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What causes a hard lump to develop in the palm of an elderly person's hand, and what should be done about it?

Dec 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, a hard lump on the palm of an elderly person may be caused by chronic strain with tissue proliferation, skin aging with keratin accumulation, palmar or plantar warts, sebaceous cysts, tophi (urate deposits) in gout, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, or other treatments. A light diet is advised in daily life, along with consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins.

Generally, a hard lump on the palm of an elderly person may be caused by long-term strain and tissue hyperplasia, skin aging with keratin accumulation, palmar plantar warts, sebaceous cysts, or tophi. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow a doctor's guidance for improvement through general care, medication, or other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Tissue Hyperplasia Due to Chronic Strain: Elderly individuals often engage in hand-intensive activities such as knitting or gardening, leading to repeated pressure and friction on the palms. This can cause localized tissue hyperplasia and form a hard, painless lump upon pressing. Reduce strenuous hand activities, wear soft cotton gloves during work, and soak hands in warm water for 10 minutes daily to promote local blood circulation.

2. Keratin Accumulation from Skin Aging: As skin metabolism slows with age, the stratum corneum on the palms thickens and accumulates, forming a hard, rough-textured lump. Gently exfoliate dead skin once a week using a mild scrub. After soaking hands, apply urea-vitamin E cream and massage gently until absorbed to keep the skin moisturized.

3. Palmar Plantar Warts: Infection of the palm skin by human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to localized keratin hyperplasia. The surface of the hard lump appears rough and cauliflower-like, and pressing it causes pain. Avoid scratching to prevent spreading. Follow medical advice to apply topical medications such as miconazole cream, fluconazole cream, or terbinafine cream. Cryotherapy may also be used to remove the wart.

4. Sebaceous Cysts: Blockage of sebaceous gland ducts in the palm forms a firm cyst, which may become red, swollen, and painful if secondarily infected. Keep the palms clean. During early infection, follow medical instructions to use antibiotics such as cefaclor capsules, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or roxithromycin capsules to control inflammation. After inflammation subsides, surgical excision of the sebaceous cyst may be performed to completely remove it.

5. Tophi: Abnormal uric acid metabolism in the elderly leads to deposition of uric acid crystals around joints in the palms, forming hard lumps accompanied by joint pain. Strictly limit intake of high-purine foods. Follow medical advice to take medications such as allopurinol tablets, febuxostat tablets, or benzbromarone tablets to lower uric acid levels. In severe cases, surgical removal of tophi may be required to eliminate crystalline deposits.

Maintain a light diet and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins. Avoid pressing heavy objects with the affected area, and keep the palms clean and dry. With proper care and standardized treatment, recovery of palm health can be supported effectively.

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