The good news is that cancer does not cause little itchy white bumps on the palms.
The not-so-great news is that it may not be easy to find out what’s causing this very annoying symptom.
There are several possible causes of small, itchy white bumps appearing on your palms, says Dr. Janet Prystowsky, board certified dermatologist in New York, NY, with 30+ years’ experience.
She explains, “Small white bumps on your palms are usually flat warts, although they may not itch.”
Warts are caused by a viral infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
These warts are typically smooth and only slightly elevated, making them less noticeable compared to other types of warts.
Flat warts, which can appear in clusters, are common and can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or from person to person.
“Dyshidrotic eczema commonly occurs on many people’s palms,” continues Dr. Prystowsky.
“It is a collection of fluid-filled bumps that look like tiny, flesh-toned blisters.”
The little bumps of dyshidrotic eczema may also have a slight pinkish tinge.
These can itch like mad and may also appear on the edges of one’s fingers, toes and the bottoms of the feet.
The image below shows dyshidrotic eczema on a finger.
dyshidrotic eczema, Maslesha,CC BY-SA
Dyshidrotic eczema — which you should never scratch — has no cure but it’s manageable with proper care. The condition is not contagious.
If the situation with your palms can accurately be described as “lots of very small white-flesh, flesh-toned or flesh-pink colored bumps that itch,” then it’s a good bet that you have dyshidrotic eczema.
A dermatologist can easily make the diagnosis.
Dr. Prystowsky adds, “Contact allergen may also cause fluid-filled, flesh-toned bumps on the palms and sides of your fingers.”
Take inventory of any chemicals that might be coming in contact with your hands throughout the day. This includes household cleaners.
If you’re wondering if the problem is poison ivy, Dr. Prystowsky says, “Poison ivy rashes, however, do not usually cause a reaction on the palms or soles.”
It’s important to see a dermatologist to get the precise diagnosis.
Don’t Make the Itching Worse
The itching could be quite annoying with these conditions — but it can’t be said enough: Do not scratch!
When you scratch an itch, it activates certain nerve endings in the skin, which can initially provide temporary relief by interrupting the itch signal.
However, this action also stimulates additional nerve receptors and increases the release of inflammatory substances such as histamine.
The more you scratch, the more those small, white bumps on your palms will itch, regardless of their origin.
Additionally, scratching can damage the skin, leading to further inflammation and irritation, which can intensify the itch.
