Do you have red palms? You might have palmar erythema, a skin condition causing redness on the palms. While often harmless, it can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of palmar erythema, helping you understand why your hands might be so red.
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What Causes Red Palms?
Palmar erythema happens when small blood vessels called capillaries dilate in your hands. The exact cause isn’t always clear but can relate to several factors.
Primary Palmar Erythema (Lane’s Disease)
In rare cases, red palms occur without any underlying medical condition. This inherited form is called erythema palmare hereditarium or Lane’s disease. Research on this genetic condition is limited, and the inheritance pattern remains unknown.
Secondary Palmar Erythema
More commonly, red palms are a secondary symptom of another health condition. Some associated conditions include:
- Liver Diseases: Liver cirrhosis, a late-stage scarring of the liver.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints.
- Lung Diseases: Interstitial lung disease, characterized by lung scarring.
- Cancer: Various types of cancer can be associated with palmar erythema.
- Endocrine Disorders: Conditions causing hormone imbalances, like thyroid problems.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to red palms, usually resolving after delivery.
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to liver problems and red palms.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can sometimes manifest as red palms.
- Infections: Viral infections, including COVID-19, have been linked to palmar erythema.
- Raynaud’s Syndrome: A blood disorder affecting blood flow to fingers and toes.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Palmar Erythema
The primary symptom is redness on both palms, often concentrated on the fleshy areas:
- Thenar eminence (base of the thumb)
- Hypothenar eminence (fleshy edge below the pinky finger)
- Fingertips
- Area beneath the fingers.
Typically, there’s no itching, pain, irritation, or heat. However, if you notice any changes in your palm color, consult a healthcare professional.
Diagnosing Palmar Erythema
Diagnosis involves a physical examination of your palms. Your doctor might perform tests to rule out other skin conditions with similar symptoms and identify any underlying medical issues:
- Allergic reactions
- Drug reactions
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Palmoplantar pustulosis
- Contact dermatitis
- Cellulitis
Further investigations might include blood tests, imaging scans, or biopsies to determine the underlying cause.
Treating Red Palms
There’s no specific treatment for palmar erythema itself. If it’s linked to an underlying condition, treating that condition often improves or resolves the redness. For example, palmar erythema in pregnancy typically disappears after childbirth. However, there’s no guarantee that treating the underlying condition will always eliminate the red palms. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Conclusion
Red palms, or palmar erythema, can be a harmless inherited trait or a sign of an underlying health problem. While usually not painful or itchy, it warrants medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment of any underlying condition are crucial for managing palmar erythema and overall health. Consult your doctor if you notice persistent redness in your palms. Don’t ignore this potentially important sign.
