Itchy Hands And Feet
Causes Of Itchy Hands And Feet
While there are numerous causes of itchy hands and feet, they are not always easy to identify, and knowing the cause can often make a significant difference in the ability to identify a correct course of treatment. When itching is accompanied by a rash or other visible symptoms, the cause can often easily be determined. When one has itchy hands and feet, but there are no visible signs that anything is wrong, determining the exact cause can be much more difficult.
Palmoplantar Pruritus - The medical term of itching or itchiness is pruritus, and when the hands and feet are where the itching is present, it is called palmoplantar pruritus. Most of the time, if only the hands or feet are involved, a skin disorder such as contact dermatitis is the culprit. In some cases the itching may be most severe on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In other instances, the itching may be on the webs between the fingers and the toes. Allergens can often cause itching on the palms and soles, seafood being at times a trigger, and there are many medications, as well as chemical substances, that can cause contact dermatitis and subsequent itching. If, in a case of itchy hands and feet, only the webbing between the fingers, the toes, or both itch, the cause is often the Candida fungus. Candida is more apt to appear between the toes, as the fungus requires a moist and dark area to become well established. When the feet are infected by the Candida fungus it is most commonly known as athlete's foot.
Systemic Diseases - Systemic diseases can also cause itchy hands and feet, although systemic diseases are more apt to cause itching all over. Liver and kidney disorders can often cause a condition of pruritus. Just as itching may be due to an allergic reaction, it can also come about due to problems in with the immune system. One of the symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is pruritus, or itching, which can occur anywhere on the body, but at times may be confined only to the hands and/or the feet.
Idiopathic Causes - When there are no visible symptoms leading to a possible cause of itchy hands or feet, the cause is said to be an idiopathic cause. Psychogenic causes of pruritus include anxiety and stress. Anxiety and stress can at times trigger a skin disorder or dermatitis which has for some time been dormant, and a sudden increase in sweating in the palms and soles can do the same. Yet another invisible cause of pruritus in the hands or feet is at times a vitamin deficiency.
Treatment For Itching - When the itching persists or becomes difficult to cope, with a doctor or dermatologist should certainly be consulted. It is sometimes advisable to take a blood count to determine if there is a systemic disease behind the itching symptoms. If not, a skin disorder is the most likely cause, especially when only the hands or feet are involved. Treatments may vary, but relief can often be obtained, especially for nighttime itching, by taking an over the counter allergy medicine. In some cases, this may be sufficient. In other instances, the use of a topical lotion, usually one containing hydrocortisone will stop the itching. Remember that dry skin usually compounds the problem, so keeping the skin well moisturized as well as keeping the skin clean, may keep itching to a minimum. Paying attention to what you are eating, wearing, and doing in the way of day to day activities can sometimes offer a clue as to the possible cause of the problem, especially if an allergen is involved.