Why are my palms itchy?
Last reviewed Tue 27 Feb 2018
According to superstition, itchy left and right palms were thought to symbolize that a person is going to give away or receive some money.
However, there are some legitimate medical reasons why a person's palms may start to itch.
In this article, we cover six possible reasons for itchy palms:
The article also discusses ways to relieve the itching sensation, and prevent it from returning.
Causes
Itching can be annoying regardless of where it occurs. It can be especially irritating on the hands, as this can interfere with daily tasks.
The following conditions are some of the more common causes of itchy palms.
1. Hand eczema
Itchy palms can be caused by a variety of conditions.
According to the National Eczema Association, an estimated 10 percent of people in the United States have hand eczema.
This non-contagious condition can cause itching palms, red skin, cracking, dryness, and sometimes blistering.
A subtype of hand eczema exists called dyshidrotic eczema, which causes a person to have small, itching blisters specifically on the hands and sometimes feet.
People most likely to have hand eczema include those who work in certain professions where hands are exposed to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals.
Professions at risk of hand eczema include:
- catering
- cleaning
- hairdressing
- healthcare
- mechanic
Those with a family history of hand eczema are also at higher risk for the condition.
2. Allergic reactions
Sometimes itchy palms are the result of repeated exposure to an irritant or chemical that eventually results in an allergic reaction. This is called contact dermatitis.
An allergic reaction may appear 48 to 96 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, too-high 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.
4. Reactions to medication
Sometimes itchy palms can develop as a result of something that a person has ingested, rather than something their hands have been in contact with.
When a person has a mild allergic reaction to a new medication, the histamine reactions in the body can cause itching.
The palms, in particular, can be itchy in these cases because histamines tend to collect in higher numbers in the hands and the feet.
A person should speak to their doctor before stopping a prescription medication unless symptoms are severe.
5. Cirrhosis
An autoimmune disorder called primary biliary cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can cause itchy, blotchy palms.
PBC affects the bile ducts that connect the liver to the stomach. Bile that travels between these two organs builds up in the liver, causing damage and scarring.
In addition to itchy palms, a person with this disorder may experience:
PBC is more common in women. There is no known cause.
A person with PBC can take a prescription medicine called cholestyramine (Questran) to reduce itching symptoms.
6. Nerve disorders
Sometimes nerve damage to the hands, resulting from conditions such as diabetes can cause itchy palms.
Other dysfunctions of the hand nerves can have similar effects, including carpal tunnel syndrome.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, pressure on the median nerve in the hand causes numbness, weakness, itching, and pain in the hands. The itching or discomfort will usually start in the palms and most commonly occurs at night.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, a person should see their doctor. The doctor may recommend avoiding repetitive activity or wearing a wrist brace. In extreme cases, surgery is an option to reduce pressure on the median nerves.
Treatment
It is important to keep the skin on the hands moisturized, especially after washing them.
Treatments will vary based on the underlying cause of itchy palms. Some recommended treatments include:
Cool, damp cloth
Placing a cool, damp cloth onto the palms for 5 to 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. They can be bought over the counter or obtained by prescription.
Avoid using steroid creams too regularly as they can cause thinning of the skin.
Moisturize often
Moisturizing often can help reduce itching. Keeping the moisturizer in the refrigeratorcan make this treatment even more effective.
When itching is caused by eczema, moisturizing may be especially important after washing, or when the hands feel particularly dry.
The National Eczema Association list some recommended moisturizing products, sunscreens, and household cleaners on their website.
Ultraviolet light therapy
A person with hand eczema or severe irritation may respond to ultraviolet light therapies. Placing the hands under a special light that emits ultraviolet-A rays may help to reduce symptoms.
Prevention
Wearing gloves will help protect the hands from chemicals and detergents.
If a person has a condition such as contact dermatitis or hand eczema, avoiding known triggers of the condition might help prevent a flare-up.
If the cause of the itching is not known, it may be worth doing a patch test before using any new lotions or creams on the hands. 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 prevent itchy palms include:
- Avoiding gloves made of synthetic fabrics. Cotton gloves should be gentler on the skin.
- Washing hands with lukewarm water. Avoid water that is too hot or cold.
- Using fragrance-free soaps or cleansers to wash hands.
- Applying a moisturizer immediately after drying the hands. Those with higher oil contents are more likely to lock in moisture.
- Using a moisturizer recommended bythe National Eczema Society.
- Wearing protective gloves when doing chores or working with chemicals or detergents. A person can wear cotton gloves inside latex gloves to prevent irritation from the latex.
- Avoiding gel-based hand sanitizers as these often contain high concentrations of drying alcohol.
Outlook
Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding irritants can help with most causes of itchy palms.
If a person experiences itchy palms along with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, they should seek immediate medical attention. This could indicate a skin reaction that results in anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing.
If the cause of itchy palms is not known, a person should consult their doctor to find out the cause. The doctor can then recommend the best course of treatment.
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