You’re Pregnant
Pregnancy can cause all sorts of strange symptoms, red palms among them. The culprit is your naturally increased estrogen levels, says Farnsworth, which can increase blood flow to the palms. For this reason, you might also feel a “pins and needles” tingling in your hands.
If your palms are also itchy, though, that may be a sign of cholestasis. This potentially dangerous liver condition can crop up later in pregnancy and typically causes intense itching on the hands and feet, according to Mayo Clinic.
Palmar erythema during pregnancy isn’t harmful, but the tingling feeling can be uncomfortable. Applying a fragrance-free hand lotion or moisturizer can help, says Farnsworth. And hang in there: The problem should ease up after you give birth.
If your red palms come with itching, though, tell your healthcare provider right away. Cholestasis of pregnancy can lead to complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, according to Mayo Clinic.
