Read the following information, that not only discusses the causes of red, itchy swollen hands, but also dictates the treatment for the same.
One fine day, out of nowhere, randomly, you notice that your hands are not only swollen, but itchy too. They become redder each time you rub them. You know your skin isn’t flaky or peeling, but you construe to it as an allergic reaction. If conditions worsen, you feel like there’s a liquid that’s building underneath. Ever wondered why? Why are you suddenly prone to itchy swollen hands and fingers? Don’t panic. There’s nothing serious. Plus, there are a myriad ways to reduce the swelling. To begin with, understand the causes of this condition.
Causes
Swollen hands are medically referred to as idiopathic edema, and are not an uncommon occurrence. Allergic reactions, injuries, knuckle swelling, broken fingers or wrist, etc. are some situations we come across very often. Since hands are one of the most used parts of the body, you might as well be ready for untimely bruises and injuries. One of the most common causes is an allergic reaction. Wearing old, unwashed clothes, sleeping on a dirty mattress, insect bites, or simply getting your hands over something that’s totally dirty and unhygienic might lead to unavoidable allergic reactions, thereby, resulting in excessive swelling. When you feel itchy, you tend to rub your hands, and end up aggravating the allergy.
On the other hand, some severe causes could be premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, muscular growth of hands, or if conditions are worsened, kidney or liver diseases. Along with the ones discussed, here’s a list of all the other causes:
- Allergic reaction
- Hand injuries or fracture
- Insect bites
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Muscular growth of hands
- Kidney or Liver diseases
- Blood disorders
- Numb hands
- Pregnancy
Out of the above listed causes, pregnancy is a chief cause in women. Many a time, certain physiological changes occur during pregnancy that may lead to water retention. As a result of these changes, the pregnant female could experience swelling on her hands, face, feet, and ankles. This is a common occurrence in pregnant women, and shall not be taken very seriously. However, that doesn’t mean it shall be totally neglected. If increased, the pregnant female shall be medicated accordingly.
Treatment
This condition is something that reduces on its own. However, if it’s a symptom of a bigger health concern, relevant treatment from a reputed doctor needs to be executed. For times when you’re sure of the fact that the swelling isn’t so big a concern, but you want to figure out how, rub crushed ice over the affected area. Ice has been one of the most followed remedies for swelling reduction, and applying it over hands will give you instant results. You could also try out doing some hand stretches, and finger clenches. This will increase the blood circulation in your hands, and will help in reducing the swelling as well. Reduced itching would be addressed too.
Experts believe that reducing salt intake in food suddenly lessens hands and feet swelling. Since the intake of excessive sodium in diet increases the condition of edema, fingers, and hands are often prone to swelling. Hence, reducing intake of salt combats this problem. Last, but not the least, reducing alcohol intake also helps in lessening the swelling and itch. Since alcohol adversely affects the process of fluid retention in body, you need to cut down on it in order to reduce the swelling. Instead, substituting alcohol with water always works for the better.
This problem can be irritating. However, if you’re sure they aren’t caused by a secondary illness, the above methods are extremely effective. But, if you believe they are a cause of some serious illness, and if the swelling is persistent for more than a couple of days, you might as well visit a doctor, and he will provide you with the most relevant medication for such a skin condition.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
