What are the causes of itching in the palms of the hands?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, itchy palms may be caused by factors such as dry skin, emotional stress, dyshidrotic eczema, tinea manuum (hand fungus), or contact dermatitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, maintaining hand hygiene is important—wash hands frequently but avoid excessive cleaning—and wear gloves when doing housework.
Generally, itchy palms may be caused by factors such as dry skin, emotional stress, dyshidrotic eczema, hand fungus, or contact dermatitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry Skin
When the palm skin lacks moisture over a prolonged period, the stratum corneum becomes rough and fragile, easily causing itching. Daily routines should include reduced use of strongly alkaline soaps, and moisturizing hand creams such as glycerin cream, lanolin cream, or petroleum jelly-based products should be applied promptly after washing hands to maintain hand hydration.
2. Emotional Stress
When mentally stressed, the sympathetic nervous system may become stimulated, possibly irritating the nerve endings in the hands and causing itchy palms. Learning to regulate emotions through deep breathing, listening to music, walking, or other relaxing activities can help maintain a calm state of mind.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Excessive sweating of the hands and feet or psychological factors may trigger dyshidrotic eczema, characterized by small blisters on the palms accompanied by itching. Under a doctor's guidance, topical treatments such as calamine lotion, triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream, or tacrolimus ointment may be used. Scratching should be avoided, and the hands should be kept dry.
4. Hand Fungus
Hand fungus is caused by a dermatophyte infection of the hand skin. In the early stages, red patches and papules may appear on the palm, accompanied by noticeable itching. As directed by a physician, topical medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride gel, miconazole nitrate cream, or bifonazole cream may be applied consistently until symptoms disappear, followed by continued treatment for a period to consolidate the effect.
5. Contact Dermatitis
Inflammatory reactions may occur after the palms come into contact with allergens such as detergents, chemicals, or metal jewelry, leading to itching. Immediate discontinuation of contact with allergens is necessary. Under medical guidance, medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or delnenad cream may be used. Hot water washing should be avoided.
In daily life, maintaining hand hygiene is important—wash hands frequently but avoid excessive cleaning; wear gloves when doing housework to reduce chemical irritation; maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods. If persistent itching of the palms does not improve or symptoms such as blisters or peeling occur, seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
