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What Causes Itching Palms?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Chronic itching on any part of the body can be distressing to a person. Itching palms can be particularly troublesome because the hands are used for so many activities of daily living. There are many potential causes for palm itching, including infection, allergic reactions, and vitamin deficiencies. Treatment options often vary depending upon the cause of the itch, but over-the-counter creams and ointments can often help to relieve the symptoms of itching palms.

Contact dermatitis, also referred to as eczema, is a common cause of itching palms. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it is believed to have both hereditary and environmental components. Common symptoms include a red, itchy rash that may sometimes form blisters. Allergies or sensitivities to various foods or chemicals may also cause an eczema outbreak. A dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin disorders should be consulted for appropriate treatment options.

Over-the-counter ointments may be helpful in treating itching palms.
Over-the-counter ointments may be helpful in treating itching palms.

Skin infections involving the hands may cause palms to itch. In some cases, an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment may be able to cure the infection. If the infection does not respond to this type of treatment, a doctor should be consulted in order to determine if oral antibiotics or other forms of treatment are more appropriate.

Stress can often cause widespread itching or hives. It is best to see a doctor to rule out other possible causes for the itching. If no other causes can be found, a person may benefit from learning relaxation techniques to avoid future outbreaks.

Thyroid disorders may cause itching palms.
Thyroid disorders may cause itching palms.

Many patients who experience persistent itching palms should consider adding vitamin B to the diet. Frequently, a deficiency in some of the B vitamins may cause itching. These vitamin supplements are available over the counter at most drug stores. A doctor can perform the necessary laboratory tests to determine if the patient is deficient in any of these vitamins.

A blood test may be performed to rule out any serious causes of itching palms.
A blood test may be performed to rule out any serious causes of itching palms.

Those with itching palms that do not respond to over-the-counter anti-itch creams should consult a doctor in order to rule out serious health conditions. Medical issues such as kidney or liver disease often cause itching. Blood disorders and thyroid dysfunction are also known causes of itching palms. Simple blood tests can often diagnose health problems before they become severe enough to cause significant damage to the various organs of the body. Many people do not realize that something as seemingly innocent as an itch could signify a serious medical condition, making frequent check-ups by a doctor vitally important.

Discussion Comments

bear78

My sister always has dry, flaky, itchy hands because she's a hygiene freak. She constantly washes her hands and uses hand sanitizer which has caused her skin to be extremely dry and itchy. Her doctor has diagnosed her with dermatitis. She is using a special cream on her hands now and she is not allowed to wash her hands more than necessary.

She's also starting therapy because apparently, too much stress and worrying can lead to this kind of obsession about hygiene.

stoneMason

@simrin-- It might be due to blood circulation. For example, if you were to lean on your hand and apply a lot of pressure there for some time, you might feel some numbness and tingling because circulation is cut off. When you lift the pressure, blood circulation to the area will return and it might cause an itching sensation.

As long as the itching isn't constant, there is nothing to worry about.

SteamLouis

Sometimes my left or right palm will itch suddenly. When it happens, my mom says that I will either receive or give away money. I think it's tradition to say this.

By why do our palms really itch like that? Does it have to do with nerves or something?

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    • Over-the-counter ointments may be helpful in treating itching palms.
      By: agephotography
      Over-the-counter ointments may be helpful in treating itching palms.
    • Thyroid disorders may cause itching palms.
      By: goa novi
      Thyroid disorders may cause itching palms.
    • A blood test may be performed to rule out any serious causes of itching palms.
      By: hadkhanong
      A blood test may be performed to rule out any serious causes of itching palms.
    • Stress may trigger hives, which are very itchy.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Stress may trigger hives, which are very itchy.
    • A doctor may need to be consulted to determine the cause of itching palms.
      By: JackF
      A doctor may need to be consulted to determine the cause of itching palms.
    • A nutrient deficiency can make palms itchy.
      By: arneb
      A nutrient deficiency can make palms itchy.
    • Contact dermatitis may cause itching palms.
      By: eyetronic
      Contact dermatitis may cause itching palms.
    • Harsh soaps can aggravate sensitive skin, causing itchy palms.
      By: peacebuts
      Harsh soaps can aggravate sensitive skin, causing itchy palms.