Are these hives?

About 1 month ago, I began developing fingerprint-sized marks on my stomach, chest, and neck. These are pale-to-medium red in color, and the outside edges are slightly raised while the centers are not. They are generally dry and flaky, however most of them do not itch. The first ones that appeared 4 weeks ago are just now fading away, and a few small new ones are continuing to form. I have tried taking antihistamines, but that hasn't made any noticeable difference in their appearance. I don't have any other symptoms except for nasal congestion, which I have had since moving to Minnesota from California 4 months ago (I have no history of allergies).

Are these hives? Should I see a doctor? Are they from stress, or is it possible that I am allergic to something here? The last few months have actually been pretty stressful.

Thank you for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Rita:

Hives aren't flaky, whereas eczema is.  Eczema can be aggratvated by stress, but cold and dry weather is even more likely to bring it on.  Try applying over-th-counter 1% htdrocortisone twice a day.  Ifr that doesn't help, perhaps a doctor can prescribe a stronger cortisone cream, which should do the trick promptly (though of course it may recur from time to time.)

Best.

Dr. Rockoff