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Itching Palms. 1923. Drama. Watchlist. An evil doctor (Robert Walker) is the only available physician in a small country town. He manages to save the life of Virginia...
- Overview
- Causes
- Diabetes and itching
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Itchy palms are often the result of common skin conditions, such as eczema. But they can also signal more severe underlying issues, for instance, liver disease.
According to superstition, itchy left and right palms are thought to foretell that a person will give away or receive some money.
However, in reality, a person’s palms may start to itch for a legitimate medical reason.
In this article, we cover six possible reasons for itchy palms:
•hand eczema
•allergic reactions
1. Hand eczema
According to the National Eczema Association, around 1 in 10 people in the United States have hand eczema. This noncontagious condition can cause itching palms, discolored skin, cracking, dryness, and sometimes blistering. A subtype of hand eczema called dyshidrotic eczema causes a person to have small, itchy blisters, specifically on the hands and sometimes on the feet. People most likely to have hand eczema include those who work in professions that expose the hands to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals. These professions include: •catering •cleaning •hairdressing •healthcare •auto repair People with a family history of hand eczema are also at higher risk of the condition.
2. Allergic reactions
Sometimes, itchy palms result from repeated exposure to an irritant or chemical that eventually results in an allergic reaction. This is called contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction may appear 24–48 hours after contact with an allergen. Common allergens or irritants include: •metals, such as rings and other jewelry •perfumes •latex gloves •soaps •disinfectants •antiseptics or antibacterial substances •dust and soil •highly chlorinated water It may take repeated exposure before the allergic reaction develops. This is because, after a few times, the body begins to release itch-causing histamines that irritate the skin.
3. Diabetes
When a person has diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can cause dry skin that also feels itchy. This itchy skin may appear with or without red or flesh-colored bumps on the palms and other areas of the body.
People often link the effects of diabetes with itchiness of the palms and feet.
One 2021 study suggested that itching is a common symptom, affecting 35.8% of people with diabetes included in the study. Itching could be generalized or localized, often affecting the legs, torso, or scalp.
Diabetes can cause itchy skin in several ways:
•Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that people with diabetes might experience, can lead to damaged nerve fibers in the hands and feet. Before this damage occurs, the body releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that cause itching.
•Complications of diabetes include liver and kidney failure, and both of these might cause itchy skin as a symptom.
•A person might experience an allergic reaction to a new diabetes medication, causing itchiness.
Cool, damp cloth
Placing a cool, damp cloth on the palms for 5–10 minutes can relieve the itching sensation. An ice pack may also be effective.
Topical steroids
Corticosteroids can reduce itching and redness on the palms during a flare-up. People can buy these over the counter or obtain them by prescription. It is best to avoid using steroid creams too regularly, as they can cause thinning of the skin.
Moisturize often
Regularly moisturizing can help reduce itching. Keeping the moisturizer in the refrigerator can make this treatment even more effective. When itching occurs due to eczema, moisturizing may be especially important after washing or when the hands feel particularly dry. The National Eczema Association recommends a variety of moisturizing products, sunscreens, and household cleaners on its website.
If a person has a condition such as contact dermatitis or hand eczema, avoiding known triggers might help prevent a flare-up.
If the cause of the itching is unknown, it may be worth doing a patch test before using any new lotions or creams on the hands. A person can apply the product to a small area of skin and leave it on overnight to make sure it does not cause a reaction.
Other steps that can help prevent itchy palms include:
•avoiding gloves made of synthetic fabrics, as cotton gloves may be gentler on the skin
•washing the hands with lukewarm water and avoiding water that is too hot or cold
•using fragrance-free soaps or cleansers to wash hands
Moisturizing the skin and avoiding irritants can help with most causes of itchy palms.
If someone experiences itchy palms and symptoms such as difficulty breathing, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. This could indicate a skin reaction that results in anaphylaxis.
Why are my hands suddenly itchy but no rash?
Itchy skin with no rash is often a temporary issue, such as dry skin or a bug bite. Less commonly, nerve disorders, kidneys, or liver issues can cause an itching sensation without necessarily causing a rash.
What does diabetic itching feel like?
Anecdotally, people with diabetes describe diabetic itching as irritating, tender, and difficult to refrain from scratching. The itching can appear anywhere on the body but is often experienced in the lower part of the legs.
Can high sugar levels cause itching?
People with diabetes may have blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. This can lead to various complications, including itching.
Itchy palms may occur due to eczema, allergic reactions, nerve disorders, or another cause.
People can speak with a doctor and identify potential triggers and other symptoms to learn the cause of their itchy hands.
- Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA
Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) is an itchy, chronic, recurrent, often symmetric eruption on the palms of hands, fingers, and soles of the feet. It is characterised by small, deep-seated, 1–2 mm fluid-filled vesicles on these sites, which resolve after several weeks with scaling.
Jul 23, 2024 · Your palms can itch for various reasons, such as dry skin, an allergy, or a skin condition like psoriasis. Rarely, it may be a sign of something more serious like diabetes. Skin picking...
Oct 10, 2023 · Learn about the causes of itchy hands and feet such as dry skin or psoriasis and how to treat and prevent the underlying problem and stop the itching.
Apr 4, 2024 · Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by small, itchy blisters over the palms, fingers, or the soles of the feet. These progress to scaly spots over the course of several weeks. Also known as dyshidrotic eczema, foot-and-hand eczema, and pompholyx, it can be associated with atopic dermatitis and seasonal allergies.
Jun 28, 2022 · Updated on June 28, 2022. Itchy palms can manifest as irritation on the skin of the hands, such as from a rash, dryness, or swelling. Causes include many conditions that affect the skin, nerves, and other body parts. These conditions may include allergic reactions, eczema, and diabetes, among others.
