Rash on Palms and Soles
The palms and soles are the two parts of the body commonly used on a day to day activity. It is not surprising to know that these parts of the body are prone to injuries and other skin irregularities.
However, when there is an itchy rash on palms and soles, it is something that should not be taken for granted. There are various causes for itchy palms and soles. It could be just a simple drying of the skin, an allergic reaction, or a serious skin condition.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the causes of rash on palms and soles in both children and adult. (1, 2, 3)
Image 1: Severe rashes on the palms of the patient.
Picture Source: jeffreysterlingmd.files.wordpress.com
Picture 2: Mild rashes on the palms.
Photo Source: www.healthline.com
Psoriasis
It is a skin condition caused by abnormalities in the skin cell’s life cycle. The dead skin cells, as well as new skin cells, gather on the topmost layer of the skin. It results in thick scaly patches on the topmost part of the skin. It affects various parts of the body including the palms and soles.
The skin cracks and peels. It gets worse when the person is under a great deal of stress. (3, 4)
Photo 3: A severe case of contact dermatitis on the patient’s arm.
Image Source: cdn1.medicalnewstoday.com
Dermatitis
It causes rash on different parts of the body, especially on the hands and feet, which makes the patient uncomfortable. Dermatitis consists of various types including seborrheic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and eczema. The clinical manifestations include itching, redness of the skin, and burning. (1, 3, 4)
Image 4: The classic manifestations of hand-foot-and mouth disease.
Picture Source: www.nejm.org
Hand-foot- and mouth disease
It is characterized by rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth. It is caused by coxsackievirus and more common in children than adult. It is a contagious disease and the mode of transmission is droplets, direct contact with fluids from blisters, nasal discharges through sneezing, coughing, and feces.
The usual symptoms include itchy rashes on the palms, soles, and buttocks. (5, 6)
Picture 5: An itchy scabies caused by human itch mite.
Photo Source: bubbleox.com
Scabies
It is caused by human itch mite, which is an eight-legged bug. It digs into the outer most layer of the skin, lay eggs thereby causing extreme itchy rashes and eventually turn into scabies. Itchy palms and soles are the first signs of scabies in infants and young children.
As with adults, itching and rashes appear on different parts of the body. The skin itches severely at night time. Scabies is a highly contagious disease and a simple handshake can transmit the infection. (5, 6, 7)
Picture 6: Rashes secondary to diabetes.
Image Source: diabeteswithdale.com
Diabetes
Skin irregularities are indicators of diabetes and a particular one that causes itchy palms and soles is called eruptive xanthomatosis. It is a diabetes that gets out of control.
Other signs include redness of the skin specifically around the bumps and small yellowish rash-like on the skin.
Image 7: Skin rashes secondary to allergic reaction.
Picture Source: www.healthtipsforus.com
Allergic reaction
Many people experience an allergic reaction. It could be an allergy to food, things, or environment. Some have mild allergic reaction while others have severe reactions. Clinical manifestations include mild rashes, excessive drying of the skin, blister formation, burning and stinging sensation, and hives.
The patient finds relief by stopping anything that triggers the allergy. Some need antihistamine, ointments, and creams containing corticosteroids. (6, 7, 8)
Photo 8: Pustular rashes on the patient’s soles.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Image 9: Maculopapular rash on the patient’s palms and soles.
Picture Source: www.elsevier.es
How to get rid of the rash on palms and soles?
To effectively get rid of rashes on the palms and soles, the root cause should be determined first.
Was it just a mild allergic reaction? Was it a severe allergy? Is it eczema? Or is it psoriasis? Is it scabies? There are many possible causes and correctly determining the exact cause can help in finding relief from rashes and itching.
If it is just a mild allergy, the triggering factor should be immediately stopped and the necessary medications should be given to the patient. If it is psoriasis, scabies, or eczema, a special type of drug should be used.
You have to be careful when it comes to giving drugs to the patient. To be safe, you have to consult your doctor. Do not give drugs, especially antibacterial/antibiotics without asking permission from the primary care physician. (2, 5, 8, 9)
Natural Remedies for rash on the palms and hands
There are natural ways to get rid of rashes and itch on the palms and soles. Some of the effective natural remedies include the following:
Cayenne pepper
It contains capsaicin, a substance that helps reduce itching. Some ointments contain capsaicin, which makes them an effective remedy for itching and inflammation.
Turmeric
It has long been used for the treatment of various health conditions including rashes, itch, and respiratory-related diseases. It contains curcumin, a compound responsible for the healing benefits of turmeric. Research showed that turmeric is effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
Buy an ointment or cream that contains curcumin. If you want, you can also create your own turmeric paste. All you need to do is to mix turmeric powder and a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste on the palms, soles, and other affected parts of the skin.
Aloe Vera
Even in the ancient times, Aloe Vera is used because of its medicinal properties. It helps soothe dry skin and alleviates itching and rashes.
Virgin coconut oil
It soothes skin and is powerful when it comes to treating skin impurities and irregularities. As a matter of fact, virgin coconut oil is helpful in the treatment of eczema, pimples, and psoriasis. Some treatments for scabies contain virgin coconut oil as it improves the texture of the skin.
Rashes on the palms and hands may indicate a serious medical condition. However, it could also indicate a less serious health condition such as a mild allergy.
To be sure, you should always consult your doctor, especially if the rashes have been around for several days and didn’t subside despite using the remedies mentioned above. (1, 5, 9, 10)
References:
- https://smartypance.com/rashes-affects-palms-soles/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/palm-rash
- https://www.epocrates.com/sites/default/files/res/dacc/2016/GuttatePsoriasisBMJ1601.pdf
- https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5452
- https://www.medicalopedia.org/4052/list-of-palms-soles-rashes/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/168517-causes-of-a-skin-rash-on-hands-and-feet/
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hands-feet-itch#1
- http://www.md-health.com/Itchy-Hands-And-Feet.html
- https://www.skinsight.com/disease-groups/itchy-hands-or-feet
- https://www.healthhype.com/palm-skin-rash-types-causes-pictures-treatment.html
Published by Dr. Raj MD under Skin.
Article was last reviewed on December 24th, 2018.
