Palmar erythema

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Palmar erythema
Palmar erythema.jpg
Synonyms Liver palms, red palms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Reddening of the palms, particularly the thenar and hypothenar eminences
Complications None directly from the condition itself
Onset Can be sudden or gradual
Duration May persist as long as the underlying condition is present
Types N/A
Causes Liver disease, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, thyrotoxicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Risks Alcoholism, pregnancy, autoimmune diseases
Diagnosis Clinical examination, history taking
Differential diagnosis Erythema ab igne, erythromelalgia, Raynaud's phenomenon
Prevention N/A
Treatment Addressing the underlying cause
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on the underlying condition
Frequency Common in certain populations, such as those with liver disease
Deaths N/A


Palmar erythema is a condition characterized by redness of the palms, particularly the thenar and hypothenar eminences. It is often a sign of an underlying systemic condition, although it can also occur idiopathically.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Palmar erythema can be associated with a variety of conditions, including:

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The exact mechanism of palmar erythema is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to increased blood flow to the skin of the palms. This may be due to hormonal changes, vascular changes, or inflammatory processes.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with palmar erythema typically present with:

  • Symmetrical redness of the palms
  • Warmth of the affected areas
  • Absence of pain or itching

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of palmar erythema is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the palms. However, identifying the underlying cause may require further investigation, including:

Management[edit | edit source]

Treatment of palmar erythema focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For example:

  • In liver disease, managing the liver condition may reduce the erythema.
  • In pregnancy, the condition often resolves postpartum.
  • In cases related to medication, discontinuation of the offending drug may be necessary.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis of palmar erythema depends on the underlying cause. In cases where the cause is treatable, the erythema may resolve. However, in chronic conditions, it may persist.

See also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD