What are the common causes of itchy palms?
Aug 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, itchy palms may be caused by factors such as contact with irritants, emotional stress, dyshidrotic eczema, tinea manuum (hand fungus), or contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. In daily life, proper hand care should be maintained, avoiding frequent contact with irritating substances. After washing hands, apply hand cream promptly to keep the skin moisturized.
Generally, itchy palms may be caused by factors such as contact with irritants, emotional tension, dyshidrotic eczema, tinea manuum (hand fungus), or contact dermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Contact with irritants: Contact with substances such as soap, detergent, or chemical reagents may irritate the skin and cause itching. Immediately rinse the hands thoroughly with clean water, avoid further contact with such substances, and the itching should gradually subside.
2. Emotional tension: When experiencing high levels of mental stress, nerve excitement may cause hand blood vessels to dilate and sweat glands to secrete more sweat, resulting in itching. Symptoms may be relieved by relaxing through deep breathing, listening to music, or other methods to reduce tension.
3. Dyshidrotic eczema: Related to excessive sweating of the hands and feet or allergies, small blisters may appear on the palms, accompanied by itching. Patients may use medications such as calamine lotion, desonide cream, or tacrolimus ointment as directed by a physician. Keeping hands dry and avoiding scratching are also important.
4. Tinea manuum: Caused by infection with dermatophytes (skin fungi), red patches and flaking may appear on the palms, accompanied by significant itching. Patients should use medications such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or bifonazole cream as directed by a physician. Personal hygiene should be maintained, and towels should not be shared with others.
5. Contact dermatitis: Inflammatory reactions occur after skin contact with allergens, causing red patches, swelling, and intense itching on the palms. Patients may use medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, or ebastine tablets as directed by a physician.
In daily life, hand care should be emphasized to avoid frequent contact with irritating substances. Apply hand cream promptly after washing hands to maintain skin moisture and support the skin's barrier function.
