palmar erythema

Last reviewed 03/2021

Palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms of the hands affecting the thenar and hypothenar eminences. The soles of the feet are often also affected.

Palmar erythema can be a feature of chronic liver disease, pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, rheumatoid arthritis, polycythaemia and rarely chronic febrile diseases, chronic leukaemia, or shoulder-hand syndrome.

Palmar erythema may also be the result of dermatoses such as eczema or psoriasis. It may also be a normal finding.

It has been attributed to high oestrogen levels.