Palmar erythema is reddening of the palms at the thenar and hypothenar eminences.
Causes
It is associated with various physiological as well as pathological changes, or may be a normal finding:
- Portal hypertension
- Chronic liver disease (including chronic hepatitis)
- Pregnancy
- Polycythemia
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (especially in patients with polycythaemia)
- Eczema and psoriasis
- Deep telangiectasias
- Coxsackievirus A infection (Hand, foot and mouth disease)
- Secondary syphilis
Treatment
Palmar erythema has no specific treatment. Management is based on the underlying cause. When its cause is treated then patients get relief. If it is attributable to a particular drug then the drug should be withdrawn.
See also
- Toxic erythema
- List of cutaneous conditions