According to superstition, itching in the justify and right palms was considered a symbol that someone was about to give or receive some money. However, there are some valid medical reasons why a person may have itchy palms.
In this article, we will discuss six possible causes of itchy palms:
- Hand eczema
- Allergies reactions
- Diabetes
- Reactions to medication
- Cirrhosis
- Nerve disorder
The article also discusses the process to relieve the itching sensation and prevent it from coming back.
Causes
Itching can be annoying, no matter where it occurs. This can be especially irritating on the hands, as it can interfere with everyday tasks.
The following regions are some of the more common causes of itchy palms.
1.) Hand Eczema
According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), an estimated 10 per cent of people in the United States have hand eczema.
This non-contagious condition can cause itchy palms, red skin, cracking, dryness and sometimes blisters.
A subtype of eczema of the hands is called dyshidrotic eczema, which causes a person to develop small, itchy blisters, especially on the hands and sometimes the feet.
People most likely to have eczema on their hands include those who work in certain occupations where hands are exposed to excessive moisture or harsh chemicals.
Occupations at Risk for Hand Eczema Include:
- Food and drink
- Sanitary
- Hairdressing shop
- Health care
- Mechanic
People with a family history of hand eczema are also at greater risk for the condition.
2.) Allergic Reactions
Sometimes itchy palms result from repeated exposure to an irritant or chemical that eventually results in allergies. This is called contact dermatitis.
An allergic response may appear 48 to 96 hours after exposure to the allergen.
Common Allergens or Irritants Include:
- Metals, such as rings and other jewelry
- Perfume
- Latex gloves
- Soap
- Disinfectant
- Antiseptics or antibacterial substances
- Dust and mud
- Highly chlorinated water
It may take repeated exposures before an allergic reaction can develop. This is because, after some time, the body starts releasing itch-causing histamines that irritate the skin.
3.) Diabetes
When a person has diabetes, very high blood sugar levels can cause dry skin that is also itchy.
This itchy skin can appear on the palms and other areas of the body, with or without red or flesh-coloured bumps.
4.) Reactions to Medication
Sometimes itchy palms can develop due to something a person has ingested, rather than something their hands have been in contact with.
When a person has a mild allergy to a new drug, the body’s reaction to histamine can cause itching.
The palms, in particular, may itch in these cases because histamines tend to collect in higher numbers in the hands and feet.
Unless symptoms are severe, a person should talk to their doctor before stopping a prescription drug.
5.) Cirrhosis
An autoimmune disorder called primary cholangitis or PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) can cause blotchy, itchy palms.
Primary biliary cirrhosis affects the bile ducts that attach the liver to the stomach. The bile that travels b/w these two organs growth in the liver, region damage and scarring.
In Addition, to Itchy Palms, People with This Disarray May Experience:
- Speckled palms
- Getting nausea
- Bone pain
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
PBC is more common in women. There is no known cause.
A person with PBC can take a medicine called cholestyramine (Quest ran) to reduce the symptoms of itching.
6.) Nerve Disorders
Sometimes nerve damage to the hands can cause itchy palms as a result of conditions such as diabetes.
Other disorders of the nerves in hand, including carpal tunnel syndrome, can have similar effects.
In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), pressure on the median axon in hand causes numbness, weakness, itching, and pain in the extremities. Itching or discomfort usually begins in the palms and usually occurs at night.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, the person should see their doctor. The Dr. may recommend ignoring repetitive activity or wearing a wrist brace. In extreme cases, surgery to reduce pressure on the median vein is an option.
Treatment
Treatment will vary hang on the underlying cause of itchy palms. Some recommended treatments include:
1.) A Cool, Damp Cloth
Keeping a cool, damp cloth on the palms for 5 to 10 minutes can relieve itching. An ice pack can also be effective.
2.) Topical Steroids
Contortionists can lose itching and redness on the palms during flare-ups. They can be purchase over the counter or get by prescription.
Ignore using steroid creams too frequently as they can cause thinning of the skin.
3.) Moisturise Often
Moisturising often can help reduce itching. Keeping the moisturiser in the fridge can make this treatment even more effective.
When itching is caused by eczema, moisturising can be especially important after washing or when hands feel dry.
The National Eczema Association lists some recommended moisturising products, sunscreens and household cleaners on its website.
Moisturisers are available for purchase in supermarkets, drug stores and online.
4.) Ultraviolet Light Therapy
A person with hand eczema or severe burns may respond to ultraviolet light treatments. Placing the hands undergo a special light that emits ultraviolet-A rays can help reduce symptoms.
Prevention
If a person has a condition such as contact dermatitis or hand eczema, avoiding known triggers can help prevent flare-ups.
If the cause of itching is not known, it may be advisable to do a patch test before using any new lotion or cream on the hands. Then, apply the product to a small skin area and leave it on overnight to ensure it does not cause a reaction.
Other Steps that Can Prevent Itchy Palms Include:
- Avoid gloves made of synthetic fabrics. Cotton gloves should be more gentle on the skin.
- Wash hands with lukewarm water. Avoid water that is too hot or cold.
- Use a fragrance-free soap or cleanser to wash your hands.
- Apply moisturiser immediately after drying your hands. People who have high oil content are more likely to lock in moisture.
- Using a moisturiser recommended by the National Eczema Society.
- They were wearing protective gloves when working or working with chemicals or detergents. For example, a person can wear cotton gloves inside a latex glove to prevent irritation from latex.
- Avoid gel-based hand sanitisers as these often contain high concentrations of drying alcohol.
Diabetes and Itching
People often associate the effects of diabetes with itching of the palms and feet.
A 2010 study suggested that itching is a common symptom in people with diabetes. About 11.3 per cent of the people in the study who had diabetes reported itchy skin, but only 2.9 per cent of the sample without diabetes gave the same advice.
Diabetes can Help Region Itchy Palms in Several Ways:
- Diabetic neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage that people with diabetes may experience, can lead to damaged nerve fibres in the hands and feet. However, before this damage takes place, the body releases inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that region itching.
- Complications of diabetes contain liver and kidney failure, and both can cause itchy skin as a symptom.
- A people may experience an allergic reaction to the new diabetes medicine, leading to increased itching.
If people with diabetes experience itchy skin, they should seek treatment ASAP. Irritated, itchy skin is further prone to infection, and a person’s ability to fight off infection is reduced if they have diabetes.
Outlook
Keeping the skin moisturise and avoiding irritation can help with most causes of itchy palms.
If a person experiences itching in the palms and symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, they should seek immediate medical attention. This may indicate a skin reaction that results in prophylaxis or difficulty breathing.
If the cause of itchy palms is not known, one should consult their doctor to find out the reason. The doctor can then recommend the best course of treatment.
