Red itchy welt

I have been getting a red itchy welt on my buttocks. It gets just bigger then a quarter and it itches really bad. After a few days it gets a scab over it and has a clear watery substance under the scab. I have been getting this for over a year. Usually when I am really stressed I get one. Here lately I have gotten three on the same cheek and I haven't been under stress. I have been putting otc itch cream on them but its not helping. Any idea what it may be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This kind of red itchy welt can be due to hives and the scab can be due to scratching of the area. You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritin) when the rash appears. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.  You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. Also apply calamine lotion and a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash.

If the symptoms are worse then it is best to consult a dermatologist. Biopsy of the rash can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.