A rash on your hands and feet may result from a bacterial or fungal infection. It may also occur due to a health condition or medication. You may also experience other symptoms, including itchiness.
Rashes are marked by a change in the color and texture of your skin. They may have blisters, and they may itch or hurt. Rashes that break out on your hands and feet have many underlying causes.
Keep reading to learn more about common conditions that may cause rashes on the hands and feet. We’ll also look at treatment options you can try at home, or under a doctor’s care.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious infection caused by several viruses, including the coxsackie virus. Anyone can get HFMD, although it most commonly occurs in babies and children.
According to the
- rash on the hands and feet
- mouth sores that are painful
- fever
- sore throat
The hand and foot rash caused by this condition sometimes causes blistering, which may be painful, but typically not itchy.
Treatment
Symptoms of HFMD usually get better on their own within
Drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may help relieve symptoms.
Granuloma annulare is a chronic, degenerative skin condition with an unknown cause.
There are
- localized
- generalized
- subcutaneous
- perforating
- patch
The most common type, localized granuloma annulare, causes raised, rounded skin plaques or papules that may form on the feet, hands, and fingers.
These plaques and papules don’t typically itch.
Granuloma annulare is more common in females and tends to occur during young adulthood.
Treatment
The rings usually clear up on their own without treatment, but it may take up to 10 years. Around
Some additional treatments for granuloma annulare may include:
- topical, oral, or injection steroids
- liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
- light therapy
Dyshidrotic eczema is a very itchy, common form of eczema that causes deep-set blisters. According to the National Eczema Association, these most commonly appear on the:
- palms of hands
- edges of fingers
- soles and sides of feet
- toes
Blisters can become large and painful, and may last for several weeks. Eczema outbreaks often coincide with seasonal allergies, during spring and summer.
Treatment
There’s no cure for dyshidrotic eczema, but some remedies may help you manage symptoms. These may include:
- avoiding eczema triggers
- carefully washing your hands with a fragrance-free soap
- keeping your skin moisturized
- relieving stress
If home remedies don’t work, a doctor may recommend medical treatments like corticosteroids and light therapy.
Impetigo is a very contagious bacterial skin infection that often begins with an oozing rash of red sores around the mouth and nose, which may spread to the hands and feet via touch.
When the sores burst, they develop brownish-yellow crusts.
An impetigo rash can be itchy, sore, and painful. The condition most commonly occurs in infants and children.
Treatment
A healthcare professional may
Palmoplantar pustulosis is a rare type of psoriasis that
It’s estimated that up to 4 in 100 people with psoriasis experience palmoplantar pustulosis.
The exact cause is unknown, but researchers suggest a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the condition.
Treatment
Treatment may include a
- topical medications, such as corticosteroids
- biologics
- light therapy
Hand-foot syndrome, also known as acral erythema or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a
It’s characterized by pain, swelling, and skin discoloration in the palms and soles of the hands and feet. It can also cause tingling, burning, and blisters. In severe cases, deeply cracked skin and extreme pain may occur.
Treatment
The best way to treat a rash on the hands and feet caused by chemotherapy drugs is to
Techniques like applying cold compresses, taking pain relievers, and elevating the affected body part may help relieve pain.
Speak with a doctor if you experience hand-foot syndrome. They may be able to change the dosage or type of medication you’re taking.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a contagious fungal infection. It usually starts between the toes and can spread to the entire foot. This condition is marked by a scaly, red rash that itches.
In some instances, athlete’s foot may spread to the hands. This is more likely to happen if you pick at or scratch the rash on your feet.
Athlete’s foot is most commonly caused by keeping very sweaty feet trapped in shoes. It may also be transmitted through locker room and shower floors.
Treatment
Treatment for athlete’s foot may include antifungal creams and maintaining proper foot hygiene.
Learn more about how to treat athlete’s foot.
Several home remedies and OTC medications may help relieve pain and symptoms of rashes on the hands and feet.
These may include:
- topical medications, such as hydrocortisone, anti-itch medications, and lidocaine
- cold compresses
- oral antihistamines
- oral pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- cool oatmeal baths
- applying unscented moisturizing cream
- avoiding triggers, such as pollen
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about possible remedies and OTC medications before using them to help prevent possible side effects.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if your rash is painful, accompanied by fever, or looks infected. You should also seek medical attention if the rash doesn’t clear up easily with home treatments.
A doctor may be able to diagnose the rash visually after taking an oral history. In some instances, they may order diagnostic tests, such as:
- skin culture
- allergy tests
- skin lesion biopsy
If a child has a rash that does not clear up within 1 or 2 days, they should see a pediatrician. This will help determine the cause of the rash, and provide relief for their symptoms.
If your child has sores in their mouth or throat that prohibit them from drinking, they should also be seen by a doctor to avoid complications like dehydration.
Remember to wash your hands if you have a contagious skin rash or care for someone who does to help prevent transmission.
What is a viral rash on the hands and feet?
According to the
What autoimmune disease causes rashes on hands and feet?
Palmoplantar pustulosis is an autoimmune condition that
Rashes on the hands and feet may be caused by a wide range of conditions. These types of rashes sometimes clear up on their own or can be treated at home.
Some rashes respond better to treatments performed or prescribed by a doctor, depending on their underlying conditions. Speak with a healthcare professional for any rash accompanied by fever or pain.