Q: I am a 24 year old male with a red, round, itchy path on my left hand, below the thumb, near the wrist. This patch developed four months back and appears slightly shiny than the skin around it. When I scratch it, it swells and rashes appear for about 15-30 minutes. I do not have any allergic problems. Can you please tell me what’s wrong with me?

A:Persistent red itchy patch favours the possibility of some kind of eczema. You should get some relief from topical steroids and oral antihistaminics. Work up of your case may provide a clue as to its trigger. Once found and eliminated, cure will follow. However, transient urticarial rash lasting few minutes in not a feature of eczema. Therefore you should be seen by a Dermatologist.