Nummular Eczema - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Nummular Eczema also known nummular dermatitis. Nummular eczema is an allergy-related disorder in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin. The lesions as they get older may clear in the center or become scaly and then resemble fungus (ring worm) or psoriasis . The condition tends to be chronic. It is more common in the winter. Nummular eczema is frequently associated with dry skin. Wool, soaps and frequent bathing (more than once a day) often worsen the condition. People with eczema often have skin that is dry and easily irritated by soap, detergents, and rough clothing. Clothes washed or dried with liquid or sheet fabric softeners such as Kling, may also irritate the skin. Hot and cold weather often aggravates eczema. Factors that may cause worsening of nummular eczema include wool clothing worn next to the skin, topical medications, soaps and detergents, and frequent bathing. Nummular eczema characteristically appears first as a group of tiny red spots (papules) and blister-like lesions (vesicles) that enlarge and merge into a reddened, itchy, sometimes burning coin-shaped lesion two to 10 centimeters in diameter. The lesion may be uniformly red at first, then clear in the center to form a "ring" that resembles the fungal infection called ringworm. The most common sites for nummular eczema are the legs (most common), arms and hands, and the torso. Stress may also contribute to the onset of nummular eczema. The disease typically occurs in the middle years and rarely occurs in children.

Nummular eczema disease more commonly affects men than women. Nummular dermatitis has 2 peaks of age distribution. The most common is in the sixth to seventh decade of life. It is a relatively uncommon disorder that most often occurs in elderly men. A low-humidity environment may play a role. The coin-shaped patches typical of nummular eczema often contain tiny bumps and blisters. These patches are reddish in color and may ooze and become crusty. These may grow together to form larger patches. The treatment of this form of the disease is similar to treatment of atopic eczema. First, the patient is advised to avoid the offending agent or trigger. Creams, ointments, lotions, bath oils, and emollients should be used to help hydrate dry, flaky areas. Low-dose topical corticosteroids are used to control the inflammation associated with the rash and promote healing. In some cases, oral antihistamines may be used to control persistent itching and anxiety associated with the rash. Antibiotics may be used if the area becomes infected and weepy. Oral corticosteroids, which can have extensive side effects, are typically recommended only for severe cases of eczema. Skin infection may be treated with prescribed antibiotics. Anti-histamines or ultraviolet phototherapy may be prescribed. Oral steroids may also be prescribed in severe cases that are resistant to other forms of treatment. Avoid triggers, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods, that can make symptoms worse.

Causes of Nummular Eczema

Common Causes and Risk factors of Nummular Eczema

Medication allergy.
Dry skin.
Certain allergies.
Family history of asthma.
Atopic dermatitis.
Environmental irritants.
Stress.
Temperature changes (It is most found in winter ).

Sign and Symptoms of Nummular Eczema

Common Sign and Symptoms of Nummular Eczema

Itching.
Scaly or raw skin
Skin redness or inflammation.
Coin-shaped skin lesions.

Treatment for Nummular Eczema

Common Treatment for Nummular Eczema

Creams, ointments, lotions, bath oils, and emollients should be used to help hydrate dry, flaky areas.
Low-dose topical corticosteroids are used to control the inflammation associated with the rash and promote healing.
Oral antihistamines may be used to control persistent itching and anxiety associated with the rash. Antibiotics may be used if the area becomes infected and weepy.
Oral corticosteroids, which can have extensive side effects, are typically recommended only for severe cases of eczema.
Anti-histamines or ultraviolet phototherapy may be prescribed. Oral steroids may also be prescribed in severe cases that are resistant to other forms of treatment.
Avoid triggers, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods, that can make symptoms worse.
Apply oil such as Neutrogena body oil or Alpha-Keri oil to the skin at the end of ones shower.
Vaseline is even more helpful if not too greasy.
Do not take more than one bath or shower a day.
Use lukewarm water, as hot water dries out the skin.

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