What clinical history might support a diagnosis of eczema in a young patient?

The association of eczema with a history of asthma is well-documented in medical literature, particularly within the context of atopic conditions, which include eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. These conditions are often seen co-occurring in individuals with a predisposition to atopic disease, indicating a shared underlying immunological framework. The presence of asthma in a young patient would thus support the diagnosis of eczema.

In contrast, the other options do not typically indicate or support a diagnosis of eczema. Recent travel could expose a patient to a variety of environmental allergens or infections, but it isn't a known risk factor or associated condition for eczema specifically. Exposure to chemicals may lead to contact dermatitis rather than atopic eczema, which is related to internal immune responses rather than direct skin irritation. Family history of diabetes does not relate to eczema or its atopic associations. Therefore, the history of asthma stands out as a relevant and supportive clinical history for diagnosing eczema in a young patient.