I have the same itchy hand problem, but I have figured out that it only happens while I am at work - my place of employment,  Shortly after I walk through the door to my hand start to itch.  In one of the threads below, someone mentioned being perimenipausal, I am also in that stage also.

I have the same problem.  its 5:27 in the morning and I have to wake up for work but I can't because my thighs,palms, soles of my feet,  and stomach wont stop itching.  its driving me insane. I make myself bleed by scratching because its so bad. what can I do. I feel like cutting off my own skin :'(

I too have been increasing my dose of whey protein.  I take it every morning and with workouts.  I just started to have this problem so I wonder if it is related?  It could be a lactose/dairy intolerance.  I know my dad is not able to take whey because of restless leg syndrome.

Use Aveeno skin relief and it will certainly help with your dry cracked hands.  I have never found another lotion/ointment/cream to work as well.  You can also put your hands in plastic gloves with the lotion to get some extra hydration.

I too just started Wellbutrin 3 weeks ago and had my first instance.  It was incredibly intense.  It has to be related to this drug for us, too much of a coincidence.  

I am thankful I found this discussion. I too have the problem. My hands itch and it usually is accompanied with blisters between my fingers. The blisters pop and my hands become painful. One of the early comments was about Dyshidrotic eczema. This seems to be what I have. This seems to be associated with an allergy to Nickel which is in many foods (chocolate!!!) and other items such as stainless steel and other metals. A diet low in Nickel is supposed to help. Also Claritin to alleviate the itching. There is nickel in drinking water too which might be the link people are questioning with reactions to water.

I am going to try a low Nickel diet and limiting my exposure to items that contain Nickel.

hi i am having dry itching flaky right hand. I have tried everything, being to doctors prescribed betnovate, didnt work, tried anti fungal creams nothing works. Its driving me mad, the itching is unreal,its only on the palm of one hand i am perfectly healthy. has anyone any suggestions, a pharmacis suggested it could be viral?

hi i am having dry itching flaky right hand. I have tried everything, being to doctors prescribed betnovate, didnt work, tried anti fungal creams nothing works. Its driving me mad, the itching is unreal,its only on the palm of one hand i am perfectly healthy. has anyone any suggestions, a pharmacis suggested it could be viral?

Had the same problem - terrible itching on palms and between fingers - no rash - scratching seemed to anger it to a burning itch. I have extremely tough hands and dry skin is nothing to me so this had to be something strange.

I narrowed it to 3 possibilities:

1: The itch is in the muscles - likely a mineral deficiency - likely need potassium- eat some sweet potatoes.

2: The itch is caused by a sudden hypersensitivity in the nerve endings on the hands - likely from some stimulant like caffeine - then the rubbing and scratching brings fluid to the tissue - and the swelling stimulates the nerves further - a snowball effect. Cut down on the soda / coffee / ect.

3: The itch is microbiological and the little bugs must die

I decided to try the simplest first: number 3. I soaked a washcloth in acetone and washed my hands well with it. The scratches I made (while going insane) burn a little but the itch is going away.

So, for those of you who aren't covered in a rash and just have really itchy hands - try acetone. It worked for me.

I am from Nepal and I too was facing this problem. I take a very traditional Nepali approach. Soaking itchy hands in hot water, and I mean just not lukewarm, does wonders. Boil about 5 liters of water with about 10 tablespoons of salt. Then add cold water so as not to burn yourself. Try to make it as hot as can be bearable. Soak your hands or feet which ever is  itchy for as long as possible. Carry this process in the morning and before you go to bed. Please let me know if it works.

I am from Nepal and I too was facing this problem. I take a very traditional Nepali approach. Soaking itchy hands in hot water, and I mean just not lukewarm, does wonders. Boil about 5 liters of water with about 10 tablespoons of salt. Then add cold water so as not to burn yourself. Try to make it as hot as can be bearable. Soak your hands or feet which ever is  itchy for as long as possible. Carry this process in the morning and before you go to bed. Please let me know if it works.

I have been itching for around a year, tops of hands, fingers and face and legs, my fingers sometimes swell and appear to have lumps under the skin...my partner to started to itch we were informed by gp we had contact dermititus, however it turned out we had bed bugs (eeeeeew) once home was treated my partners itching subsided then stopped, however mine has not and I feel it is wrongly diagnose, anitihistemine helps as does hot water, I would love to know what it is and how to stop it, as im sure you all would but finding this site has definately helped as I was being to feel like I was going round the twist with it...Take care fellow itchers Xx

Hey guys, I have been having the same problem with the itchy hands and fingers. I had n

sorry about that. My 3 year old hit my keyboard lol. The only medicine I take is Aleve. I did a little research about Aleve's side effects. Turns out itchy hands, fingers, and palms are a big side effect. I will tell you if it goes away in a few days. Unfortunately I took some Aleve this morning.... The itching is very intense...

I have the same thing, its incredible itchy, I've gone to my GP he said "its Scabies" gave me a prescription which didn't work, I went back to him and he said its still the same thing gave me lyclear cream.  I've used the entire tube only for the itching to be on the back of my hand now also.  I dont know what i am going to do, its driving me totally mad.  I have it about 4 months now. I can tell you its definitely not Scabies.

OMG!
I have been dealing with this crazy itchy blistery rash for about 15 years now!
I have tried dermatologists, allergists, regular Drs. And NONE of them have been able to make it quit!
My OB did prescribe an anti-depressant? or anti-anxiety years back as he could tell it was really frustrating me. And it did seem to help with the stress in dealing with this rash. However, in recent years when the rash is bad and I try the anti-depressant...it doesnt do anything.
It all started 15 years ago about 6 mos after I had my third child. No known reason. Just a blistery rash. Don't even remember where on my body it started. They originally were on my body, legs, arms. Sometimes on my face. Now mostly, I get them on my hands.  And those are the worst! HORRIBLE itching!
The first Dr. said it was scabies. NOT!
Dermatologist said a weeping excema. He even did skin punches and biopsied them but nothing came up.
Allergests have done various skin tests but nothing other than the usual stuff comes up. Now they just ask me what I've gotten into. Nothing is ever constant. Anything can bring them on. There are periods when all is quiet. And periods when I want to scratch and rub my skin OFF!
At the worst times I go in and they give me Prednisone. Sometimes the shots to jump start it.
Just saw a new allergist. Total waste of time. Had a bad time with the rash this spring, mostly cleared up now. Told me to come back when it gets bad again and maybe they can diagnose it.
I've pretty much given up on anyone finding the cause...

Are you taking a diuretic or any medication with sulfa?  I had a 2 year issue with this and it turned out to be my blood pressure med that had HTC.  My doctor knew I had penicilin and sulfa allergies, but didn't think about the fact that you are not supposed to take this if you do!!!  I stopped, got a new drug and I feel like a new person.

I have the same condition all u have described and the itching is close to insane!! anway..what i found out was,whenever i touched acidic substances like lime,tomatoes or even egg plant,later in the evening my hands will start itching..also.. if i touch food like tuna or very spicy food...certain oils and meat juices too irritate my hands therefore i have started to use gloves whenever i cook..and also drinking the daily requirement of water along with finding out what are the irritants and trying to avoid direct contact with such substances by use of gloves  and frequent use of hand cream will help u ...hopefully :)

Hi all, again I have had the symptoms of irritatingly itchy, inflamed and swollen hands/fingers! I am at the point where I could tear my hair out, I am so exhausted and infuriated with this problem!

I am 19 (a few months shy of 20) and have always suffered with eczema from being an infant, but have NEVER experienced any severe problems with the skin on my hands, only slight dryness induced normally in Winter due to colder temperatures which was always relieved by drug store hand creams.

In January this year I flew to Australia (I live in the UK, an am in Australia till December) in April I went to Vietnam for 3 weeks. Somewhere between arriving in Australia and leaving for Vietnam is when the hand problem started. I can't pin point it exactly!
First off the skin became dry which I immediately assumed was eczema, and was confused as the temperature was around 30 degrees C and my eczema only flares up in Winter... anyway I treated it with The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Cream and moisture gloves which I wore at night and this didn't seem to help. Then my hands became itchy and started cracking slightly. I was awake at night and scratching furiously (also my body) I saw a Doctor and found out I had scabies BUT that was not what was effecting my hands. He got distracted treating my scabies and forgot to tell me what was wrong with my hands.

3 weeks in 40 degree C heat and insane humidty in Vietnam, lots of walking, sweating ect. and my hands were cleared! I was astonished! I hadn't even thought about them the whole time... it was almost too good to be true. I then arrived back in Australia and of course my hands had dried u again after the flight.

A few weeks on and the itch began. I too interlock my hands and rub, rub my palms together, after washing my hands I will rub harshly with the towel when drying my hands, anything that causes friction and heat gives me pain but sort of pleasure I enjoy intensely rubbing them but it only ends up leaving them worse off! After too much itching they ooze clear liquid and then the skin becomes broken and red as if I'd scraped the top layer of skin off. Disgusting I know. As much as I try to resist the itch I can't. Many times I come to the point of tears as someone who struggles with eczema which affects my face it seems I can't catch a break when it comes to my skin.
Scalding hot water also relieves it momentarily, I will have intensely hot showers, and when I wash my hands I use scalding water an often leave my hands under the water until I can't bare it anymore.

This has been going on for approximately 5 months now.
Last month they got to the point where they were so swollen the natural lines on every single knuckle on both hands split to the the point of bleeding, I had to have my fingers permanently bent as holding them straight was too painful. The Doctor prescribed me a cream (which is to treat impetigo) and I used that which cleared up the splits but not the drying or the itching.

I have a job and have had this problem before I started work there. I find myself trying to hide my hands, and when I go to pay for things I feel hmiliated when handing cash or card over because of my hands. At work I constantly wash my hands which I know worsens the problem because they end u being so dry and tight after a 9 hour shift that I can barely move my hands.

I feel like this a combination of eczema / bad circulation and arthritis and allergy!

I haven't had ANY alcohol for 4 months.
I was a heavy smoker but have been off the cigarettes for almost 5 weeks now. I was expecting to see a difference as my Doctor always tells me that smoking effects my skin problem.
I am female, 5"7 and probably 10lbs heavier than I should be!
I drink at least 2 litres of water a day, I definitely do not have a problem with getting my daily intake of fluids!

My diet since being in Australia has been considerably healthier than my diet before arriving here! So I can't understand why all of a sudden I have got this problem. It's ruining my confidence as you cannot hide your hands and they are needed in every day life! It's hardest having to go to work, one week I rang in sick for the whole week because I couldn't bare to go out in public.
I wear latex gloves a work so my hands are covered so feel slightly less self conscious, and when I'm busy I tend to forget about the itch. I also keep the gloves on when I clean at the end of the night so as not to get chemicals on my hands BUT I've noticed in recent weeks that the start to itch when I clean even though I'm wearing gloves.
Also I have tried all sorts of emolient thick creams and even PawPaw ointment, I layer them on thick and wear moisture gloves night but end up ripping the gloves off and itching my hands.

I have suffered with insomnia for years and it subsided until this problem occured, now I rarely get sleep and if I do it's in short bursts as I wake up to itch!

After I read all these comments I am so glad I am not alone, although I feel all your pain! Going to try the Doctors one more time and make sure he stays focused on curing my hands!

Am also going to write a 'journal' noting my food intake, fluid intake, take note of chemicals ect at work and anything else I can think of that might effect my hands. I'll also write when itching occurs (although it seems to be constant at the moment) and review it to see if there's anything that might be a cause that I can eliminate.

I know this is long winded and not in the least bit helpful as I haven't found a cure, but I just wanted to share my experience.
I wish you all the best in finding a cure and hopefully I can find one too!

I have RA could that be whats causing the severe itching?

Exact semptoms happens to me for years. I guess i find out when those semptoms occurs.Every time I'm worried about something, when i'm stress, or watching excited movie,or something randomly bothering me... after a short while i feel the burning feeling in my palms, starts with normal itching and little burning, then the more i scratch, burning and itching gets worst. I had to hold my hand under runing cold water or hold a ice pack in my hands to stop it. You watch it from now on too. If you worry, or bother with something deep down, see if your itching will start?

thank you it was helpful.Ill ask my doctor. i printed your post:)

I FOUND THE DISEASE!!! HERE IS THE LINK BELOW!!

http://www.erythromelalgia.org/WhatisEM.aspx

THIS DISEASE CALLED   SHORTLY EM..
READ IT BELOW!! IF YOU GO TO OFFICIAL SIDE THEY HAVE EVEN PICTURES SHOWING THE HANDS AND FEET. SCROLL DOWN AND READ BELOW!!







Erythromelalgia is a rare and frequently devastating disorder that typically affects the skin of the feet or hands, or both, and causes visible redness, intense heat and burning pain.

The term erythromelalgia describes the syndrome: erythros (redness), melos (extremity) and algia (pain). An alternate name is “erythermalgia” that emphasizes the thermos (heat) – an essential part of the syndrome.

While usually affecting the lower extremities (legs and feet) and upper extremities (arms and hands) other body parts like faces or just ears or the nose may be involved. It usually affects both sides of the body, but can affect just one.

The associated pain and burning sensations can be extremely severe. People with EM often make major adjustments to their lifestyles to avoid flare-ups. Even in mild-to-moderate cases, normal functioning such as walking, standing, working, socializing, exercising, and sleeping may be impaired.

Precipitating factors include warm temperatures and even mild exercise. Cooling the hot body parts relieves the pain, as does elevating the affected areas. [The use of icy water is strongly discouraged as ice can damage the skin. Using a fan or cool water is suggested instead.]

Approximately five percent of those with EM have an inherited condition that research has shown to be caused by genetic mutations. These people usually have other members of their families with the syndrome.

The cause of EM is unknown in the vast majority of cases. Peripheral neuropathies underlie many, and in some cases EM may be secondary to other disorders like the blood disease polycythemia.

HERE IS THE NAME OF THE DISEASE: SCROLL BELOW AND READ THE ARTICLE. HOPE IT HELPS;)

Mine starts  and last for a day or 2 it happens once a month and it so bad that I can't hold anything or drive is there any solution

for those who have itching at night and no rash or dry skin could possably have atype of restless leg symptom,it effects the nerves in your hands and makes it feel like itching

I have the same problem.  Try soak your hands with HOT EPSOM SALT water for about 5 minutes.

I used about 5 good teaspoons of the EPSOM SALT.

Thank you for this very, hopefully, helpful information, and here's wishing you well.
I started having the same itchy burning hands about a month ago and it does drive me nuts like everyone else.
I will tell my dermatologist 23rd oct abt your experience and information. I have pemphigoid skin disease and maybe this could be the cause of my Erythmelagia. Pemphigoid is an auto-immune disease and the effect this has on the cells causes irruption on the skin, legs, chest and back in the form of what I call bubbles which are ulcers - and cause itching which I thought was bad enough until I got this itchiness on my hands which is much much worse and seemingly resistent to everything. Thankfully your post causes me some hope!

I have suffered from all of the above itch problems for over 30 years and it comes and goes. The only medication that stops it is mycalog and canalog. You need both because your body becomes immune to one after a while and you need to shift medication. It usually takes only one or two applications and is good for several months. Without the medication the itching never goes away.

I have suffered from all of the above itch problems for over 30 years and it comes and goes. The only medication that stops it is mycalog and canalog. You need both because your body becomes immune to one after a while and you need to shift medication. It usually takes only one or two applications and is good for several months. Without the medication the itching never goes away.

Thank you! You are the first one that answered my question. I will check the web site. -Yvette B.

in 2008 doctor gave to me wrong cream to use on my penis
after i use all my penis skin changed like how snake changing his skin!!
i was its normal but at 2011 my penis skin become not to hold anything even i cant do sex because it hurts me after start eaching!
again other doctor gave to me cream Hydrocortisone really it help me about eaching but my penis skin still thin and hurts me and im really dont know what to do is there any one can give me advice because i want something can recover my penis skin
i want to know to make my penis skin thicker
also i want to know is Hydrocortisone helps the skin to make thicker or not?
thank u i wish i will get good answer from u

My hands are EXTREMELY itchy,,,when i scratch it makes it worst. No medecine i ever try from prescription EVER works. My best logical guess it's that the source of this matter comes from within, maybe something wrong in the blood?!!
Maybe blood vessels are having problem pumping blood into hands?!!, or maybe a problem with the nervous system?!!,,,this are the real questions you people should worry about.....!!!!!

i read that it might be a copper deficiantcy, i started taking a multi vitamin and almost imediatly the itching went away. it's only been 1 day but the results are for sure. i just hope the vitamins continues to work.

I had this start with me a couple weeks ago and was about to make appt. with my dr and my wife asked me if I might try an allergy pill, well i tried it and have been itch free for about 2 weeks now, I am taking the generic for zyrtec from walmart, it called wal-zyr, might try it, it worked for me so far. hope this helps

it's been a while for you.  i am in the same situation now.  did you find the problem or cure

Hello, I've had the exact problem for the past month...can't figure it out...thought it was the detergent I was using. Cut back on that...but every morning ...same thing...then heat. Did you ever find out what is causing your symptoms?

Hello. I also suffer from itchy hands.
At 53-years-of-age, there have been many attempts over the years to solve this issue with numerous remedies, to no avail.
Steroids may be a source of temporary relief, but not without side effects.
Unfortunately, steroids--and that includes over-the-counter- cortisone creams--can thin a person's bones.  
Here is a remedy which really helps: Rub the inside of a banana peel onto fingers, and all itchy parts. This really works well with elbow/knee excema as well. It is best to apply this twice a day, but mainly make sure this is done before retiring for the night. Occlusion of affected part is preferred.
If possible, tape thin strips of banana peel onto the skin overnight, covered with gloves. There are good waterproof band-aids on the market which work well with this.
In the morning, remove and wash with tepid water.
Another tip: Do not allow your hands to come into contact with any type of salt. This will set off a very bad reaction in most people.
For example, after brining (salting) a turkey for Thanksgiving 2012, I am still paying the price with very sore, itchy hands.
Last tip: Find good thick plastic, flexible gloves. Most gloves on the market are too tight, and have a talc inside which can irritate.
Find some industrial type gloves. These plastic gloves are large enough to not cramp the fingers.

Hello. I also suffer from itchy hands.
At 53-years-of-age, there have been many attempts over the years to solve this issue with numerous remedies, to no avail.
Steroids may be a source of temporary relief, but not without side effects.
Unfortunately, steroids--and that includes over-the-counter- cortisone creams--can thin a person's bones.  
Here is a remedy which really helps: Rub the inside of a banana peel onto fingers, and all itchy parts. This really works well with elbow/knee excema as well. It is best to apply this twice a day, but mainly make sure this is done before retiring for the night. Occlusion of affected part is preferred.
If possible, tape thin strips of banana peel onto the skin overnight, covered with gloves. There are good waterproof band-aids on the market which work well with this.
In the morning, remove and wash with tepid water.
Another tip: Do not allow your hands to come into contact with any type of salt. This will set off a very bad reaction in most people.
For example, after brining (salting) a turkey for Thanksgiving 2012, I am still paying the price with very sore, itchy hands.
Last tip: Find good thick plastic, flexible gloves. Most gloves on the market are too tight, and have a talc inside which can irritate.
Find some industrial type gloves. These plastic gloves are large enough to not cramp the fingers.

i have a condition called dishydrotic eczema, which causes itching and little water-filled blisters in between finger, on palms of hands, and soles of feet. This could be what u are all suffering from. There is no cure, and the only relief Ihave found was from a lotion called aveeno skin relief. Has menthol in it, which soothes the itch. Also, avoid any soaps that aren't hypoallergenic. Rubbing alcohol helps to dry out the water filled bumps, which are what causes the itching. But it stings like hell. The only other condition that causes this that I know of is scabies. So let's hope u all just have dishydrotic eczema....lol.

Topical ointments do not usually work on this type of itching.  Most of this is caused by the sulfates in our soap, shampoo etc.  Sulfates are the foaming agents.  Auto mechanics hose down their floors with sulfates.  Switching to sulfate free products helps.  Sulfates build up in your system, therefore it takes a while for them to leave the system.   BurtsBees products and Loreal shampoos are sulfate free.  It helped me.  I also take a Zyrtec every day.

I thought I was the only person who suffered as nobody else seemed to know what I was talking about - not even my GP who said he'd never heard of just itchy hands. I tried all the antihistamines going and eventually found that Benadryl Allergy Relief  (the one with acravistine) worked. However, 5 years down the line I now find I'm having to take up to 3 over an hour to get the relief that one used to give. Now I know that other people also suffer I'll go back to my GP. As I changed my surgery last year, I might have a more "with it" doctor this time.

I am also having the same problem surfing the net trying to find an answer and came across so many more with the same problem hope we all find an answer soon.

Hello all! I just started having these symptoms a couple days ago and now figured out what is wrong. I was on Cetirizine (generic brand of Zyrtec) for some time. Since I ran out of the allergy medicine for about two days in, my lower back (where I had a patch of eczema), my right thigh, my upper arm and especially the palm of my hands (left more so) has been itching like crazy. I read up on side effects for this medicine and it plainly states: "Many people experience intolerable itching for several weeks if they stop the drug abruptly." Something within told me that the itching was due to the fact that I stopped taking the allergy medicine. Would only make sense! This truly *****! :(

I too am experiencing this itchy hand symptoms. I initially  contributed it to the alcohol sanitary solution I use in between patients at the hospital, but I've discontinued the use of it weeks ago and I still suffer. Has anyone received an accurate  diagnosis and treatment?  Please advise. Thank you in advance.

Hi,
Everything you described about your hands is exactly what I am going through. I am sooo glad I am not the only one going through this. I hope one day we will both find a cure!

I have the same problems.  V itchy.  Can someone help.  Pray for me.

I have had this for several years. dr. said contact dermatitis and prescribed a cream.  However, I have found it only happens when i wash dishes or come in contact with laundry detergent. So, i wash my hands and dry them if I come in contact with laundry detergent. I have to wear gloves when i do dishes, even if its only 1 dish!  I use benadryl ointment, and Gold Bond lotion is also soothing. The itching is accompanied with rash that dries and flakes.  It only happens when I come into contact with dish liquid and laundry detergent.  

It sounds to me like you have contact dermatitis.  Was your hands in aqueous cream should help also wear gloves when washing up and if its still bad you may need to get a md steroid cream from the doc.  I used to have this and i found out was i was sensitive to and stoped using it.  But yes itching will drive you insane.  Hope you feel better soo x