Small Sore On My Hand

[puzzledpatient]

Yesterday, after getting out of our local community swimming pool, I had a strange perfectly circular mark on the back of my hand. It's not any bigger than a pencil eraser head. At first it was basically an open sore, and very raw. It stung very very much, and made my knuckles and skin around it very red. As the night went on, the pain began to subside, but then, at home, I took a shower, and as the water washed over my hand, it stung ever more intense than before. Then, after letting it sit overnight, it looks as though it's scabbed over, but it's still very very sensitive to water. And ideas what it might be? Will it last much longer? Is it going to get any bigger?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like an insect bite. Take some antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. Although the bite may be itchy, avoid scratching it because you may damage the skin, and allow bacteria to get in, leading to infection. You may also need topical and oral steroids which are available under prescription. Also get it examined if the symptoms persist.

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.