What should you know about hand palm and feet itching?

Dry, cracked or scaly skin may fit [Asteatotic Eczema](/conditions/asteatotic-eczema/) or [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/). A new soap, glove, shoe, detergent or chemical can trigger [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/). Moist, bright-red or peeling areas may occur with a [Skin Yeast Infection](/conditions/cutaneous-candidiasis/). Thickened plaques can occur with [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) or [Lichen Planus](/conditions/lichen-planus/). Night-time itch, household spread or small burrows raises [Scabies](/conditions/scabies/), while fleeting raised patches fit [Hives](/conditions/urticaria/).

Use lukewarm water, a fragrance-free moisturiser after washing, and gentle products. Wear protective gloves for wet work, but take breaks to keep hands dry; choose breathable footwear and change damp socks. Keep nails short and avoid scratching, which can break the skin and invite infection.

Record new products, foods, medicines, heat exposure, travel and contact with anyone who is itchy. Do not apply several medicated creams at once without advice, because this can obscure the rash and delay the right diagnosis.

Seek urgent help if itching comes with swelling of the lips or tongue, breathing trouble, dizziness, blistering, skin peeling, or a rapidly spreading rash. Arrange medical review for pus, increasing warmth, pain, fever, sleep-disrupting itch, or symptoms that persist despite gentle skin care.

Ask what the rash pattern suggests, whether a skin scraping or other test is needed, which moisturiser or medicine is appropriate, and how to protect household members if an infection or infestation is suspected.