Are there any know allergies that cause severe itching of the palms of your hands?

There are several things that I can think of right off the top of my head that you could have touched that might cause your palms to itch, especially if you have a very mild or developing allergy. For instance, if my husband or children touch fiberglass insulation, they'll itch on their palms, and if they touch any other part of their body before washing, they'll develop redness and sometimes even hives on the places they've touched. (The doctor's explanation was that, because the skin on your palms is generally tougher than other places on your body, the chemical that causes the reaction just sits on the surface of your palm, but can get into the pores elsewhere.)

Per my doctor, wash your hands vigorously with an anti-bacterial soap and rinse thoroughly, then apply a product with astringent properties (like Witch Hazel) to thoroughly clean the pores, and if the itching continues, see a doctor.

On a lighter note, old wives tales would tell you that an itchy palm means you're about to come into money, but that you should put your hands in your pockets before washing them (or scratching them)...