Palmar erythema: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Palmar_erythema.jpg| | | name = Palmar erythema | ||
| image = [[File:Palmar_erythema.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Palmar erythema on the hands | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Liver palms, red palms | |||
| 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 | |||
| causes = [[Liver disease]], [[pregnancy]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]], [[thyrotoxicosis]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] | |||
| risks = [[Alcoholism]], [[pregnancy]], [[autoimmune diseases]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination, history taking | |||
| differential = [[Erythema ab igne]], [[erythromelalgia]], [[Raynaud's phenomenon]] | |||
| treatment = Addressing the underlying cause | |||
| prognosis = Depends on the underlying condition | |||
| frequency = Common in certain populations, such as those with liver disease | |||
}} | |||
'''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. | '''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 == | == Causes == | ||
Palmar erythema can be associated with a variety of conditions, including: | Palmar erythema can be associated with a variety of conditions, including: | ||
* [[Liver disease]]: It is commonly seen in patients with [[cirrhosis]] or other forms of chronic liver disease. | * [[Liver disease]]: It is commonly seen in patients with [[cirrhosis]] or other forms of chronic liver disease. | ||
* [[Pregnancy]]: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to palmar erythema. | * [[Pregnancy]]: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to palmar erythema. | ||
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* [[Hyperthyroidism]]: Overactivity of the thyroid gland can cause this symptom. | * [[Hyperthyroidism]]: Overactivity of the thyroid gland can cause this symptom. | ||
* [[Infections]]: Certain infections, such as [[HIV]] or [[syphilis]], may present with palmar erythema. | * [[Infections]]: Certain infections, such as [[HIV]] or [[syphilis]], may present with palmar erythema. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with palmar erythema typically present with: | Patients with palmar erythema typically present with: | ||
* Symmetrical redness of the palms | * Symmetrical redness of the palms | ||
* Warmth of the affected areas | * Warmth of the affected areas | ||
* Absence of pain or itching | * Absence of pain or itching | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of palmar erythema is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the palms. However, identifying the underlying cause may require further investigation, including: | Diagnosis of palmar erythema is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the palms. However, identifying the underlying cause may require further investigation, including: | ||
* [[Liver function tests]] | * [[Liver function tests]] | ||
* [[Thyroid function tests]] | * [[Thyroid function tests]] | ||
* [[Rheumatoid factor]] and other autoimmune markers | * [[Rheumatoid factor]] and other autoimmune markers | ||
* [[Pregnancy test]] | * [[Pregnancy test]] | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
Treatment of palmar erythema focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For example: | Treatment of palmar erythema focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For example: | ||
* In liver disease, managing the liver condition may reduce the erythema. | * In liver disease, managing the liver condition may reduce the erythema. | ||
* In pregnancy, the condition often resolves postpartum. | * In pregnancy, the condition often resolves postpartum. | ||
* In cases related to medication, discontinuation of the offending drug may be necessary. | * In cases related to medication, discontinuation of the offending drug may be necessary. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
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. | 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 == | |||
== | |||
* [[Liver disease]] | * [[Liver disease]] | ||
* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | * [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | ||
* [[Hyperthyroidism]] | * [[Hyperthyroidism]] | ||
* [[Pregnancy]] | * [[Pregnancy]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms]] | [[Category:Symptoms]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:40, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Palmar erythema | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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]
Palmar erythema can be associated with a variety of conditions, including:
- Liver disease: It is commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis or other forms of chronic liver disease.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to palmar erythema.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune condition can also present with palmar erythema.
- Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the thyroid gland can cause this symptom.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as HIV or syphilis, may present with palmar erythema.
Pathophysiology[edit]
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]
Patients with palmar erythema typically present with:
- Symmetrical redness of the palms
- Warmth of the affected areas
- Absence of pain or itching
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of palmar erythema is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the palms. However, identifying the underlying cause may require further investigation, including:
- Liver function tests
- Thyroid function tests
- Rheumatoid factor and other autoimmune markers
- Pregnancy test
Management[edit]
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]
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.
