Redness in the hands primarily stems from increased blood flow to tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, near the skin’s surface. This process, vasodilation, causes these vessels to widen, allowing more blood to circulate. While often a normal and temporary response, persistent or sudden redness can indicate underlying conditions.
Common and Harmless Causes
Redness in the hands frequently results from common occurrences. Exposure to temperature extremes can lead to this change: cold hands constrict blood vessels, but warming them rapidly dilates these vessels, causing a flush. Physical activity, such as exercise, also increases overall blood circulation, making hands appear red.
Emotional responses like embarrassment or stress can cause temporary hand redness by increasing blood flow to the skin, similar to blushing. Keeping hands in a dependent position can cause blood to pool, leading to a mild reddish appearance. Some individuals also have a hereditary predisposition to red palms, a benign trait present from birth and causing no discomfort.
Skin-Related Conditions
Redness in the hands can originate from skin conditions involving inflammation, irritation, or allergic reactions. Contact dermatitis occurs when skin reacts to substances. This can be irritant contact dermatitis, caused by repeated exposure to harsh chemicals, soaps, or frequent hand washing, which strips the skin’s protective barrier. Alternatively, allergic contact dermatitis involves an immune system reaction to an allergen, leading to redness, itching, dryness, cracking, and sometimes blistering, with symptoms appearing hours or days after exposure.
Eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, manifests as dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. This condition can lead to redness, scaling, cracking, soreness, and sometimes small, intensely itchy blisters, particularly on the palms and sides of the fingers. While not contagious, hand eczema signifies a compromised skin barrier, making hands more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Sunburn can also cause redness and warmth if hands are exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation without protection.
Underlying Health Issues
Beyond common irritations, red hands can signal systemic medical conditions. Palmar erythema, characterized by symmetrical redness on the palms, particularly at the base of the thumb and little finger, is one such condition. While hereditary and harmless, it is frequently associated with various internal diseases, often due to dilated capillaries. Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, are a notable cause, with palmar erythema present in about 23% of affected individuals.
Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can lead to palmar erythema, affecting 30-60% of pregnant individuals due to increased estrogen levels. Other systemic conditions linked to red palms include autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (over 60% of patients), endocrine disorders like diabetes or thyroid conditions, certain medications, infections, and some types of cancer.
Erythromelalgia is a rare neurovascular disorder causing episodes of severe burning pain, warmth, and redness, most commonly in the feet but also affecting the hands. These painful flares are often triggered by heat or activity and can significantly impact daily life. This condition can be a primary disorder or occur secondary to other diseases, including blood disorders like polycythemia vera.
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder where bone marrow produces an excessive number of red blood cells, making the blood thicker than normal. This increased blood viscosity can lead to a ruddy complexion, including redness and a burning sensation in the hands and feet. The redness can be widespread or appear as blotchy patches, often worsening after exposure to warm water.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many instances of red hands are temporary and benign, certain signs suggest the need for medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the redness is persistent, does not resolve on its own, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These might include pain, swelling, or unusual warmth in the hands, which could indicate inflammation or infection.
Further indicators for medical attention include changes in skin texture, such as scaling, blistering, or oozing, especially if severe or worsening. If hand redness accompanies systemic symptoms like fever, unexplained fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), joint pain, or unintended weight loss, seek professional medical advice. These combined symptoms could point to an underlying health condition that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.