rash that looks like a scratch?

[Liz]

I am 19 years old and for the past 2 years or so I have had a recurrent rash(if that it what it is) on my lower abdomen. It always appears in the exact same spot. When it first appears it is just a raised continuous red/pink line (aprox. 5 inches long)that moves from my lower to upper abdomen on my right side. In a few days it scabs over and basically looks like a cat scratch (with a serrated appearance). There is not any pain or itching.  I was just wondering what might cause this. I do not have any allergies or medical conditions that I know of.  Thanks!

[HairyFreak]

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[TheWhitehawk]

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[daycareprovider12316]

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[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Liz:

Most likely you have mild nummular eczema.  "Nummular" means, round, coin-shaped.  This is not an allergy; rather, it comes and goes for no special reason.  It can go away on its own, as you've seen yourself, but hydrocortisone helps it along.  Tey the nonprescription form (1%).  If that doesn't help, a doctor can give you a stronger variety.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff