Nummular eczema is commonly known as discoid dermatitis. It is a kind of round and oval shaped itchy rash. The term nummular eczema has been derived from the Latin word ‘nummus’ means ‘coin’. It mainly affects the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. To get rid of such dermatitis proper treatment is required.
Nummular eczema is chronic by nature. It is a kind of coined shaped stubborn, itchy rash. Coin-shaped patches can be seen on the skin. As the lesions grow older may concentrate in the centre and also become scaly. Sometimes such lesions entertain fungus or psoriasis. Dry skin, redness, swelling, itching, blistering, cracking, oozing and bleeding can be seen frequently in nummular eczema. Sometimes discolored skin is resulted out of such eczema. Nummular eczema can be seen in the areas like face, neck, knees, inside areas of elbows, arms, feet and other sensitive areas like buttock.
The causes of nummular eczema cannot be identified properly. Experts suggest various causes of such eczema. It may be resulted out of dry skin. Sometimes excessive use of cosmetics can be the cause of it. According to some critics genetic history and allergic conditions may be the major cause of nummular eczema.
Nummular eczema becomes worse with the dry weather, excessive use of soap and detergent, dry skin condition, wearing of tight wool clothes, excessive intake of caffeine, frequent hot bath, and use of topical medication and also with excessive stress. These coin shaped itchy patches are sometimes small in size or sometimes large in diameter. These patches can be red, pink and brown in color. Sometimes nummular eczema resembles a circular worm infection. Often such patches ooze and become crusty. Olden patches become scaly in nature. Sometimes if you are lucky, such patches would go invisible without leaving any side effects. Otherwise it is recurring and use to come year after year.
Nummular eczema can affect the people of all ages. It is very much common in the age of 60’s. It is noteworthy here that such eczema is not contagious and has no relationship with food allergy. Sometimes infants become the victims of nummular eczema. Unfortunately nummular eczema has no cure or proper treatment. Yet there are effective ways to control it.
Proper diagnosis is the introductory step to start the treatment. Doctors at first prescribe for a thorough physical skin test. In case of severity they go for biopsy of skin. Biopsy of skin is mainly prescribed when the oozing or bleeding become worsen. Treatment of nummular eczema mainly concentrates on the prevention of redness, oozing and itching. Doctors often prescribe cortisone ointments which are very much effective in such case. Cortisone ointments can be medium, mild and of high potency. It is noteworthy here that strong ointments are not appropriate for face, groin, armpit and rectal area. Apart from such ointments, doctors often prescribe medicated lotions and antibiotics. Using of antibiotics helps to avoid side effects. To know more about nummular eczema you can browse the internet.