Palmar erythema


Palmar erythema is reddening of the palms at the thenar and hypothenar eminences.

Causes

It is associated with various physiological as well as pathological changes, or may be a normal finding:
Because circulating levels of estrogen increase in both cirrhosis and pregnancy, estrogen was thought to be the main cause for the increased vascularity. More recently, nitric oxide has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of palmar erythema.

Diagnosis

Palmar erythema has no specific treatment. Management is based on the underlying cause. When its cause is treated then patients get relief. If it is attributable to a particular drug then the drug should be withdrawn.