This quick check takes seconds to do and can be one of the subtle signs you’re living with a major health problem
Serious illnesses and diseases can sometimes appear with very little warning. However, in a lot of cases, our bodies tend to give off warning signs that we need to be able to recognise when something isn’t quite right.
One way that your body could signal that you’re suffering from a wide range of serious health problems is finger clubbing. Looking at your hands might give you the early telltale signal to book an appointment with your doctor.
Clubbed fingers and nails generally take years to develop but can happen much quicker in rare cases. You may notice your nails have become softer which is what allows the nail to curve more than usual.
Whilst the fact your nails could be clubbed isn’t always painful, it can be a red flag for a wide range of serious underlying health problems. The symptom can be a warning for illnesses like lung cancer, heart defects and other infectious diseases.
NHS GP Dr Ahmed, known online as @dra_says, explained that a simple procedure is called the Schamroth Window test. Its purpose is simple—to test for fingernail clubbing.
The doctor showed side-by-side photos of ‘normal’ fingers compared to clubbed ones. He said: “Clubbing is something we assess for very carefully on a physical examination but you can have some serious causes.”
How to perform the test at home
Checking yourself for clubbed nails takes seconds, as Dr A showed in his video. SImple hold the two tips of your index fingers together. You’re looking out for a “very small window” around the base of the nails.
As shown in the clip, this ‘window’ is very slim but still present. In cases of clubbed fingers, you wouldn’t be able to see this at all as you’re fingernails couldn’t get close enough.
If you have nail problems, the NHS website states: “You might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.” You should be able to search up local services online or ask at the GP reception.
However, if you are worried about something serious it is always best to speak with a medical professional. It might help if you don’t skip the GP visit in order to assess all options.
