Itchy palms
The palm is one area of the hands which is most active. If we analyze the course of human evolution we will find that there was a hair covering on the palms in the primitive forms. Because of the extensive use of the hands and consequently the palm, there was intense sweating. Because of this the covering gradually disappeared as time passed and result is the hairless smooth palms which we have today. This development no doubt expanded the utility of the hands but also made the palms more vulnerable to the change in outside stimuli. Itch is the most common kind of skin condition which is even more common when it comes to palms. However there are certain internal factors which also cause itchy palms. This article would touch upon both the kinds.
Extrinsic Factors
There are many agents in the outside environment which can trigger itching in the skin, and since hands are the body parts which come in contact first, palms are most likely to be affected.
Every skin type is different and is therefore sensitive to different kinds of causal agents. There may be certain soaps and detergents which can cause a condition known as contact dermatitis, which is a very common skin condition. For the ones who cook regularly, this can be caused by coming in contact which some vegetables.
Itching is a common reaction if the skin is infected by bacteria or other microorganism. There are certain protein antigens which are secreted by the cells under the skin and cause inflammatory changes leading to itchy palms.
Intrinsic Causes
Itching in the palms can also be an indication of some malfunction in the body organs and systems. A chronic kidney failure has itchy palms as its primary symptom and so does hyper or hypothyroidism. Also itchy palms are often indicative of HIV infection or Crohn’s disease, but that does mean that you start to worry AIDS every time your palm itches.
There is a common superstition that itchy palms bring good fortune in terms of money, but it is strongly recommended that itchy palm is ignored as a good omen. It might something really severe.
January 6th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
I am a man of 53 years ol age, African and living in Botswana. I have itchy palms. I am not superstitious at all but I have not, until lately, paid much attention to the itchiness – merely dismissing it as a minor nuisance. However, upon reading your article above I have become concerned to learn that a chronic kidney failure has itchy palms as its primary symptom and so does hyper or hypothyroidism. In the mid ’80s I suffered from hyperthyroidism, for which I was successfully treated. I am, as far as I am aware, very healthy, but for the itchy palms. I do not smoke but I have a taste for red wine. Do I have reason to be worried? Bashi
January 6th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Bashi, Only medical tests can accurately show your condition. In my opinion, if your itchiness will continue to progress you have to consult a dermatologist. If your health will improve you don’t have to worry.
September 15th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
My daughter is 4 years only and past 2 days she is complaining of itch in her right & left palm also visible are little dots. Please advise what may be the cause
October 2nd, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Scabies was the cause of the same issue on my 14 ur old son.
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I once had faint white lumps under skin of the palms of my hands (and soles of feet) that itched so badly I it drove me mad. The only way to stop it was to put them in iced water. I spoke to a friend and he’d suffered the same thing in childhood. He said it was sugar. Back then I used to have a high sugar diet, went on a trip for 4-6 weeks and ate hardly any sugar at all. When I came home I went back to my old diet and the itching started. I made no connection at the time. After speaking to my friend I cut out sugar from my diet and the itching stopped within a few days. I hope this helps.