There’s an old superstition that an itchy left palm means money is coming your way while an itchy right palm means that you are going to lose money. Now, this superstition has more angles to it as you have to know whose hand is actually itching –a woman’s hand or a man’s hand – to know if it’s auspicious or not.
It’s quite surprising that even in today’s time, there are still some people who believe in these things. I don’t know about the “supernatural” causes of itchy palms, but according to health experts, there are several “natural” reasons why your hands are itching.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is a prevalent skin care problem that can affect people of all ages. Also known as Xerosis or Xeroderma, dry skin is a very uncomfortable condition that is often accompanied by cracking, itching and scaling. From sun damage to overbathing, dry skin can be caused by a wide range of factors. In some cases, it can also be a sign of a serious underlying disease. However, most of the times, environmental factors are some of the most common causes that dehydrate the skin. For instance, I’m sure you’ve noticed how the skin tends to get very dry and the lips chapped during the winter season. Winter months have always been something a lot of people love because it’s a holiday season with a magical and snowy atmosphere; it brings the promise and hope of a new year and everyone is just happy drinking hot chocolate and spending time with their family. However, it’s also the season when the skin on your face and hands start drying out and this dryness is one of the main causes of itchy hands.
Review From Health Expert:
As per Dr. Patel, “Colder temperatures are really hard on your skin — especially your hands and the best defense is to include a high-quality moisturizer in your daily routine and use it often throughout the day.”
Solutions:
Now, I will get to the part you are likely keen on figuring out how to get rid of dry skin.
- Use a hand scrub
- A regular use of thick ointments, lotions and creams is strongly recommended
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm, not hot, water
- Moisturizers should be applied right washing and drying hands
- Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water
- Wear sunscreen consistently
- Quit smoking, if necessary
- Limit your caffeine intake
Eczema
Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes dry skin, rashes, blisters, itchiness and several skin infections. Usually, there are different types of eczema and the symptoms often range from mild to severe. But, there are some forms of eczema that manifest in the forms of red, scaled skin or itchy blisters on the palms and on the sides of the fingers of the hands which can last for several days or weeks.
Review From Health Expert:
According to Dr. Sital, a certified dermatologist in US, “Excessive hand washing can trigger eczema and each time you wash your hands, some of the skin’s natural oils go down the drain, and many soaps can be especially harsh on sensitive skin. The best line of defense is to rinse your hands in lukewarm water and moisturize with thick cream or ointment often throughout the day.”
Solutions:
- Always moisturize the skin within 3 minutes, right after bathing.
- Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing
- Try to keep your fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin
- Air dry or gently pat skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing
- The use of a petroleum jelly-derived ointment is strongly recommended
- You can also wear cotton gloves at night
