What causes hot palms and soles, and what should be done about it?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, hot palms and soles may be caused by emotional excitement, high ambient temperature, yin deficiency with internal heat, hyperthyroidism, or infectious diseases. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a regular作息 (sleep-wake cycle), and avoid staying up late to prevent depletion of bodily fluids.
Generally, hot palms and soles may be caused by emotional excitement, high ambient temperature, yin deficiency with internal heat, hyperthyroidism, infectious diseases, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other approaches. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Emotional excitement: Strong emotions such as tension and anxiety can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing peripheral blood circulation and leading to hot palms and soles. Timely emotional regulation, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and avoiding excessive emotional fluctuations can gradually relieve symptoms.
2. High environmental temperature: Prolonged exposure to hot environments or wearing excessively thick clothing can impair body heat dissipation, causing heat accumulation in the palms and soles. Moving to a cool, well-ventilated area, reducing clothing, and drinking适量 warm water appropriately can promote heat release and alleviate the sensation of heat.
3. Yin deficiency with internal heat: Deficiency of bodily yin fluids leads to an inability to balance yang qi, resulting in internal false fire. Symptoms include hot palms and soles, dry mouth, and sore throat. Patients should follow medical advice to take herbal formulas such as Zhibai Dihuang Pills, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, or Zuogui Pills for regulation. Additionally, consuming yin-nourishing foods like silver ear fungus and lily bulbs is recommended, while spicy and heating foods should be avoided.
4. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates metabolism and increases heat production, causing symptoms such as hot palms and soles, palpitations, and hand tremors. Patients should follow medical instructions to take antithyroid medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets. Radioactive iodine therapy may be necessary in some cases to suppress thyroid function.
5. Infectious diseases: During bacterial or viral infections accompanied by fever, rising body temperature can lead to hot palms and soles, often associated with symptoms such as fatigue and sore throat. Patients should follow medical advice to use anti-infective medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or ribavirin granules based on the type of infection.
In daily life, maintaining regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), avoiding late nights that deplete yin fluids, engaging in mild exercises such as walking or tai chi, and enhancing physical constitution are important. A light diet is recommended, with reduced intake of warming foods and increased consumption of vegetables, fruits, and adequate hydration. Adjusting lifestyle habits can help improve symptoms and maintain metabolic balance in the body.
