ITCHY PALMS-CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

ITCHING PALMS

 

Some times we get itchy palms because of any one of the following causes.

A.Eczema 

The itchy palm due to eczema may have the following distinct features:-

1.Redness of the skin

2.cracking of the skin

3.Skin dryness

4.Blistering

A sub-type of eczema known as Dyshidrotic Eczema may be featured by small itchy blisters specifically on hands and sometimes at the feet. 

Causatives

The following professionals may be affected by palm eczemas

1.Cooks

2.Cleaners

3.Hairdressers

4.Medical professionals

5.Mechanics

B.Diabetes

The itchy palms due to diabetes may have the following distinct features:-

High blood sugar level may produce osmolar diuresis which causes extensive loss of water from the extracellular compartments to produce dry skin that results in itching palms 

The itching may appear with or without inflammations bumps or bruises

C.Allergies

The following are the distinct features of palm allergies

Palm allergy or contact dermatitis may appear within 48 to 96 hours after the hand comes in contact with the following allergens

1.Metals such as hand jewelry like rings, bangles including metal, plastic or rubber bands

2.Perfumes

3. Hand gloves specifically made out of latex

4.Soaps

5.Disinfectants

6.Antiseptics and antibacterials

7.Dust

8.Chlorinated liquids
Even though the allergic reactions may not be immediate, the reactions develop step by step within a few days as the body may take enough time to release itchy histamine.

Allergic Medications

Itchy palm may also be a result of some ingested medicines rather than a result of direct skin contact of medicine at the palm.

When a person takes an allergic medicine even at a mild dosage the stimulated body mast cells release histamine which tends to concentrate more in the palm and at the feet. Hence these areas will be affected first to show itching symptoms.

D.Cirrhosis

An autoimmune disorder known as Primary biliary cholangitis or Primary biliary cirrhosis a kind of liver disease can also develop itchy palms as one of the symptoms. The itchy may be characterized by blotchy palms. The other symptoms are 

1.Nausea

2.Diarrhea

3.Abdominal pain

4.Bone pain

5.Black urine

6.Jaundice

This symptom is more common in women and there are no known causes for this disorder.

E.Neurodisorders

Some times nerve damages at hands may also cause itchy palms. This etiology can be mostly attributed to diabetes because high blood sugar can cause peripheral neuropathy. This may affect sensations like pricky itches.

Another etiology is attributed to Carpal Tunnel Syndrom caused by pressure on the hand medial nerve leads to numbness, itching, and pain in the palm. This has been already discussed in another post in this blog.

The syndrome is caused by repeated workload by the same hand and can be relieved by rest.

Treatments for Pricky Palms

Generally treatments are based on the etiology(causes) or the origins of the discomfort.

1. Placing a cool damp cloth or an ice pack at the palm for 5 minutes can relieve the itching.

2. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can relieve redness and itching of the palm if its due to allergy. But care should be taken in case of diabetes.

Avoid frequent usages as steroids can cause thinning of the skin.

3. Refrigerated moisturizers can often help to relieve the itching and it is good for diabetics and patients with eczema.

3.U.V.radiation is more effective in eczematous itching.

Preventions

1. Always use hand gloves made of natural origins such as cotton

2.Wash hands with lukewarm water

3.Use soaps free from any fragrance

4. Apply any moisturizer whenever after drying the hand.

5. Use soft cotton or natural rubber gloves whenever working with chemicals or detergents

Synthetic gloves can be used if their inner linings are made out of cotton.

6. Avoid alcohol rubbings and gels contain high concentrations of alcohol.