What causes many small bumps to appear on the palms and backs of the hands?
Small bumps appearing on the palms and backs of hands are usually caused by friction, skin keratinization, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Details are as follows:
1. Friction
Prolonged or excessive friction on the palms and backs of hands may damage the skin and lead to the formation of small bumps. It is advisable to reduce hand friction and apply moisturizing or repair creams to promote skin recovery.
2. Skin Keratinization
During normal skin metabolism, keratinocytes continuously form and gradually shed as they age. When the stratum corneum becomes too thick or metabolic processes are disrupted, small bumps may develop. Regular, gentle exfoliation can help maintain normal skin turnover.
3. Eczema
Eczema may be related to allergies, genetic factors, or immune system abnormalities. When eczema affects the palms or backs of hands, it may cause symptoms such as papules and blisters—appearing as small bumps—along with redness and itching. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as hydrocortisone cream, desonide cream, or compound acetic acid dexamethasone cream for symptomatic treatment.
4. Urticaria (Hives)
When allergens enter the body, they may trigger urticaria. These allergens stimulate the body to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leading to local vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, resulting in redness, swelling, and bump-like lesions. Symptoms often include itching and irritability. Patients are advised to take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, or tripterygium glycosides tablets under medical supervision, tailored to individual circumstances.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition caused by immune system dysfunction that leads to excessive proliferation of skin cells, resulting in abnormal skin lesions. It can affect the back of the hands, presenting as small bumps covered with scales. Patients may also experience dry, itchy skin. Treatment may include medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, tacrolimus ointment, or cyclosporine capsules, used according to medical instructions.
In daily life, it is recommended to keep the skin clean, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and reduce stress, all of which contribute to healthier skin.