Itchy dry red patch on my cheek?

For about a month now ive had this red, very dry and itchy patch on my cheek. Ive have eczema all my life and it doesnt seem like eczema. About 2 weeks ago it came up in red lump like spots but they wasnt spots. Just red lumps. I used some fucidin ointment on it that the doctor gave me for infections but it just made the pathc fade a bit and less dry and itchy, and thats with using the cream alot. Then the patch returns within 3 days.
What could this be? some type of infection or rash?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis or an allergic reaction.

Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema. Allergic reaction can occur to strong soaps, Solvents, chemicals, certain foods, food additives, plants, metals, cosmetics, even urine and faeces of some animals (dust mites).

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[Ryan2k08]

Like i said ive had eczema all my life and this doesnt seem like it. Ive used hydrocortisone on it and it just reduced the redness for a couple of days. Whereas on my eczema where i use my hydrocortisone the redness and itchyness just goes completely. The patch just stays there but less visable. And it also had the red lumps there and the skin still feels bumpy now.