The sudden appearance of redness on the palms of the hands can be a surprising change. Persistent or unexplained red palms warrant a closer look. The medical term for this condition is Palmar Erythema, which describes a flushing of the skin caused by changes in blood flow. This symptom may be benign, but it can also serve as a visible indicator of an underlying systemic health issue. Understanding the characteristics and potential origins of this redness is the first step toward determining if a medical consultation is necessary.
Defining Palmar Erythema and Characteristics
Palmar erythema is characterized by a distinctive, symmetrical reddening that typically involves both hands. The color change is most concentrated on the “heel” of the hand: the thenar eminence near the thumb and the hypothenar eminence beneath the little finger. The central part of the palm often remains its normal color, creating a noticeable contrast.
The affected areas usually feel smooth and are often slightly warmer than the surrounding skin due to increased blood flow. The redness is “blanchable,” meaning the color momentarily disappears when pressure is applied, returning immediately when the pressure is released. This blanching confirms that the redness is caused by dilated capillaries filling with blood. The condition is generally not painful or itchy, though some individuals report a mild burning sensation.
Common Temporary and Benign Causes
Not all instances of red palms point to a serious health problem; many temporary causes relate to external factors that increase blood circulation. Exposure to high temperatures, such as working outdoors or soaking hands in hot water, can cause temporary vasodilation. Similarly, intense physical activity or friction, like a strenuous workout or prolonged use of a hand tool, can lead to localized redness.
Strong emotional responses, such as anxiety, can trigger a sympathetic nervous system reaction that causes blood vessels in the hands to widen. This temporary physiological response quickly resolves once the emotional state subsides. Mild irritant contact dermatitis, often from prolonged exposure to harsh soaps or cleaning chemicals, can also cause mild, temporary redness limited to the contact area.
Certain medications can also induce temporary, benign palmar erythema as an expected side effect. Drugs that promote vasodilation may increase blood flow to the hands. These primary forms of palmar erythema are usually localized, do not present with other systemic symptoms, and often resolve without intervention. Some people also have a rare, inherited form of palmar erythema that is present from birth and is not associated with any disease.
Underlying Systemic Health Conditions
When palmar erythema is persistent and not explained by temporary factors, it is classified as secondary and suggests an underlying systemic condition. Chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, is one of the most recognized associations, affecting approximately 23% of patients. Liver damage impairs the organ’s ability to metabolize circulating hormones, leading to elevated levels of estrogen in the bloodstream.
This hormonal imbalance is thought to cause the small arteries in the palms to widen, increasing blood delivery to the capillaries. The elevated estrogen theory also explains why palmar erythema is common during pregnancy, affecting between 30% and 70% of expectant mothers. The high levels of estrogen during gestation drive the vascular changes, which are temporary and resolve soon after delivery.
Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis), are linked to palmar erythema in up to 18% of patients. This is likely a manifestation of the hyperdynamic circulation and systemic vasodilation associated with an overactive thyroid gland. Certain autoimmune and rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, show a high association, with over 60% of patients experiencing the symptom.
Other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, also show a correlation, appearing in about 4.1% of those affected. The underlying mechanism in many systemic causes involves a combination of increased estrogen or other vasoactive substances, and generalized peripheral vasodilation. Even some types of cancer, particularly certain brain tumors, have been reported in association with palmar erythema, potentially due to the release of growth factors that affect blood vessels.
When to Seek Medical Consultation
A medical consultation is prudent if the redness on your palms is persistent, worsening, or lacks a clear, temporary cause. While some cases are harmless, a healthcare provider can help differentiate between benign causes and a sign of an internal health issue. It is important to seek professional advice if the red palms are not symmetrical or if they are accompanied by other physical changes.
These concerning signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unexplained fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Chronic joint pain
The diagnostic process typically begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination to check for other skin changes, like spider-like blood vessels (spider angiomas).
A physician will often recommend blood tests to evaluate liver function, check hormone levels, and screen for systemic conditions, such as thyroid disorders. Identifying the specific underlying condition is the only way to manage secondary palmar erythema, as there is no single treatment for the redness itself. This proactive approach ensures that any serious underlying condition is addressed early.