The good news is that diffuse hair loss is not permanent and hair will grow back once the medical condition improves. For anaemia, you can treat the problem by taking iron and vitamin B12. Thyroid disease can be treated through medication, radioiodine treatment and surgery, said Dr Lim.
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White band on nails
What this may mean: A broadening of the normal small whitish crescent shaped band at the base of the nail plate may indicate liver or kidney disease, but this is a non-specific sign, said DrAng Chee Beng of Ang-Skin and Hair Clinic.
What can be done: Get a doctor's opinion, he said, though by the time there are signs visible on the nails, there are usually other obvious signs or symptoms elsewhere.
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Cold hands and feet
What it may mean: Extreme cold hands and feet may be an indication of Raynaud's syndrome which can be caused by connective tissue diseases like lupus and scleroderma. It can also be caused by some anti-hypertensive drugs or be an indication of diseases of the arteries, said Dr Leslie Tay of Karri Family Clinic.
What can be done: Dr Tay said that given that there are so many causes, there is no one single preventive measure. It is best to consult a doctor in order to get a diagnosis and get the appropriate treatments.
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Dry tongue
What it may mean: Having a dry tongue could be a sign of diabetes. If this is associated with increased thirst and frequent urination, you should see a doctor, said Dr Peter Eng of Peter Eng Endocrine Clinic.
What can be done: There is no prevention for type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. However, Dr Eng says that the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a condition when the insulin produced by the body is insufficient or ineffective, may be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping within a normal weight range.
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Excessive sweating
What it may mean: Sweating profusely may be an indication of hyperthyroidism whereby the thyroid gland produces too much hormones, said Dr Loh Keh Chuan from Loh Keh Chuan Diabetes, Thyroid & Hormone Clinic.
What can be done: You should visit a doctor to get medication such as Carbimazole that will help prevent the gland from being overactive. They are usually taken over a period of 18 to 24 months.
This story was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times, on July 16, 2008.
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