The palms of your hands can sometimes appear red, a condition medically known as palmar erythema. While often harmless, red palms can also signal an underlying health condition. Understanding the various reasons behind this phenomenon can help determine if it is a temporary change or an indication of something more significant.
Everyday Reasons for Red Palms
Redness in the palms frequently arises from common, non-medical factors. These temporary changes are usually harmless and resolve on their own. The degree of redness can vary based on a person’s body temperature, physical activity levels, and even emotional state.
For example, strenuous exercise or a warm environment can cause blood vessels in the hands to dilate, leading to increased blood flow and a flushed appearance. This physiological response helps the body regulate its temperature. Strong emotions like embarrassment or stress can also trigger a temporary rush of blood to the skin, including the palms.
Exposure to certain irritants can also cause the palms to redden. Frequent washing with harsh soaps or prolonged contact with hot water can irritate the delicate skin on the hands, resulting in temporary redness. Wearing protective gloves during activities that involve such irritants can help prevent this reaction. These instances of red palms are generally not accompanied by pain or itching.
Medical Conditions Linked to Red Palms
While often benign, persistent red palms can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. This secondary form of palmar erythema is typically caused by dilated capillaries in the hands. The intensity of the redness may reflect the severity of the underlying condition.
Liver diseases are a common association, particularly cirrhosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. Around 23% of individuals with liver cirrhosis experience palmar erythema, often due to hormonal imbalances and altered blood flow from liver dysfunction. The redness can also be accompanied by warmth.
Pregnancy is another frequent cause of red palms, affecting an estimated 30% to 70% of pregnant individuals. This occurs due to increased estrogen production and elevated blood volume, which lead to temporary dilation of blood vessels. The redness associated with pregnancy typically resolves naturally after childbirth.
Thyroid disorders, specifically an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis), can also manifest as red palms. This condition increases blood flow in the extremities and can cause the skin, including the palms, to feel warm and appear red. Up to 18% of people with thyrotoxicosis may develop palmar erythema.
Certain autoimmune conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues, are linked to red palms. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease affecting joints, is an example, with over 60% of affected individuals experiencing palmar erythema. The inflammation of small blood vessels in the hands is thought to contribute to this symptom. Other conditions like diabetes and some skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can also be associated with red palms.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many instances of red palms are harmless, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if the redness in your palms is persistent, does not fade, or appears suddenly without an obvious cause, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Seek medical attention if your red palms are accompanied by:
Pain, swelling, or itching.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Unexplained fatigue.
Joint pain.
Easy bruising or bleeding.
Swelling in the abdomen or legs.
Headaches or memory problems.
Also, have it checked by a doctor if the redness is present on only one hand, or if you notice other changes in your skin’s texture or appearance. These accompanying symptoms can provide important clues about the underlying cause and help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
When seeking medical attention for red palms, a healthcare provider will typically begin with a thorough physical examination. This includes inspecting the palms for symmetry, assessing warmth, and checking if the redness temporarily disappears when pressed, a characteristic known as blanching. A detailed medical history will also be taken, inquiring about any other symptoms, existing health conditions, and current medications, as some drugs can cause red palms.
To determine the underlying cause, various diagnostic tests may be ordered. Blood tests are common and can assess liver function, thyroid hormone levels, blood cell counts, and blood sugar. Tests for hepatitis B and C, as well as levels of iron or copper, may also be included. In some cases, imaging studies like an ultrasound or X-ray might be used to examine organs such as the liver.
Treatment for red palms focuses on addressing the root cause rather than the redness itself. If an underlying medical condition is identified, managing and treating that condition is the primary approach. For instance, if liver disease is the cause, treatment will target the liver. If a medication is suspected to be the culprit, a doctor might advise discontinuing or adjusting the dosage. In instances where no specific underlying cause is found, the red palms may persist but are generally considered harmless.