# Subcutaneous itching on palm side of hand **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 13, 2020, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968 "2020-12-13T21:59:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2020, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/1 "2020-12-13T21:59:37Z")
I sometimes get an itching sensation on my palms and finger pads. It’s nearly intolerable; I have near broken the skin scratching with my teeth because fingernails aren’t up to the task. There are zero external indications, and it feels like the sensation originates in the “meat” of my hands. Googling only gets me dermatological results, like eczema. It’s not eczema. I feel pretty certain it’s neuropathic, because I have neuropathic pain in my feet (diabetic). But my neuropathy medication, Gabapentin, doesn’t seem to alleviate it at all. And of course topical remedies have no effect at all. Not seeking medical advice. Just trying to understand what’s goin on. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2020, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/2 "2020-12-13T23:22:37Z")
Does hot water or antihistamines alleviate the itching at all? I have psoriasis, and part of it is itching like you describe. It is unpleasant. I’m really sorry you are experiencing this. I do not know if that is what you have. I do think a dermatologist consult may be of use, if only to rule out skin conditions or a potential pre-cancerous situation. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2020, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/3 "2020-12-13T23:38:27Z")
No. Zero surface/dermatological relevance: I’m a million percent sure it’s neuropathalogical ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2020, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/4 "2020-12-13T23:58:54Z")
I get exactly the same thing, mostly in my right palm. It’s part of diabetic neuropathy. And you’re right, Gabapentin helps pain, but doesn’t seem to help itching. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/5 "2020-12-14T00:05:21Z")
Strange then, that gabapentin—which I understand is alleviating your other neuropathy issues—isn’t touching this one. Definitely time for a neurologist consult then. Again, I’m sorry. I’m well aware of how agonizing systematic pruritus can be. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/6 "2020-12-14T00:46:48Z")
An allergic reaction to penicillin caused itching like yours in the palms of both hands and the soles of both feet. I was absolutely miserable for about a week. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/7 "2020-12-14T09:25:19Z")
I also have a case of restless leg syndrome that has stopped responding to medication. So I’ve been thinking about seeing a neurologist anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Yosh99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ccd318/32.png) [@Yosh99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yosh99)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/8 "2020-12-14T22:59:41Z")
Do you have a small lump in your palm near the base of a finger, particularly the ring finger? If so, you might consider Duputren’s as a cause for the itching. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2020, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/9 "2020-12-15T00:18:01Z")
Nope. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subcutaneous-itching-on-palm-side-of-hand/927968/10 "2020-12-15T00:21:58Z")
Itchy skin can be a sign of liver issues.