Itchy Palms: Causes and Treatments

Itchy palms are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a symptom of skin conditions, allergic reactions, liver disease, or other causes.

Itchy palms may occur with or without other symptoms, such as dry skin, redness, or swelling.

Knowing the cause of your itchy palms and when to see a healthcare provider can help you manage this symptom.

When you have itchy palms, you may feel an uncomfortable, persistent urge to scratch the palms of your hands. The feeling may be mild or intense. Scratching may feel good for a short time, but it can worsen the irritation if you do it too much.

Itchy palms may affect one or both palms. Depending on the underlying cause, the itchiness may also occur with redness, dryness, swelling, or other symptoms.

Itchy palms can have various causes, including environmental factors and underlying medical conditions.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle and environmental factors that may cause palm itchiness include:

• Dryness: Dry skin on your hands, such as during cold and dry months, may make your palms itchy.
• Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can sometimes trigger itching as part of your body’s stress response.
• Overuse of hand sanitizers: Frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out the skin on your palms, leading to irritation and itching.

Skin Conditions

Some skin conditions are also common causes of itching on the palms. These conditions include:

• Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema. It can cause itching and irritation anywhere on your skin, including on the palms of your hands, due to inflammation in the skin. Other symptoms include reddened or discolored dry patches and skin cracking.
• Irritant contact dermatitis: This type of eczema is caused by exposure to irritating substances like soaps, detergents, dust, and frequent handwashing. It leads to itching, redness, and sometimes blistering.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: Some cases of hand dermatitis are allergic, developing after repeated exposure to a specific substance such as rubber, metals, or plants like poison ivy. Touching the trigger can cause inflammation.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: This type of eczema is characterized by small, itchy blisters on your palms, often triggered by stress, allergies, or damp environments.
• Psoriasis: This chronic skin disorder can lead to red or dark scaly patches of skin and painful cracking that may itch. A type called palmoplantar psoriasis may affect your palms.
• Fungal infections: When fungal skin infections affect your hands, they may result in itchy, scaly, or peeling skin.

Other Conditions

Other medical conditions may also sometimes lead to itchy palms as a symptom. These include:

• Liver disease: Itchy palms can sometimes be a sign of liver conditions such as cirrhosis or cholestasis, which can cause a buildup of bile salts in your bloodstream.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can affect circulation and cause itching in many body areas, including your palms.
• Thyroid disorders: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can result in dry, itchy skin on your palms and other areas.
• Nerve disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as neuropathy, can cause itching in various areas, including your palms.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes lead to itchy skin, especially on your palms and soles. This condition is called palmar pruritus.
• HIV: An itchy rash associated with HIV can affect your palms, soles, and other areas. It can be an early sign of HIV infection or a reaction to HIV treatment in some cases.

Itchy palms are often harmless but may sometimes require a doctor’s visit. Consider seeking medical attention if the itch lasts more than a few days, worsens, or occurs with other symptoms like swelling, redness, or visible changes in the skin, such as blisters, rashes, or cracks.

If the itching is severe and interferes with your daily activities or sleep, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. If the itching is due to an underlying condition, early diagnosis can help treat your itch and prevent further complications.

The main goals of treating itchy palms are to relieve your discomfort and address any underlying cause. You or your healthcare provider may sometimes help treat itchy palms with home remedies, medications, or other treatments such as phototherapy.

Home Remedies

At-home measures may help reduce the itchiness of your palms. These include:

• Moisturizers: Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to help alleviate dryness and soothe the itch.
• Cold compress: Applying a cool compress to your palms may help reduce itching and inflammation.
• Oatmeal baths: Soaking in an oatmeal bath can relieve skin irritation and soothe itching.
• Calamine: Using medicated lotion may help for poison ivy, oak, or other types of contact dermatitis.
• Gentle care: Avoid scrubbing the skin.

Medications

Sometimes, medications may help ease your symptoms. These drugs may include:

• Topical steroids: Hydrocortisone creams or ointments can reduce inflammation and itchiness in conditions like eczema.
• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be effective if your itch is due to an allergic reaction.
• Oral steroids: In severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral steroids to manage inflammation.
• Condition-specific medications: If your healthcare provider identifies an underlying condition as the cause of your itch, they will likely prescribe medication or other treatments for that condition.

Phototherapy

If the itching is linked to psoriasis or eczema, phototherapy (light therapy) may help reduce symptoms. For this treatment, a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist exposes your skin to controlled doses of ultraviolet (UV) light.

There may be ways to prevent itchy palms and reduce the risk of recurrences.

• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid substances that cause eczema reactions, such as certain soaps, detergents, or metals
• Moisturize regularly: Keep your hands moisturized, especially in dry weather or after frequent handwashing
• Wear gloves: When handling irritating chemicals or substances, wear gloves to protect your skin

Many things can cause itchy palms, including environmental factors like dryness, skin conditions like eczema, and diseases like liver disease or diabetes.

Depending on the cause, treatment options range from moisturizers and cold compresses to prescription medications. Preventive measures, such as avoiding irritants, may help reduce the likelihood of itchiness returning.