What should you know about hives on palms?

Hives are temporary raised welts caused by inflammatory signals in the skin. On the palms, heat, sweating, pressure, friction, gloves, cleaning products, foods, medicines, or an infection may be relevant. The palms can feel itchy, hot, tight, or swollen, and swelling may make gripping difficult. Hives often change shape or position. Scaling, cracking, blisters, pus, marked pain, or a rash that remains fixed may suggest contact dermatitis, eczema, infection, or another condition rather than ordinary hives.

Remove gloves, rings, and suspected products; rinse with lukewarm water and use a bland moisturiser if the skin is dry. Keep hands cool and avoid scratching or strong cleaners. Note recent exposures, foods, medicines, exercise, and timing, and photograph visible changes. Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether oral antihistamine therapy is appropriate for you. Do not puncture blisters or use prescription steroid medicine without advice, particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing; faintness; or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek prompt care for severe hand swelling, fever, pus, extensive blistering, purple discoloration, or significant pain. Arrange review when palm episodes recur, interfere with work, or fail to settle, because the hands may need a different treatment if the rash is not hives.

Ask whether the palm changes fit hives or contact dermatitis. Could gloves, soap, disinfectant, heat, food, or medicine be involved? Is an antihistamine suitable with my other medicines? How should I protect my hands, and what symptoms need emergency action?