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Seeing a Provider
A variety of skin conditions can cause palm rashes. Treatments will vary depending on what’s causing the rash. Dry skin, allergens, irritants,contact dermatitis,fungal infections,eczema, and other conditions can trigger a rash on palms.
FreshSplash / Getty Images
What Does a Rash on the Palms Look Like?
Palmar rashes often present as reddish spots or darker-colored patches, depending on the person’s skin tone and the rash’s cause.
A palm rash typically looks red and scaly.Depending on its underlying cause, a palm rash might look swollen and blistery with leaking fluid or dry and flaky with peeling skin. Some palm rashes have distinctive borders; others look blotchy and don’t have clear borders. If a palm rash is infected, it may look raw and be oozing withpus.
Potential Causes of a Rash on Your Palms
Potential causes of a rash on your palms include dry skin, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, allergic reactions, palmoplantarpsoriasis, and ringworm (dermatophytosis). Read on to learn more about these and other causes of palm rash, along with treatment options.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, medically known as xeroderma or xerosis cutis, can cause a rash on your palms because a lack of oil on the skin limits the skin’s ability to trap moisture. If dry skin is the underlying cause of a palmar rash, preventing or alleviating dryness is the best remedy. Try washing your hands with milder soap and lukewarm water or using a fragrance-free hand moisturizer to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent rash-inducing dryness.
CabecaDeMarmore / Getty Images
Contact Dermatitis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema treatment typically involves over-the-counter (OTC) topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or stronger prescription-strength steroid creams or a short course of oral steroids may be prescribed in more severe cases or acute flare-ups.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
HFMD can spread via saliva,nasal mucus,blister fluid, orexposure to dropletsfrom coughing, sneezing, or talking. Home quarantine is recommended to avoid spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease until symptoms have completely subsided.
Ringworm
Ringworm, also known astineaor dermatophytosis, can cause a scaly and itchy palm rash. Although the rash may not always be shaped like a ring, it will likely have a slightly raised border that’s clearly defined.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Hives
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Although there isn’t a cure for palmoplantar psoriasis, it can be effectively treated with medications, self-care lifestyle choices, andultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Allergic Reaction
Identifying and avoiding the irritant or allergen that caused your palm rash is the best way to prevent future occurrences. Patch testing can be performed to find out what you’re allergic to.Disposable gloves can also protect your hands from coming in contact with substances that trigger an allergic palm rash.
Becauselatex allergiesare relatively common, people prone to allergic reactions orhand eczemaoften wear latex-free safety gloves made of vinyl, nitrile, or polyethylene.For someone who’s allergic to latex, wearing latex gloves could cause a palm rash.
Impetigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
How Is a Palm Rash Diagnosed?
Getting a palm rash diagnosis will always include a clinical examination and medical history. Depending on what’s observed during the physical exam or gained from your medical history, a healthcare provider ordermatologist(skin specialist) may order specific tests or perform other procedures to identify your palm rash’s underlying cause.
Below are some common tests and procedures used for palm rash diagnosis:
Treatment Options for a Palm Rash
OTC treatments do not require a prescription and include the following for a palm rash:
Prescription options include:
If possible, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new OTC treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific palm rash condition. Prescription-strength treatments are only available from a prescribing healthcare professional after a diagnostic consultation.
Home Care
The following home care strategies can help with a palm rash:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you have a palm rash, it’s important to get a timely and accurate diagnosis. Treating the underlying condition promptly and appropriately will help get rid of the rash faster. Because there are many different causes of a rash on the palms, self-diagnosis and self-treatment can sometimes worsens the rash since it’s not addressing the underlying cause.
Summary
Many different things, such as allergies, fungal infections, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, can cause a palm rash. Treatments vary depending on the underlying cause.
If you’re not sure what’s triggering your palm rash or if it doesn’t respond to OTC treatments, speak to a healthcare provider. Diagnostic tests can help pinpoint its cause. Keeping your hands clean, wearing disposable safety gloves, and avoiding irritants or allergens can help prevent future palm rash flare-ups.
28 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Palmar rash: Infectious etilogy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;56(2):AB52. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.10.278Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hand rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.Saito M, Arakaki R, Yamada A, Tsunematsu T, Kudo Y, Ishimaru N.Molecular mechanisms of nickel allergy.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(2):202. doi:10.3390/ijms17020202Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: A common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus. 2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema signs and symptoms.Nemours Kid’s Health.Coxsackievirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): Prevention.American Academy of Dermatology.Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: Diagnosis and treatment.Woo, TE, et al.Diagnosis and management of tinea cutaneous infections.Adv Wound Care. August 2019;32(8):350-357. doi:10.1097/01.ASW.0000569128.44287.67Komarow HD, Arceo S, Young M, Nelson C, Metcalfe DD.Dissociation between history and challenge in patients with physical urticaria.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(6):786–790. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.07.008Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7‐32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Work Group, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(1):137-74. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.055Lazzarini R, Duarte I, Ferreira AL.Patch tests.An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):879-88. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132323Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J.Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?J Occup Health. 2016;58(2):138-144. doi:10.1539/joh.15-0275-RAHartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G.Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229-35.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141Potassium hydroxide examination in superficial fungal infection of the skin: The experience-based procedure.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62(3):AB85. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.11.356Yaeen A, Ahmad Q, Farhana A, Shah P, Hassan I.Diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in various erosive, vesicular, and bullous skin lesions.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(6):381. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.169729Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.Scadding GK.Optimal management of allergic rhinitis.Arch Dis Child. 2015;100(6):576-82. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2014-306300MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.Wang C, Lin A.Efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in psoriasis.J Cutan Med Surg. 2014;18(1):8-14.Stephen K, Stacey D, Mceleney M.Topical corticosteroids: Choice and application.Am Fam Phys. 2021;103(6):337-343.Penn Medicine.Rash.
28 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Palmar rash: Infectious etilogy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;56(2):AB52. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.10.278Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hand rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.Saito M, Arakaki R, Yamada A, Tsunematsu T, Kudo Y, Ishimaru N.Molecular mechanisms of nickel allergy.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(2):202. doi:10.3390/ijms17020202Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: A common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus. 2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema signs and symptoms.Nemours Kid’s Health.Coxsackievirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): Prevention.American Academy of Dermatology.Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: Diagnosis and treatment.Woo, TE, et al.Diagnosis and management of tinea cutaneous infections.Adv Wound Care. August 2019;32(8):350-357. doi:10.1097/01.ASW.0000569128.44287.67Komarow HD, Arceo S, Young M, Nelson C, Metcalfe DD.Dissociation between history and challenge in patients with physical urticaria.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(6):786–790. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.07.008Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7‐32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Work Group, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(1):137-74. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.055Lazzarini R, Duarte I, Ferreira AL.Patch tests.An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):879-88. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132323Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J.Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?J Occup Health. 2016;58(2):138-144. doi:10.1539/joh.15-0275-RAHartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G.Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229-35.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141Potassium hydroxide examination in superficial fungal infection of the skin: The experience-based procedure.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62(3):AB85. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.11.356Yaeen A, Ahmad Q, Farhana A, Shah P, Hassan I.Diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in various erosive, vesicular, and bullous skin lesions.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(6):381. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.169729Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.Scadding GK.Optimal management of allergic rhinitis.Arch Dis Child. 2015;100(6):576-82. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2014-306300MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.Wang C, Lin A.Efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in psoriasis.J Cutan Med Surg. 2014;18(1):8-14.Stephen K, Stacey D, Mceleney M.Topical corticosteroids: Choice and application.Am Fam Phys. 2021;103(6):337-343.Penn Medicine.Rash.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Palmar rash: Infectious etilogy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;56(2):AB52. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.10.278Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hand rashes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.Saito M, Arakaki R, Yamada A, Tsunematsu T, Kudo Y, Ishimaru N.Molecular mechanisms of nickel allergy.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(2):202. doi:10.3390/ijms17020202Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: A common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus. 2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema signs and symptoms.Nemours Kid’s Health.Coxsackievirus infections.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): Prevention.American Academy of Dermatology.Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: Diagnosis and treatment.Woo, TE, et al.Diagnosis and management of tinea cutaneous infections.Adv Wound Care. August 2019;32(8):350-357. doi:10.1097/01.ASW.0000569128.44287.67Komarow HD, Arceo S, Young M, Nelson C, Metcalfe DD.Dissociation between history and challenge in patients with physical urticaria.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(6):786–790. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.07.008Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7‐32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Work Group, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(1):137-74. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.055Lazzarini R, Duarte I, Ferreira AL.Patch tests.An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):879-88. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132323Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J.Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?J Occup Health. 2016;58(2):138-144. doi:10.1539/joh.15-0275-RAHartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G.Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229-35.Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141Potassium hydroxide examination in superficial fungal infection of the skin: The experience-based procedure.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62(3):AB85. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.11.356Yaeen A, Ahmad Q, Farhana A, Shah P, Hassan I.Diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in various erosive, vesicular, and bullous skin lesions.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(6):381. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.169729Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.Scadding GK.Optimal management of allergic rhinitis.Arch Dis Child. 2015;100(6):576-82. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2014-306300MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.Wang C, Lin A.Efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in psoriasis.J Cutan Med Surg. 2014;18(1):8-14.Stephen K, Stacey D, Mceleney M.Topical corticosteroids: Choice and application.Am Fam Phys. 2021;103(6):337-343.Penn Medicine.Rash.
Palmar rash: Infectious etilogy.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;56(2):AB52. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.10.278
Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hand rashes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: Signs and symptoms.
Saito M, Arakaki R, Yamada A, Tsunematsu T, Kudo Y, Ishimaru N.Molecular mechanisms of nickel allergy.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(2):202. doi:10.3390/ijms17020202
Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: A common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus. 2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Dyshidrotic eczema signs and symptoms.
Nemours Kid’s Health.Coxsackievirus infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): Prevention.
American Academy of Dermatology.Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: Diagnosis and treatment.
Woo, TE, et al.Diagnosis and management of tinea cutaneous infections.Adv Wound Care. August 2019;32(8):350-357. doi:10.1097/01.ASW.0000569128.44287.67
Komarow HD, Arceo S, Young M, Nelson C, Metcalfe DD.Dissociation between history and challenge in patients with physical urticaria.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2014;2(6):786–790. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2014.07.008
Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004
Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis (Auckl). 2016;6:7‐32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Work Group, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 6. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: case-based presentations and evidence-based conclusions.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(1):137-74. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.055
Lazzarini R, Duarte I, Ferreira AL.Patch tests.An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):879-88. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132323
Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J.Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem?J Occup Health. 2016;58(2):138-144. doi:10.1539/joh.15-0275-RA
Hartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G.Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229-35.
Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B.Analysis of types of skin lesions and diseases in everyday infectious disease practice—how experienced are we?Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:10.3390/life12070978
Muthupalaniappen L, Jamil A.Prick, patch or blood test? A simple guide to allergy testing.Malays Fam Physician. 2021;16(2):19-26. doi:10.51866/rv1141
Potassium hydroxide examination in superficial fungal infection of the skin: The experience-based procedure.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62(3):AB85. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.11.356
Yaeen A, Ahmad Q, Farhana A, Shah P, Hassan I.Diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in various erosive, vesicular, and bullous skin lesions.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(6):381. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.169729
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for ringworm.
Scadding GK.Optimal management of allergic rhinitis.Arch Dis Child. 2015;100(6):576-82. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2014-306300
MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone topical.
Wang C, Lin A.Efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors in psoriasis.J Cutan Med Surg. 2014;18(1):8-14.
Stephen K, Stacey D, Mceleney M.Topical corticosteroids: Choice and application.Am Fam Phys. 2021;103(6):337-343.
Penn Medicine.Rash.
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