Constant Redness in My Hands and Feet
At 17 years old, I’m dealing with a persistent issue involving the redness of my hands and feet. The most noticeable symptoms appear on my palms and fingers, but my feet are affected even more severely—particularly the soles, which are always a vivid red. The tops and toes also show signs of this redness quite frequently. Along with the discoloration, I often feel a burning sensation in these areas, to the point where I need to grab something cold to ease the discomfort. Interestingly, while my hands and feet remain warm, the rest of my body tends to feel chilly quite often. This situation leaves me questioning whether it should raise any concerns or is just part of normal variation. I suspect it might be related to hydration; however, I'm not sure. Whenever I research this issue, the term POTS frequently appears, but I believe that condition has additional symptoms that I do not seem to have.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 5:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent redness and a burning sensation in your hands and feet can be concerning, especially when experienced frequently. It's understandable to wonder if this is something serious or simply a normal variation. Symptoms like yours could be linked to various conditions, and while POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is one possibility, it often includes other symptoms like dizziness upon standing, which you haven't mentioned.
Explanation:
The redness and burning sensation in your palms and soles can be caused by several factors, including:
- Circulation Issues: Sometimes, blood vessels can dilate, causing increased blood flow to the skin.
- Allergic Reactions or Irritant Contact Dermatitis: These can lead to redness and discomfort.
- Nerve Issues: Conditions like peripheral neuropathy can cause burning sensations.
- Temperature Regulation: Your body feeling cold while your extremities are warm could indicate a vascular response to body temperature changes.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and take a few steps to manage your discomfort.
Next Steps:
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Hydration and Diet: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Consider a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which can help with hydration and circulation.
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Temperature Management: Use cool compresses on your hands and feet when the burning occurs to provide relief. Avoid hot environments and try to keep your extremities cooler when possible.
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Avoid Skin Irritants: Pay attention to any products you use (soaps, lotions, etc.). Consider switching to gentle, hypoallergenic options to see if symptoms improve.
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Movement and Stretching: Engage in regular light exercises. Stretching and gentle movements can help with circulation and overall comfort.
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Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms for a week, noting when they worsen, what activities you were doing, and any changes in your environment. This can help identify triggers.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking an evaluation from a healthcare professional to explore further potential conditions. They can perform detailed assessments and blood tests to rule out any underlying issues. Your health is important, so keeping a close watch on these symptoms will help you understand whether further action is needed.
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