What It Really Means When Your Palms Itch

For most people, itchy palms are something to be dealt with occasionally, only to be forgotten once the scratching commences. Healthline reports that this kind of itching is generally nothing to worry about. Reasons behind itchy palms can include simple explanations, such as dry skin caused by winter weather. Or, you may have accidentally exposed your hands to a harsh chemical that triggered some itching. Usually, a moisturizing hand lotion takes care of itching skin. However, if you notice it doesn't get better after applying lotion, you might want to keep a close eye on it.

One cause of itchy palms is eczema, which affects 10% of the U.S. population, according to Medical News Today. If you notice that your palms are red, cracked, and itch, you may have eczema. A specific type of hand eczema, called dyshidrotic eczema, will also cause blisters on the palms and the feet.

You could have allergies if you find that your palms itch after you've been exposed to certain irritants. Common items related to skin allergies include perfumes, latex gloves, soaps, disinfectants, certain metals, antibacterial products, and even dust, per Medical News Today. If your palms itch and you experience trouble breathing, seek medical attention because this could indicate a severe allergy that might lead to anaphylaxis.

Another cause for itchy palms that you may not have considered is a reaction to medications. Medical News Today explains that when you have a reaction to drugs, it stimulates histamine production in the body. Since histamine collects in the hands more than anywhere else in the body, it will cause your hands to itch.

Certain medical conditions can also make your palms itch. If you see blotchy skin on your palms and experience nausea, diarrhea, jaundice, or dark urine with itchy palms, you may have primary biliary cirrhosis. This condition causes bile to build up in your liver, which in turn causes itching. 

In rare cases, your palms might itch if you have diabetes. When blood sugar levels are too high, it can make skin feel itchy, and you may or may not have flesh-colored bumps on your palms (via Medical News Today).