ITV Good Morning Britain doctor hit by 'agonising' health condition where red flags appear in nails

Dr Hilary Jones has been suffering from gout and highlighted the symptoms people should on the alert for
-Credit:ITV


A Good Morning Britain doctor has been left with a potentially agonising health condition. Dr Hilary Jones said he had been struck down by gout over the festive period. Gout is a condition when urate, a substance in the body, builds up and forms needle-shaped crystals in your joints. This leads to pain, swelling, redness, and changes in the movement and use of the affected joint, and Dr Hilary has highlighted symptoms - including some that even appear in the nails.

The NHS says people might have a higher chance of getting gout if they are overweight, drink alcohol, have been through the menopause, take medicines such as diuretics also for high blood pressure, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney problems, osteoarthritis or diabetes.

Dr Hilary, who also appears on Lorraine, said: “Gout affects around 2.5% or one in 40 people in the UK, and men more than women. Unfortunately, this Christmas I was one of them. The prevalence of gout has been steadily increasing over the last century and is forecast to increase further by more than 70% in the next 30 years largely due to an ageing population.”

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He said gout cases are also on the rise due to our indulgent lifestyles and diet, “this is why gout is often experienced at Christmas and in the early months of the year. This is because foods that are high in purine and converted to uric acid are popular at Christmas. Examples include red meat, offal, game meats like venison, oily fish, seafood, poultry, and gravy.”

However, Dr Hilary warns that January diets are also a leading factor in the rise of gout; “Rapid weight loss and cutting out alcohol suddenly can actually trigger gout attacks. This happens because rapid weight loss breaks down cells in the body, releasing uric acid into the bloodstream and increasing the likelihood of urate crystal formation in the joints.”

As many Brits also turn to drastic measures to shed festive weight, Dr Hilary urges caution. “Focus on gradual, sustainable changes rather than quick fixes or fad diets. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are key to reducing your risk of gout while supporting overall health.”

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Dr Hilary has joined forces with Newfoundland Diagnostics to get more Brits self-testing for gout; “Anyone who has previously been diagnosed with gout will know exactly what the symptoms are, but anyone experiencing it for the first time might attribute it to something else and suffer in silence. My advice, if in doubt, would be to get a do-it-yourself test done as quickly as possible, as I did.”

Dr Hilary’s advice to avoid gout

  • Approach Dry January with caution: Crash diets and dropping alcohol suddenly could lead to an increase in the production of uric acid from your body and therefore gout cases.

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can elevate uric acid levels and place added stress on your joints. Gradual weight loss, through a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help reduce symptoms.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush uric acid from your body, reducing the risk of crystal formation in your joints. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.

  • Adopt a Low-Purine Diet: Focus on a diet that limits purine-rich foods such as red meat, shellfish, and asparagus. Instead, prioritise vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, which are less likely to trigger flare-ups.

  • Follow Your Treatment Plan: If your doctor has prescribed medications like allopurinol or colchicine, take them as directed to control uric acid levels and prevent flare-ups. For acute attacks, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and swelling. Always consult your doctor for personalised advice.

Gout Symptoms:

Dr Hilary said: “While gout is often associated with joint pain and swelling, there are several lesser-known symptoms that people may not immediately link to the condition.”

  • Check Your Nails: Chronic gout may cause changes in the nails of the affected fingers or toes thanks to the presence of topi – deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin. Nails may appear discoloured or even thickened as these deposits build up.

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Men with gout have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Studies suggest they are also more likely to experience severe cases of ED, potentially due to the systemic inflammation and vascular issues associated with gout.

  • Nocturnal Pain: Gout attacks frequently occur at night, disrupting sleep with sharp, intense pain. Even outside of acute flare-ups, some individuals may experience lingering joint discomfort or sensitivity that worsens during the night.

  • Itchy or Peeling Skin Around the Joint: After a severe flare-up, the skin over the affected joint may begin to peel or flake, accompanied by itchiness. This occurs as the inflammation subsides and the body works to repair the damaged skin.

  • Chronic Fatigue: Although primarily a joint condition, gout can leave sufferers feeling unusually fatigued or drained. Some people report low energy levels or a general sense of malaise before or during an attack, which can further impact daily life.