A sensation of burning in the palms can be unsettling, ranging from a temporary annoyance to an indication of an underlying health condition. This discomfort, often described as heat, tingling, or fiery pain, results from the highly sensitive nature of the skin, nerves, and blood vessels in the hands. The palms are densely packed with sensory nerve endings and a rich network of blood vessels, making them responsive to both external changes and internal physiological shifts. Understanding the cause involves looking at whether the sensation is due to skin irritation, nerve dysfunction, or a body-wide systemic process.
Immediate and Environmental Triggers
The most common causes of burning palms are localized reactions resulting from direct contact or environmental stress. Physical stress, such as excessive gripping or friction from tools, can generate heat and cause localized inflammation. This mechanical irritation often leads to frictional dermatitis or a mild thermal injury, temporarily compromising the skin barrier.
Exposure to chemicals or allergens is another frequent cause, commonly manifesting as contact dermatitis, which has two forms. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common, occurring when the skin’s outer layer is damaged by substances like harsh soaps, solvents, or frequent hand washing that strips away protective oils.
Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune system reaction to a substance like nickel, latex, or certain cosmetic preservatives. Once sensitized, subsequent exposure triggers an inflammatory response causing redness, itching, and a burning sensation. Acute exposure to excessive heat, such as touching a hot object or severe sunburn, also causes localized thermal injury that triggers an immediate inflammatory response.
Underlying Neurological and Nerve Issues
When the burning sensation is chronic or occurs without an obvious external cause, the source often lies within the nervous system. This discomfort is frequently linked to peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Damaged sensory nerves can misfire, sending pain signals to the brain that are interpreted as burning, tingling, or electric sensations.
Neuropathy can stem from various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, alcohol use disorder, or exposure to toxins. The burning pain is often worse at night and can present alongside numbness or increased sensitivity to light touch. The small nerve fibers responsible for pain and temperature regulation are frequently affected, leading to intense sensory symptoms.
Another localized nerve issue is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, involving the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. While classic symptoms include numbness and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers, compression can lead to burning pain radiating into the palm. This condition results from repetitive motions, wrist anatomy, or inflammation that narrows the carpal tunnel, placing pressure on the nerve.
A rarer, intensely painful cause is Erythromelalgia (EM). This condition is characterized by episodes of severe, episodic burning pain, warmth, and intense redness, often affecting the hands and feet. The pain is triggered by heat, exercise, or exertion and relates to dysfunction in both small nerve fibers and blood vessels. The disorder is sometimes associated with a genetic mutation that causes sensory nerves to become hyperexcitable and discharge pain signals.
Systemic Health Conditions Affecting the Palms
A burning sensation in the palms may be a secondary manifestation of a larger, body-wide health problem, often involving circulation or hormone balance. Diabetes is a common systemic condition that directly impacts nerve health, contributing to peripheral neuropathy. Chronic high levels of glucose damage the small blood vessels that supply nerves, leading to the nerve damage that causes burning sensations.
Another visible manifestation is Palmar Erythema, a condition where both palms become noticeably red and feel warm. This redness is caused by the dilation of capillaries in the hands, increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface. Palmar Erythema can be a sign of severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis, where altered hormone metabolism contributes to vascular changes.
The condition is also associated with other systemic issues, including hyperthyroidism, where an overactive thyroid gland increases the body’s metabolic rate and circulation. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also trigger Palmar Erythema due to chronic inflammation affecting the body’s tissues.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While many instances of burning palms are transient and resolve with simple care, certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation. A consultation is warranted if the burning sensation is sudden in onset, rapidly worsening, or interferes with sleep and daily activities. Persistent symptoms lasting longer than a few days, even after avoiding potential irritants, should be discussed with a doctor.
Accompanying symptoms are important indicators that a more serious underlying issue may be present. These red flags include the development of a fever, any loss of motor function or muscle weakness, or pain that radiates up the arm. A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests, such as blood work to check for systemic conditions or nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function.