Red Palms? Here’s What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

Palmar erythema, or red palms, is a common condition in which the heels of the palms of your hands (and sometimes your fingers) turn red or pink and feel slightly warm.

The nerves and muscles in our hands require a rich supply of blood to function. That means any inflammatory process that affects blood flow could result in a color change of the tissues of your palms, says Neil Farnsworth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in Houston.

Most times, red palms are harmless and fade on their own. But they can sometimes be a sign of a deeper medical issue. Here's a look at some of the most common culprits, along with what you can do to find relief.

They Run in Your Family

Like hair or eye color, a reddish tint to your palms can simply run in your family.

“They’re a common hereditary trait,” says Dr. Farnsworth. “So you’re probably not noticing them unless someone points them out.”

You may also notice your palms get redder when you’re flustered, when they’re warm, or when you keep your hands in the same position for a long time.

Hereditary palmar erythema isn’t typically a problem, and there’s no specific treatment for it, according to DermNet. But if your palms seem to look redder than usual and you’re concerned, there’s no harm in bringing it up with your doctor or dermatologist.

Your Hands Are Irritated

External factors, like washing your hands too often, using heavily scented moisturizers, or having prolonged contact with irritating chemicals, can also make your palms red, says Farnsworth.

“[These factors] can strip and compromise the normal lipid barrier of the skin, resulting in irritation, redness, painful cracking, and fine, dry scales,” he says.

Try to avoid products or substances that make your hands red or uncomfortable, says Farnsworth. “Wear protective gloves when handling chemicals like bleach or cleaning products, use fragrance-free body wash, and moisturize with a fragrance-free product after washing your hands.”

You Have Eczema

When you have eczema, you may experience allover body dryness and irritation. This can cause itchy palms, which can become red as a result, according to the National Eczema Society.

You may also notice blisters on your palms and sides of your fingers, or that your palms have a wrinkled appearance, says Farnsworth.

Managing eczema typically comes down to reducing your exposure to irritating triggers, like harsh cleaning products, fragrances, heat, or cold, dry air, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Try moisturizing regularly with a doctor-approved eczema cream or ointment to help maintain your skin’s protective barrier. You could also try some natural remedies for eczema, like coconut oil.

You’re Pregnant

Pregnancy can cause all sorts of strange symptoms, red palms among them. The culprit is your naturally increased estrogen levels, says Farnsworth, which can increase blood flow to the palms. For this reason, you might also feel a “pins and needles” tingling in your hands.

If your palms are also itchy, though, that may be a sign of cholestasis. This potentially dangerous liver condition can crop up later in pregnancy and typically causes intense itching on the hands and feet, according to Mayo Clinic.

Palmar erythema during pregnancy isn’t harmful, but the tingling feeling can be uncomfortable. Applying a fragrance-free hand lotion or moisturizer can help, says Farnsworth. And hang in there: The problem should ease up after you give birth.

If your red palms come with itching, though, tell your healthcare provider right away. Cholestasis of pregnancy can lead to complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, according to Mayo Clinic.

You Have Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Palmoplantar psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that affects the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

With this type of psoriasis, your palms may be marked by thick, reddish scales or pustules, which can be painful or itchy. You might also notice your fingernails have red or yellow spots or a pitted appearance, says Farnsworth.

‌Psoriasis — on your palms or elsewhere — typically requires medical treatment. Your dermatologist may start by recommending topical corticosteroids to reduce scaling, or recommend lifestyle changes to help psoriasis.

If that doesn’t help, they may also prescribe light therapy or oral medications like methotrexate or cyclosporine, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

You’re a Smoker

Experts don’t fully understand why smoking can cause red palms. But it’s thought that the chemicals in cigarettes may cause changes to the blood vessels, which can affect blood flow in the hands and cause them to have a red appearance, according to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology.

‌Palmar erythema caused by smoking appears to be permanent, so there’s not much that can be done to get rid of existing redness. Still, there are countless other benefits to quitting smoking, and it’s never too late to talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program.

You Have an Underlying Health Problem

Sometimes, palmar erythema can be a side effect of a more serious problem, including chronic liver disease, overactive thyroid (or taking too much synthetic thyroid hormone), or advanced lung disease, says Farnsworth.

Red palms can also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

If you suspect your red palms are from an underlying health condition, or you are having red palms with other symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can diagnose any underlying liver, thyroid, lung, or autoimmune diseases through a series of tests. Then they can determine the best treatment options for you.

When to See a Doctor About Red Palms

Red palms don’t always need treatment, and sometimes the problem will clear up on its own or with simple lifestyle changes. But if it doesn’t, you should let your doctor know.

“If your unexplained palmar erythema doesn’t resolve with hypoallergenic moisturizers or avoiding irritants, set up an appointment with your dermatologist,” says Farnsworth. They can help you figure out the underlying cause and refer you to other specialists if they believe your red palms are stemming from another issue.

The Takeaway

• Palmar erythema, or red palms, is a common condition that happens when the heels of the palms turn red or pink and feel slightly warm.
• Reasons the palms may turn red include genetics, eczema, psoriasis, pregnancy, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
• Treatment options for red palms depend on the cause and may include medications, moisturizing products, or phototherapy (for psoriasis).
• If your palms are bothering you, or if you have other symptoms, such as itchiness, call your doctor.