Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Non-consistant itching on palms of hands and feet under skin

For a few days now I have been experiencing itching on my plams of hands and feet but it's not a consent thing.  I thought maybe it could have been an allergic reaction to tomatoes or some other food.  I have been taking some natural detox for the blood in pills form, I was feeling ok but last nite and this morning my hands started up again but not terrible that i want to rip them off, it's more of a burning irritating itch that is under the skin, no rash no dry skin and it tends to be activated when I do things like opening a soda bottle top or holding the retractable lead for the dogs...I guess if there is a certain kind of pressure and rubing againist the hands they start to bother me and usually cold water or ice, anything cold makes it feel better.  I had experienced a migraine a few days ago but I get those normally so I dont know if that has something to do with it.  Any ideas on what would cause this kind of itching on the palms of the hands and feet under the skin??  I really hope it's not something were I need to go see a doctor, no insurance and no job = no money :(
148 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I also took benedryl and it stopped the itching  for that evening but it's back again and I've exhausted all the allergy possibilities
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same problems. Just out of nowhere. My palms finger tips tips of feet sporadic itching on head neck but mostly hands and tops of feet . Between fingers. I've read all these posts but no real answers. A friend went they all types of tests and went to Stanford no help. Tried all the removing of meds one at a time and actually no answers itch still remains. Odd begins at middle of day and continues thru the night. I fall asleep but awake then begin itching. Keeps me awake for hours. It comes on hard and when thing rub against hands or any pressure it brings on the itch. Does anyone including a doctor with any advice. It would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to continue taking Sudafed. Obvious not good on long time use. Please help!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I dont have an answer but having the same problem for 5 days now.  I;m scared.  Did you ever find out what it was? ***@**** please email me!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had this years ago, but it was also accompanied by hives. It was thought to be due to a b12 deficiency.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been battling a skin irritation on my hands since the beginning of May.  Symptoms sound the same as what you suffer from.  I have seen so may doctors and have tried many creams and ointments and I feel they make things worse or "change" things.  I just want my hands back, some say that stress brings it on but THIS is stressing me out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I took the benedryl and my itching has stopped ;)
Now I have to find out what I'm allergic to.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Everyone,

This itching just started a few days ago. I have tried so many things that have been mentions. Nothing seems to help. It's like needles an pins all over my body, one portion at a time. My hands and feet are the worst. I'm going to take an nondrowsy allergy pill in a few minutes...hope it helps. I itch so bad it makes me cry, it's like being tortured all day long. I did get my Medical Marijuana card and used it the last three night and I didn't have any itching. I got the kind to help me sleep and it works well. But can't use it during the day.
Does anyone have the itching all over your body?
I'm getting blood text in a few days, reg. test with kidney and Thyroid. I had Thyroid problems before.
I will keep you posted. Good luck everyone...blessing
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi! I doubt ill find you now..but i was wondering if you ever figured out why your hand were itching do bad?
Avatar universal
As I was at the sink this morning I had a sudden itching at the back of my head, bad enough I used my hair brush to soothe it.  A few minutes later as I was preparing breakfast my palms started itching, and the back of my hands as well, though not as much.  Figured maybe I was having an allergic reaction to a bug bite, although I've never experienced anything like this before.  I rubbed my hands on a towel for 10 minutes and it seemed to ease up.  Got in the shower, and within a few minutes of getting out the feet started itching!  OMG that was the worst!!  Finally took an allergy pill and that helped a bit, but feet are still moderate itchy almost three hours later.  I'll try some intensive hydrating since I'm home all day and see if that helps.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
I have been going through this for 10 years now. It starts with itchy scalp-(crown itch), followed by my palms and feet. I take an allergy pill daily which helps and i get a cheaper version from costco called Aller-tec. Its a 1 year supply for only $15. When i forget to take the allergy pill for a day or two, the itching comes back with a vengeance especially after a shower when i am towelling. We need a cure for this.
I've also been experiencing these same issues. Stayed with just my scalp itching for the first couple of days, which I thought was just dry scalp/skin due to the dry winter were having but then the tips of my fingers, palms and bottoms of my feet starting itching terribly and accompanied with a slight burning sensation at times mostly on the tips of my fingers and palms.  Its almost and uncontrollable and unberable itch at times. It's now been going on for 5 days and I am also in search of an answer to what it could be. First thought was this has to be an allergic reaction but then I read it could be symptoms of liver problems/cirrhosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism(which I have)and have experienced very mild itchiness and dry skin at times, but nothing like this. Im just stumped add to what could be causing it. Any comments on anyone figuring out what it could be would be appreciated.
17075107 tn?1453495069
I'm 36, only my feet itch, the bottoms, sometimes in-between the toes, mainly the bottom, vitamins made it worse, fish oil made it worse, stress/anxiety triggers my itching, thought i was getting fired the other day and had to take my shoe off at my desk, got ready for sex with my wife, in mid stroke, kept stroking but noticed my feet was on fire with itching...I've used two types of prescribed cream, and athletic foot powders and sprays...no luck! i'm still searching for relief but has made note of all of the above.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have been getting severe itching of hands and feet and I suffer from major anxiety and was wondering if that could be part is the reason. But I also have had semI high blood pressure that's untreated for the last 3 -4 years and not sure if that could be it. .. im glad to see that it may be aniexty causing it thou.
Avatar universal
Dear all, I was browsing this problem coz I have been having it on n off again - I was sad that so many of you need a solution and guess what I understood I have to share the solution that worked for me---these itching are only due to lack of water! That's all! When I was a teenager, I was heavily into hours of sports and used to dehydrate fast and it would start itching and burning my palms and soles and even skin boils would start all over my body leaving me drained energy-wise. Since many years it had stopped since I stopped that high level of sport. Antihistamines always help, and vit b also does as they hastened the water absorption rate in the body. Last month, I travelled and was dehydrated a hell lot! Since then it started again! I was drinking maybe 1 l per day which was obviously not enough. N even if I drank more, I was only peeing a lot! Obviously, as I wasn't absorbing the water! Electrolytes were down and so was sodium and vit B in the body was also super low! Now I am home and resting and going back into routine...my water absorption rate is slowing getting rebalanced as I am eating properly. So my 2-3 litres per day is helping. I also used to have acute skin rash/boils all over my body the moment I was sweating! Now it has all stopped ever since my water drinking has increased! Please observe your own drinking habits and if you find that retention is not happening. Avoid diuretic drinks [I was having too much of green tea too]  I recommend taking a pinch of salt and then drink 2 glasses of water. It will activate the retention and slowly and slowly drinking the 2-2.5 litres per day will help you! Use it for a few days, until you drink normally... It worked for me and I hated the irritation I used to get! So, sharing my tip... Hope it helps you people too...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had this problem for a few months and I went to every doctor imaginable nobody could tell me anything but there was a common denominator with every doctor/specialist I saw they all said I was dehydrated yes when ur dehydrated ur body gives off a histamine response drank 60 oz of water everyday cleared it up immediately within a week
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am a 71 year old male. I just finished an episode of both of my palms itching like crazy. I used  soft hair brush for some relief. Shortly thereafter all my toes and the area behind the toes started the same itching. I found some relief by taking off my socks and rubbing my itching feet on the carpet. I have seen a dermatologist about this and was prescribed Clobetasol .05% cream. It doesn't work other than psychologically it is something to do. Some triggers are garden soil on my hands, rubber garden gloves and sweaty feet in wet socks. I am on a daily antihistamine already. I will try another doctor to see if there are any known causes and treatments. Like others who have posted, it drives me crazy when an itching onslaught occurs.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too have this problem.  I get a horrible itch on my left palm. This started after a few weeks of suffering from sweaty palms. The itching comes and goes but it is so bad it's actually woken me up.  I have not seen anyone else post about sweaty hands.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You are spot on Kansas City CG.  I ended up in the emergency ward last year for this condition.  My feet and hands were so swollen, cracked, oozing and nothing was helping.  I am 50 with type 2 diabetes.  I would suddenly get exactly what you described out of the blue.  It is very annoying and at times I want to just rip my hands and feet off.  I too was proscribed clobetasol.  It is the absolute only thing that has help and I have gone to many many dermatologists over the years. When the itching is unbearable, I have a frozen soft pouch that i put my feet on for a few minutes.  Cold seems to take the itch away for a little bit.  I use my amopea foot thingy and then put the clobetasol on the affected areas.  I then generously apply equate advanced healing ointment all over my feet and put them in plastic baggies with socks.  If I do this every night, I can basically keep it at bay.  The first time I do not attended to it when it first starts, I am in trouble.  If it is my hands, I use the clobetasol and ointment and put gloves on my hands overnight.
In the hospital the dermatologist also prescribed an old time medicine, Hydroxyzine, that calmed all the nerve endings down to give other treatment a chance to work. It really knocks me for a loop though as far as I will be asleep in 30 minutes after taking.  Hope this helps others find their solution.
Helpful - 0
15131531 tn?1438637892
Could be your liver. Have you had your ALT, CBC, and AST done?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Scabbies would make you itch everywhere - hot water would make it worse.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't know what is happening under my skin. It irritates especially after bath when I was cleaning with towel. Not only after bath but also while sleeping. Every time it happens. Is my blood not pure?? It is happening to me after 2 years. Previously, same thing happened. After using medicine, rest for 6 months. Again itching started. Wat to do?? Plz help me. I could not bare..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for a medical Dx. I suspect something like cholestasis (or increased liver enzymes). I took a pro-hormone for body building ("HAVOC" epistane) that likely taxed my liver.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have Similar problems:   Try Milk Thistle for all over itching.  It really works.  It helps if it is liver enzyme related.  But be sure to get decent Milk Thistle from a nutrition store, example:  Country Life Milk Thistle 200mg.      Also, for feet and hands, soak them in Domeboro - it has worked for me in the past.  Also, consider using Desenex Powder or something that treats Athlete's Foot.  Even if dermatologist does not find it on your feet or hands, try it.  It worked for me.   Antihistamines do not work for me.   One time - I actually sprayed lysol on my foot and that worked (I know not the best solution).   I cannot eat tomatoes at all.   Also, I use a moisturizing Body wash which helps cut down on the dry skin after showering.
Helpful - 0
13189688 tn?1428911601
Many years ago, I  began to have itchy feet,so bad that I cried,and could not sleep. I heard someone speaking of vitamin e, if taken would end it.. so I began to take it and in less than 2  weeks it went away.. it have started itching again , this time its my hands and I am going right back to taking vitamin e. picking up some tomorrow.
Helpful - 0
13189688 tn?1428911601
I  used to have itchy feet, so bad that I cried, I couldn't sleep. I heard someone speaking of vitamin e taken would end it.. so I began to take it and in weeks it went away.. it has started again and I am going back onto vitamin e again..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes!  I just have to post a comment here, as I scratch.  I've had the condition for a few years now - it comes and goes.  I usually notice it in the Fall when the weather turns colder, although have also had it in the heat of summer.  Seemed bizarre, but I finally figured out it had something to do with temperature changes on the skin.  So I googled and researched online (after no doctor could give me an answer) and self-diagnosed myself with "cold urticaria".  As far as I know, there is no explanation as to why some people get it, but it is to do with sensitivity to temperature change.  So ... I have to keep warm when I get out of bed on a cold morning (socks, etc.), have to wear boots when I go out (so legs don't get cool).  This only works if I get the boots/gloves, etc. on before the body gets chilled in any way - so can be tricky.  If it's a hot day, I have to watch I don't go into sudden air conditioning (i.e. in the car).  Explains why sometimes the condition comes after showering, as well.  Only thing I've found that works is having Benadryl on hand (the kind for itching hives).  Best wishes to all you scratchers ... and try to control your skin temperatures and see if that helps!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am in my mid 60s and this started suddenly a few months ago, crazy itching inside my hands and drove me nuts, it would subside in a day or two but in the meantime I would do more damage by trying to itch them. I take Allegra in the late winter and early spring for allergies that I seem to have developed since moving from upstate NY to central FL, usually taking the 24hr regular or generic without the decongestant for a couple of months and no problems the rest of the year. So I tried taking one for the itching hands and it went away in 30mins and stayed gone, it seems to occur once every couple of weeks, My family Dr said I was allergic to something and these can develop with things that did not bother in the past. I was tested for allergies and they found nothing new. Just going to take an occasional, as needed, Allegra 24 when needed. Ron C Palm Coast
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am the same one that tried the Zyrtec and it did work for a little while... but, after a month, it didn't seem to work.  I need to give it a try again.  I also am going to try the Noxema.  I saw someone else posted that it helps.  I will try anything.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions