The palms of the hands are sensitive parts of the body and it is also the most used area, so if the palm gets itchy, it may affect the way you perform your daily activities. Itchy palm may not be a disease, but it could be a result of several factors or some disease conditions. To treat the condition, the cause of the itchy palm should be first determined. Here are the most common 5 causes of itchy palm and how each cause could be treated.
5 Common Causes and Treatments for Itchy Palm
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Primary biliary cirrhosis may lead to skin itching or pruritus. Even if the disorder has not yet progressed, one of its early symptoms is itchy palms of the hands and soles of feet. Severity of itchiness may vary and may occur suddenly at daytime or at night. The cause of the itchiness is the free bile acids that are present in the bloodstream.
Treatment: To treat biliary cirrhosis, ursodeoxycholic acid can be used. The medication is given to patient to delay the progression of the disease. To manage the itchiness, antihistamines are usually given.
Food Allergies
Itchy palm may occur due to food allergies. Some individuals developed allergic reaction to some types of food. Eggs, peanuts, milk, soy and seafood are some of common food allergens. Food allergies may lead to overt abnormal systemic changes and physical signs, but skin changes are the most noticeable symptom of food allergies. Itchy palm and sole of foot are the earliest symptoms of food allergy.
Treatment: Treating food allergies that causes itchy palm is done by preventing the possible exposure of the person to the food allergens. Antihistamines are usually prescribed to treat chronic itchy palms and severe anaphylaxis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Median nerve compression can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition occurs due to too much writing, typing and other activities which require the use of hands and fingers. Pain with numbing itchiness of the palm is the most common sign of the disorder.
Treatment: Medications and surgical procedures are common treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and corticosteroids can soothe nerve pressure and control some symptoms associated with itchy palm. In surgical procedure, the tissue that causes the pressure on the median nerve is severed.
Eczema
Eczema is a broad disorder that has many subtypes that are usually characterized by itchy palms. One of the less common types of eczema is dyshidrosis or palmoplantar dermatitis. This condition affects the fingers, too. Itchiness gets worse during warm season or during nighttime. Another subtype of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by scaly, itchy and red rashes. The condition is associated with allergy and histamine intolerance.
Treatment: Most types of eczema have no exact treatment. The condition is just managed to relieve the symptoms, especially the itchiness. Antihistamines, antibiotics and steroids are prescribed to sooth the itchy palms associated with eczema. For atopic dermatitis, good skin care and emollients are given to reduce the itchiness.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE is an autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune disorder, the body kills the healthy cells of the body. Symptoms associated with SLE may include some of the lesions and redness of the palms. Rashes caused by SLE can really bring discomfort, especially for those who are experiencing itchy palms.
Treatment: There is no exact treatment for SLE, but the condition can be managed by taking some immune suppressing drugs like corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
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