Nummular Eczema Symptoms

Nummular eczema, also known as nummular dermatitis or discoid dermatitis is an allergy-related skin disorder, which is characterized by itchy, coin-shaped lesions on the skin. It gets its name from the Latin word nummus which means coin. Males above the age of sixty are more likely to be affected by this condition. People who are suffering from nummular eczema are vulnerable to other types of dermatitis as well. Since it might overlap with other types of eczema, questions have been raised on the independent clinical entity of nummular eczema. Generally those who have a family history of allergies, atopic dermatitis or asthma are more prone to getting this skin disorder. Scroll down to learn about nummular eczema symptoms and treatment options.

Causes and Symptoms of Nummular Eczema

Though the causes of nummular eczema are unknown, there seems to be a link between nummular eczema and dry skin. It has been seen that those suffering from this kind of eczema have flare-ups during dry weather conditions. Frequent bathing, excessive use of soaps and wearing tight woolen clothing can also aggravate the symptoms of nummular eczema. Nummular eczema in children is rare, but sometimes, an outbreak might be attributed to changing soaps or lotions. For some children, it could be caused due to use of new medications.

One of the most common symptoms of nummular eczema is the appearance of coin-shaped itchy lesions. Such coin-shaped patches generally develop on arms and legs but can also spread to the torso. In the early stages, one might see small papules. These might also ooze for days and then form crusts. These tiny bumps then merge to become a coin-shaped patch, the size of which could range from 2-10 cm. After some time, the papules turn crusty and then turn into brown macules. There could be a single patch or several patches that can take about a year to clear up. Other nummular eczema symptoms include itching, burning sensation, redness and inflamed skin.

Treatment of Nummular Eczema

Since the causes of nummular eczema are not known, the treatment involves alleviating the symptoms. Unlike atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema is not caused by allergies. Though allergies are not a causative factor, these can worsen your condition. It is important to determine what triggers an allergic reaction on your skin. Since the presence of certain allergens can aggravate the symptoms of nummular eczema, it is advisable to avoid such triggers. If certain cosmetic products are giving you a skin allergy, avoid using them in future.

For some people, fabric softener residue on clothes can cause an allergic reaction too. If that's the case with you, you must not use a fabric softener while laundering the clothes. As it has been seen that dryness of skin can also cause problems, therefore, the patients must keep their skin moisturized. Use of lotions, creams, bath oils and emollients is generally advised in order to keep the skin well-hydrated. Since taking bath in hot water can make your skin dry, so use lukewarm or cold water. Excessive use of soaps can also rob the skin of moisture, therefore, it must be avoided. Make sure that you don't scratch the affected area as it can also lead to secondary infections. If the burning sensation, scaling and itching still persist, mild steroids or oral histamines might be prescribed. Some people might also respond well to antibiotics. Vaseline, tar and cortisone creams might prove helpful in controlling this skin disorder.

If you ever notice coin-shaped lesions on your skin, consult a dermatologist soon. The doctors generally prescribe emollients to alleviate the symptoms of nummular eczema. Avoidance of triggers and keeping your skin well-moisturized will certainly help in controlling this skin condition.