Itchy Palms

We often see people vigorously scratching their palms in desperation to get relief. Many people believe that palms becoming itchy is a sign of good fortune and luck. However, this is only a superstition and there is no scientific backing to this belief. On a serious note, palms becoming itchy is annoying and can cause great amount of distraction, especially when completing an important assignment. Too much scratching can be detrimental to the skin and is likely to trigger a secondary bacterial infection.

Causes

Contact With Irritants
Detergents that are used for washing clothes and utensils, normally contain harsh chemicals. When the hands come in contact with these detergents, the skin is likely to become itchy. The irritant can also be the antibacterial soap that one uses to wash hands daily. These irritants cause persistent itchiness and may even lead to skin discoloration. Itchy palms and no rash is common in people exposed to detergents.

Infection
An infection that affects the palms of the hands, can also be the culprit behind consistent itchy sensation. The infection may be caused by invasion of the bacteria or the fungus, on the superficial skin. The fungus that generally affects the skin is Candida albicans. There is the formation of purple patches of skin, that produce a strong itchy sensation. Blisters may also be present near these itchy patches. Bacterial infection generally bring red itchy bumps on the skin.

Dry Skin
Dry skin that is common during winter season causes terrible itching. Dry itchy palms and feet may not allow the person to sleep properly. Itchy skin is more common among the elderly. This happens because with the increase in age, the skin is unable to produce natural oil (sebum) in sufficient amounts. As we all know, sebum prevents the skin from becoming dry. However, due to shortage of sebum, the skin loses its moisture, eventually making it dry. Peeling skin followed by excessively scratchy dry palms may lead to the development of open sores and further aggravate the condition.

Scabies
Itchy palms that distinctly show a rash can also indicate scabies. Caused by the invasion of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, the scabies rash typically produces red papules on the affected area. This is a tiny 8 legged mite that makes holes into the skin and stays just beneath the topmost layer. Unlike other skin rashes that are normally seen in the form of patches, scabies rash (blisters) form tracks where burrowing has taken place.

Vitamin B6 Overdose
Anything taken in excess is not good for health and this also holds true for vitamin B6. People taking vitamin B6 supplements in excess amounts, are likely to suffer from itchy skin (with no rash) that normally affects the palms of hands. Keep in mind that overcoming vitamin B6 deficiency doesn't mean taking too much of multivitamin supplements.

Medications
Intake of certain medications can bring side effects in the form of itchy palms and no rash. Ibuprofen, regarded as an effective pain-killer, can bring this unpleasant sensation on the palms.

Pruritus
This is yet another skin problem that makes the palms itchy, but surprisingly there is no rash. Pruritus that shows no rash is often the result of allergic reaction to medicines or underlying conditions such as kidney failure, thyroid problems or liver diseases (jaundice or hepatitis).

Finding out the underlying cause is the key to get rid of itching sensation of palms. In case, skin irritants are the culprits, then staying away from them or using gloves when handling these irritants, can definitely help to keep itching at bay. Application of topical antifungal cream is the standard treatment for skin fungal infection. An easy way to relieve itchiness is to apply lemon juice. Many people squeeze fresh lemon on the affected area and get instant relief. To relieve intense itching that accompanies scabies, patients are often asked to use topical ointments such as permethrin, lindane and eurax.