Red rash on hands and feet: what to know

Dry, cracked or itchy skin can follow repeated washing, cleaning products, footwear materials, or another contact trigger. Scaly patches may fit eczema, psoriasis, or ringworm. Small fluid-filled spots, marked swelling, warmth, tenderness, fever, or sores change the concern. A rash on the palms and soles can also occur with a wider illness, so tell a clinician about mouth sores, fever, or a new medicine. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause; a clinician may inspect the whole skin surface and nails.

Pause newly introduced soaps, creams, gloves, detergents, and shoes if this is safe, and rinse away suspected irritants. Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, apply a plain fragrance-free moisturiser, and avoid scratching or popping blisters. Keep feet cool and dry and use clean, breathable socks. Photograph the rash and note when it began, whether it spreads, and any new exposure or medicine. Do not use a steroid, antifungal, or antibiotic cream on broken skin without advice, because the wrong treatment can obscure the diagnosis.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, faintness, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, skin peeling, purple or bruise-like spots, or a rash with fever and feeling very unwell. Arrange prompt medical review for pus, warmth, swelling, worsening cracks, difficulty walking or using the hands, or a rash after starting a medicine. If it persists, recurs, or has a ring-shaped or very scaly edge, book a dermatology assessment.

Ask whether the distribution suggests contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, or a medicine reaction; whether any test is needed; which products should be stopped; and what changes should trigger urgent review.