Nummular eczema, likewise known as nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, is a chronic condition that triggers coin-shaped spots to develop on the skin. These spots are typically itchy and well-defined. They may ooze clear fluid or end up being dry and crusty. Nummular eczema typically appears after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite. The condition might lead to one spot or several patches of coin-shaped lesions. The spots can last for numerous months.
Nummular eczema tends to occur regularly in men than in women. Men typically have their very first episode in between ages 55 and 65. Women usually get it throughout adolescence or young adulthood.
Though the symptoms of nummular eczema can be irritating, they can be treated with antihistamines and topical medications. It isn’t infectious, which implies it can’t be passed from a single person to another through direct skin contact.
What Are the Symptoms of Nummular Eczema?
The most typical and obvious sign of nummular eczema is a patch of coin-shaped lesions on the body. The lesions often establish on the arms or legs, but they might ultimately infect the torso and hands.
They may be brown, pink, or red. Some lesions might itch and burn. Other lesions may ooze fluid and eventually crust over. The skin around the lesions might be red, flaky, or swollen.
Call your doctor if you believe you have nummular eczema. If it’s left untreated, a secondary skin infection could develop. Once this occurs, a yellow-colored crust will form on the contaminated lesions.
What Causes Nummular Eczema?
There’s no known cause for nummular eczema. However, lots of people with nummular eczema have an individual or family history of allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itchy or flaky rashes. People with nummular eczema likewise tend to have delicate skin that gets irritated quickly.
The following elements might likewise contribute to the development of nummular eczema:
- temperature changes
- stress
- dry skin
- environmental irritants, such as soaps, metals, and formaldehyde
- surgery
Who Is at Risk for Nummular Eczema?
The list below conditions might increase your risk of developing nummular eczema:
- living in a cold, dry climate
- dry skin
- bad blood flow or swelling in the legs
- having another kind of eczema
- a skin injury, such as an insect bite or abrasion
- having a bacterial infection that affects the skin
- surgery
- some medications
How Is Nummular Eczema Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose nummular eczema by asking you about your medical history and visually checking your skin. They may also want to perform a skin biopsy to assist dismiss other possible conditions, such as an infection.
Throughout the biopsy, the doctor will eliminate a small piece of skin tissue from the afflicted location. The sample will then be examined for the presence of bacteria.
If your doctor presumes the lesions are a result of an allergic reaction, they might carry out an allergy test too. This may consist of skin tests or blood tests that can help identify what substances you’re allergic to, if any.
How is Nummular Eczema Treated?
There isn’t a cure for nummular eczema. Nevertheless, you may be able to handle your condition by making sure way of life changes and avoiding triggers.
To help manage your nummular eczema, you need to avoid:
- wool and other irritants that might trigger your symptoms
- extreme bathing and hot water
- using severe soaps
- stressful situations
- exposure to environmental irritants, such as household cleaners and chemicals
- using fabric softener and anti-static sheet
- getting scrapes, cuts, and abrasions on the skin
The following can help ease your eczema:
- utilizing moist bandages to cover and protect the affected locations
- taking antihistamines to eliminate itching and discomfort
- applying medicated lotions or skin lotions, such as corticosteroids
- getting ultraviolet light treatment for serious itching
- hydrating skin with a non-scented moisturizer after showering
What Is the Outlook for People with Nummular Eczema?
With the proper treatment, nummular eczema might enhance within one year. Nevertheless, nummular eczema is a chronic condition, so it might never resolve. Some lesions might go away completely while others might come and go.
Lesions on the thighs, legs, and feet often take longer to heal and might leave behind darker or lighter spots. It’s best to avoid triggers that make your signs worse.
