What illness is itchy hands and feet a precursor to?
Disease description:
Recently, I don't know why, my hands and feet sometimes itch, and this has been going on for a while. I'm worried something might be wrong with my health. Could you please tell me what medical conditions might cause itching in the hands and feet?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Itchy hands and feet may be a precursor to various diseases, including but not limited to the following conditions:
1. **Fungal infection**: Such as tinea manuum/pedis (hand/foot fungus), caused by dermatophytes and other fungi, which can produce inflammatory and pruritic substances affecting the sensory nerve endings in the hands and feet.
2. **Skin diseases**: Such as eczema and urticaria, which can be triggered by multiple internal and external allergenic factors, manifesting as significant itching in the hands and feet.
3. **Internal medical conditions**: Such as diabetes, cholestasis, and renal insufficiency. These underlying diseases may lead to skin itching, sometimes presenting initially as itching in the hands and feet.
4. **Allergic reactions**: Such as allergies to chemicals, dust, or entering a new environment, which may cause localized symptoms such as peeling, dryness, and itching in the hands and feet.
Itchy hands and feet may indicate various underlying diseases. If such symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended for targeted examination and treatment.
