Is allergy the cause for red patches on my palm?
Consultant,
Department of Allergy,
Addenbrookes, Cambridge
Q: I am 26 years old female and I have red patches on my right palm. When I am in the kitchen and also at times when I am not doing the kitchen work, the red patch starts itching. Sometimes the itching is very severe and unbearable. First the allergy was on the fingers too along with the palm like in the middle finger, ring and the little finger. I don't know the exact cause of the itching but sometimes when I peel prawns shells, potatoes, tomatoes, it starts itching. I had shown myself to the doctor but he did not tell me much just said that sometimes internal problems show in the form of allergy and could be concentrated in one part. He gave me some medicines which gave temporary relief. Please help me.
A:Sometimes drug allergies and other, e.g. food allergies cause a specific area of the skin to become inflamed. Apart from avoidance of the things that cause problems and use of protective gloves when handling food, there is not much else that can be done. Antihistamines should help relieve the itching.