Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps

Q: Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps

Hello： In response to your questions. <br>1. <br>There are many causes for chest tightness, including cardiovascular issues (such as angina, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis), pulmonary conditions (such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embol

What causes the palms and soles to turn red?

My mother is about 58 years old and has already gone through menopause.
Recently, she has noticed redness in her palms and soles, without any pain or tingling sensations.
She does not have hypertension, but her blood pressure reading is 140/90 mmHg.
Occasionally, she feels a tightness in her chest while sleeping, but opening the windows for better air circulation makes her feel more comfortable.
She has undergone an electrocardiogram (ECG) at the hospital, which was normal, but the tightness in her chest and the redness in her palms and soles persist.
What further examinations should she undergo, and which specialty should she consult?

Fei Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/02

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Hello: In response to your questions.
1.
There are many causes for chest tightness, including cardiovascular issues (such as angina, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis), pulmonary conditions (such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, pleural diseases, pneumonia, connective tissue diseases, malignant tumors), chest wall problems (such as costochondritis, shoulder disorders, intercostal injuries, spinal nerve compression, breast lesions, malignant soft tissue lesions of the chest wall), and skin issues (such as infections), among others.
Additionally, it could also be related to psychological factors, such as anxiety disorders or panic disorders.
As for the causes of redness in the palms and soles, there are even more possibilities.
However, due to the lack of specificity, a comprehensive assessment is necessary to identify the underlying issues.
2.
The sensitivity of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for common chest discomfort may not be high, and further testing may be required if necessary.
3.
Regarding your mother's issues, there could be many potential causes.
It is advisable to first discuss with your family physician, as a professional evaluation and physical examination can lead to a more accurate diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2006/05/02

More Info

Understanding the redness in the hands and feet, particularly in a 58-year-old woman who has gone through menopause, can be multifaceted. The symptoms you describe—redness in the palms and soles without pain or tingling, along with occasional chest tightness—warrant a careful evaluation to rule out various underlying conditions.

Firstly, the redness in the palms and soles could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is a benign condition known as erythromelalgia, which is characterized by episodes of burning pain, redness, and increased temperature in the extremities. However, since you mentioned there is no pain or discomfort associated with the redness, this may not be the case. Another potential cause could be a vascular issue, such as peripheral vascular disease, which can lead to changes in skin color due to altered blood flow.

Given your mother's blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg, it is important to monitor her cardiovascular health. While this reading is not classified as hypertension, it is on the higher end of the normal range and could be a contributing factor to her symptoms. The chest tightness, especially if it improves with increased airflow, could suggest a respiratory issue or anxiety-related symptoms rather than a direct cardiac problem, especially since her ECG was normal.

In terms of next steps, it would be prudent for your mother to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in internal medicine or cardiology. A thorough evaluation by a cardiologist may include additional tests such as an echocardiogram or stress testing to assess heart function more comprehensively. Given the symptoms of chest tightness, it is essential to rule out any cardiac-related issues, even if the initial ECG appears normal.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to consult with a dermatologist to evaluate the skin changes. A dermatologist can assess whether the redness is related to a dermatological condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, which can sometimes present with similar symptoms.

Furthermore, considering her age and the fact that she is post-menopausal, it may also be worthwhile to evaluate her hormonal levels, as hormonal changes can influence skin health and vascular responses.
In summary, the redness in your mother's hands and feet, combined with her occasional chest tightness, should be evaluated by both a cardiologist and a dermatologist. This dual approach will help ensure that any potential cardiovascular issues are addressed while also considering dermatological causes for her symptoms. Regular monitoring of her blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health is also advisable, along with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, which can contribute positively to her overall well-being.

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