ITCHY PALMS – SIGN OF MONEY OR ECZEMA

According to an old wives tale, nearly every bodily sensation or skin condition has an explanation. One such tale involves itchy palms. The tale states: if the palm of your right hand is itching, you’ll soon be coming into money. But if you scratch your right hand while it is itchy, it'll prevent the money from coming your way. If your palm of your left hand is itchy, this foretells that you will be paying money to someone, and you should scratch away to do get rid of or lower the payments.

In reality an itchy palm usually has to do with a nervous system or allergic response. Hand eczema is a contact condition. The hands come in contact with a substance resulting in sensitivity. Prevention and avoidance can be a powerful treatment.

Should you refrain from scratching your right hand or even your left hand when it itches? The answer is yes. Eczema occurs as a result of an immune system response to an irritant either through contact, inhalation or ingestion. The body activates an immune system response often resulting in a flushed appearance, a rash, or welts on the skin.

As unusual as these old wives tales may sound, there are people who believe in them, and these theories are still being spread today from generation to generation. Just as outdated treatments for an itchy palm continue to be considered the standard if treatment. Among the many outdated treatments are Coal tar.  Coal tar has been used for many years to treat psoriasis and it has few side effects. However, it does not work for everyone. In addition to being messy to use, it has a strong odor and can stain skin and clothing. It can cause sun sensitivity, and may irritate acute eczema.

A few years ago, primrose oil was touted as a topical therapy for hand eczema, but it later was shown not to work. In November 1998, an American Medical Association journal, Archives of Dermatology, published a report listing several other plant extracts being used for skin conditions similar to eczema: calendula officinalis (marigold); chamomile; witch hazel; licorice root; and aloe vera gel. Unfortunately, a history of use doesn't necessarily translate to a history of effectiveness. Indeed, some of these substances, or their vehicle gel/lotion, may worsen your condition.