Have you ever heard the superstition about money and itchy hands? Hopefully itchy hands will bring you sudden riches, but it’s more likely a sign of an irritating skin condition.
Some say itchy palms are a sign of greed. others say that if your palms are itchy, it means that there will be money in your future. When your left hand itches, it is said that it is a sign that money will come to you, and an itchy right hand means that money will come out of your pocket.
Although the supernatural causes of itchy palms may never be known, there are many natural reasons why hands may itch.
eczema
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a common condition caused by inflammation of the skin. There are many different types of eczema, and symptoms can range from severe blisters to mild itching and cracked skin.
Some forms of eczema, such as dyshidrotic eczema, can present as red, cracked, scaly skin or small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the palms of the hands, the sides of the fingers and toes, and the palms of the hands. soles of the feet. This type of eczema is often triggered by seasonal allergies or stress, and the blisters can last for several weeks.
Using a mild soap and high-quality moisturizer after bathing can help relieve eczema symptoms. In some cases, your dermatologist may prescribe a steroid cream or ointment to reduce swelling and treat blisters, or may recommend an oral steroid such as prednisone.
“excessive handwashing can also trigger eczema,” says dr. Sital Patel, a board-certified dermatologist with the U.S. dermatology partners four points. “Every time you wash your hands, some of your skin’s natural oils go down the drain, and many soaps can be especially harsh on sensitive skin. the best line of defense is to rinse your hands with warm water and moisturize them with a thick cream or ointment often throughout the day. for excessive dryness, you can even apply a petroleum jelly-derived ointment or thick moisturizing cream and cover with cotton gloves at night.”
psoriasis
Itchy soles of the feet or palms of the hands are also common symptoms of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects more than 6 million people in the us. uu. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakes skin cells for a virus or other infection and responds by overproducing more skin cells.
Psoriasis is thought to be genetic, but it can also be triggered by factors such as stress, cold weather, hormones, or infections such as staph or strep throat. Some medications, such as lithium and beta-blockers, have also been linked to psoriasis flare-ups.
Postular psoriasis can appear on the hands and feet as small white blisters and reddened areas. the condition is more common in women and can recur several times over the course of months or even years. joint swelling is also a possible side effect.
Psoriasis treatment typically begins with a mild topical cream and can progress to include prescription medications and phototherapy.
dry skin
In the winter months, the humidity in the outside air drops dramatically. at the same time, the interior heating removes humidity from the interior air. this dryness can cause cracked, bleeding skin and itchiness.
“The colder temperatures are very hard on the skin, especially the hands,” says dr. cake. “The best defense is to include a high-quality moisturizer in your daily routine and use it frequently throughout the day.”
Frequently applying thick ointments, creams and lotions to your hands before they dry out is the best way to ensure your skin stays soft and smooth. Moisturizers should be applied after washing and drying your hands and can also be used overnight with a pair of cotton gloves to lock in moisture.
Using a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air can also help relieve itchy skin on your hands and the rest of your body.
allergies
Itchy palms and hands often indicate an allergic reaction to something you’ve touched. Symptoms can occur immediately or even hours later and may include a rash, extremely dry skin, hives, blisters, or a burning or stinging sensation.
Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce the swelling and itching caused by an allergic reaction.
Dyshidrotic eczema can also be caused by an allergy to nickel, cobalt, or other metals that can be found in jewelry and other objects. An allergist can perform a patch test to determine which metals you are allergic to.
“many household cleaning and chemical products can irritate the skin and cause an allergic or irritant reaction,” says dr. cake. “It is important to always wear protective gloves when using chemicals. cotton gloves are best and should be worn under rubber or waterproof gloves to protect skin from sweat and chemicals while cleaning and dishwashing.”
diabetes
Itchy hands may also be an early sign of diabetes, a serious disease that occurs when the body does not respond normally to insulin. Eruptive xanthomatosis, a skin condition associated with diabetes, often causes itchy hands and feet. other symptoms include small yellow bumps surrounded by redness. Normally, when diabetes is under control, your skin condition also goes away.
