Red patch on calf

[Jenny1]

Hi,
I was shaving my legs three weeks ago in the bath. Immediately after I noticed a red patch on the back of my calf with the skin looking slightly skinned. This patch has grown a little and is now 8cm x 5cm. It is not raised or bumpy. It really stings like a hive. I had some steroid cream with antifungal which I put on it which seemed to fade it slightly initially but made it sting.It also stings in the swimming pool. Never had this before. Had cellulitis before but this is not hot or spreading quickly. Skin does not look dry and use moisturiser. What could it be?.

[Dr Walayat Hussain]

Your problem does sound eczematous in nature. I wouldn't 'self-treat' without seeing your GP first, especially if the area has persisted for three weeks. Different conditions require skin treatments, so I would go and see your GP given that is does sound like a large area you are describing.