Red palms, or palmar erythema, is a condition where the hands appear reddish. This redness often affects both palms and can extend to the fingers. While often alarming, palmar erythema can be benign and temporary, or signal an underlying health issue. The redness is due to dilated capillaries, bringing more blood to the skin’s surface.
Everyday Reasons for Red Palms
Common factors can cause temporary red palms. Temperature changes, like exposure to heat or cold, can lead to the dilation or constriction of blood vessels, resulting in visible redness.
Physical exertion, such as exercise, increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the hands. This leads to temporary flushing and redness in the palms. Emotional responses like stress or anxiety can also cause blood vessels to dilate, making palms flush.
Minor skin irritation or friction can cause red palms. Repetitive actions or contact with irritants can cause localized inflammation. Individuals with fair skin may naturally show more redness due to visible underlying blood vessels.
Contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction, can cause redness on the palms. This happens when skin touches an irritant or allergen, leading to an inflammatory response. Symptoms include itching, blistering, dryness, and cracking.
Underlying Health Conditions
Persistent or significant palmar redness can sometimes be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Liver conditions, particularly cirrhosis, are a common cause of palmar erythema. In cases of impaired liver function, there can be hormonal imbalances, specifically increased estrogen levels, and altered blood flow, which contribute to the dilation of capillaries in the palms. About 23% of individuals with liver cirrhosis experience palmar erythema.
Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, can also lead to red palms. An overactive thyroid gland increases the body’s metabolism and blood flow, which can cause the skin to feel warm and appear flushed, including in the palms. This increased blood flow in the extremities often results in facial flushing and red palms.
Pregnancy is another common cause of palmar erythema, affecting a significant number of pregnant individuals. Hormonal changes, particularly elevated estrogen levels, and increased blood volume during pregnancy contribute to the dilation of blood vessels in the palms. This redness is typically temporary and resolves after delivery.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, can also be associated with palmar erythema. In RA, systemic inflammation can affect blood vessels, leading to red palms in approximately 60% of affected individuals. Lupus, another autoimmune condition, can also cause red palms as a manifestation of its effect on blood vessels and skin inflammation.
Certain medications can have red palms as a side effect. Some drugs may cause vasodilation or affect liver function, leading to this symptom. For example, some chemotherapy drugs can induce a condition called palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia, or hand-foot syndrome, which involves reddening, swelling, and sometimes blistering on the palms and soles.
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also result in localized inflammation and redness on the palms. Eczema on the hands, also known as hand dermatitis, can cause dry, red, itchy, and sometimes blistering skin. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, can manifest as thick, scaly, red patches on the palms, known as palmoplantar psoriasis. Less commonly, infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause a rash that spreads to the palms and soles, often appearing as small red spots.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While red palms can often be harmless, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional if the redness is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. If the redness does not resolve on its own or becomes chronic, it warrants medical evaluation. Persistent redness could indicate an underlying issue that requires diagnosis and management.
It is also important to seek medical advice if the red palms are accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, pain, swelling, or warmth. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), unexplained weight changes, or joint pain alongside red palms are also reasons to seek prompt medical attention. These additional signs could point to a broader health condition.
If the red palms are a new and unexplained occurrence, or if they cause significant concern, a medical consultation can provide clarity. Additionally, if the redness develops after starting a new medication, discussing this with a doctor is advisable as it could be a drug side effect. While many causes of red palms are benign, an accurate diagnosis can ensure appropriate treatment if an underlying condition is present.