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Last updated: September 19, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Red Swollen Irritated Palm

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Contact dermatitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of irritants or allergens causing skin reactions on the palms, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Dyshidrotic eczema: Characterized by small, itchy blisters on the palms, which can become red, swollen, and irritated.
    • Psoriatic palmoplantar pustulosis: A form of psoriasis that affects the palms, causing redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps.
    • Palmoplantar keratoderma: A condition that causes thickening of the skin on the palms, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Infectious causes (e.g., bacterial, fungal, or viral infections): These can lead to serious complications if not promptly treated, such as cellulitis or abscesses.
    • Erythema multiforme: A skin condition that can be triggered by infections or medications, causing target-like lesions on the palms.
    • Kawasaki disease: A rare condition that can cause skin lesions, including on the palms, and is associated with fever, lymphadenopathy, and other systemic symptoms.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Pemphigus: A group of autoimmune diseases that cause blistering of the skin, including on the palms.
    • Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis: A rare form of psoriasis that affects the palms, causing pustules and redness.
    • Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin on the palms, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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