Palm Rashes

Common features and patterns:

• Color:

1. Red or erythematous: Common in inflammatory or allergic reactions.
2. Purple or purpuric: May suggest vascular or hematologic issues, such as small blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis).
3. White or hypopigmented: Seen in fungal infections or depigmentation disorders.
4. Brown or hyperpigmented: May occur in chronic skin conditions or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• Texture:

1. Flat (macular): Rash appears as flat, discolored spots.
2. Raised (papular or nodular): Bumps that may be small or large.
3. Scaly or flaky: Seen in psoriasis or fungal infections.
4. Smooth or shiny: Can occur in viral rashes or early dermatitis.

• Moisture:

1. Dry and cracked: Common in eczema or chronic irritation.
2. Moist or oozing: May suggest infection, blistering, or acute contact dermatitis.

• Distribution:

1. Symmetrical: Seen in systemic causes like eczema, psoriasis, or drug reactions.
2. Localized: Often indicates contact dermatitis or insect bites.
3. Peripheral patterns: Rashes that concentrate around the edges of the palms can be seen in certain fungal infections.

• Associated Symptoms:

1. Itching: Common in eczema, scabies, or allergic reactions.
2. Pain or burning: Suggests irritation, infection, or vascular issues.
3. Blisters: Seen in contact dermatitis, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or bullous skin conditions.
4. Peeling or desquamation: Seen after infections (e.g., scarlet fever) or in conditions like Kawasaki disease.

• Causes & Features:

1. Contact Dermatitis: Red, itchy patches, sometimes with vesicles or blisters.
2. Atopic Dermatitis: Chronic, itchy, scaly rash; may worsen with exposure to irritants.
3. Psoriasis: Thick, scaly, silvery patches, often with well-defined edges.
4. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Small, red spots or blisters on palms, soles, and sometimes around the mouth.
5. Fungal Infections (Tinea Manuum): Asymmetric scaling and redness, often with peeling.
6. Scabies: Small, red papules with linear burrows, typically between fingers.
7. Drug Reactions: Diffuse rash that can affect the palms, often accompanied by systemic symptoms.