What Is Nummular Eczema Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Are you noticing circular, rough, red patches on your arms, hands, or legs? Do they itch like crazy? You may have a flare-up of nummular eczema , a subtype of chronic eczema thats characterized by extremely itchy round or oval spots on the skin.
is a manifestation of sensitive skin that is triggered by environmental factors, and it can also happen in almost anyone who practices poor skin care, says Suzanne Friedler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology in New York City. NE can also occur in patients who regularly moisturize and practice good skin care, but whose skin lacks the proteins needed to lock moisture into the skin .
To understand what NE is, exactly, look closely at the words. Nummular means coin-like and eczema is sensitive skin. Therefore, people with NE display coin-shaped, itchy red patches on their skin, Dr. Friedler says.
Although this condition is treatable, it can be incredibly uncomfortable because of the itch, and may return even after treatment.
How Do Dermatologists Diagnose This Condition
It can be difficult to accurately diagnose nummular eczema because the rash can appear differently on various skin types. If the condition is suspected, your healthcare provider will perform a thorough examination of your skin. If your skin shows signs of infection, your dermatologist will take a swab from that area.
He or she may also perform a skin biopsy. This involves taking a sample of the affected skin for testing.
What is the differential diagnosis of nummular eczema? Dr. Riham Sabry lists the skin conditions that may look like nummular eczema:
- Ringworm
- Pityriasis rosea
- Lichen simplex chronicus
The treatment of each rash differs greatly, so it is important to consult a health care professional for a proper diagnosis.
What Are The Risk Factors Associated With Eczema
There are numerous risk factors associated with the skin during the problem of eczema. Here is a list of some for the people who may be prone to the condition more than others:
- People who live in freezing temperatures and climate encounter the situation of eczema more
- People who have dry skin can develop the disease more than the people who have oily skin, healthy skin or combination skin
- People who use perfumes, powder, cosmetics, and deodorants a lot may encounter the disease as well.
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How To Get Rid Of Nummular Eczema
The main goals of nummular eczema treatment are to clear up your skin and relieve your discomfort. To do this, your treatment plan may include a treatment designed to:
1- Avoid irritating your sensitive skin:
Dry, sensitive skin is more likely to experience frequent flare-ups of nummular eczema. For this reason, your treatment plan may include instructions that can help you prevent skin irritation. It is important to wash your skin regularly at all stages of nummular eczema, as cleansing helps prevent infection of your now fragile skin.
You may need to use only a mild, non-drying cleanser to wash your skin, and apply it only to the skin that needs to be washed. Gentle cleansers and eczema cleansers are recommended because they are less drying and less irritating to eczema-prone skin.
Got all that? With this information in mind, here are several candidates for the best cleansers for eczema-prone skin.
A-Derma Exomega Control Emollient Shower Oil
Ducray Dexyane Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel
Eau Thermale Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil
2- Hydrate your skin:
You likely have extremely dry skin. To add moisture to your skin, and help it heal, you may need to:
Your dermatologist may suggest a hypoallergenic, unscented moisturizing cream or ointment instead of a lotion. Creams and ointments hold water in the skin better than lotions. More water in the skin can help you heal faster. Please note that moisturizers should not be applied on eczema lesions.
Does Xyzal Help With Eczema
Oral Antihistamines can be used to help reduce itching. Examples of antihistamines include Benadryl, Atarax, Zyrtec, Claritin, Clarinex, Xyzal and Allegra. Some antihistamines can be sedating and should be taken at bedtime. Immunomodulators such as Protopic and Elidel may be prescribed for severe atopic dermatitis.
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What Are The Most Common Nummular Eczema Symptoms
Avid coin collectors may recognize the prefix num from the word numismatics, which is the study of coins and money. Thats because nummular eczema was named after its most defining characteristic: the clearly defined coin shape the skin spots tend to take, according to Dr. Silverberg. Dermatologists sometimes refer to this eczema type as discoid eczema, another reference to its signature circular marks.
Shape aside, the AAD says nummular eczema symptoms can be identified by:
- Skin sores: These start as a cluster of tiny solid or fluid-filled bumps that are usually found on the arms and legs. If you had a recent injury, like a scrape on your knee, the sores may appear in that general area.
- Spots or lesions: The inflamed, coin-shaped bumps may appear brown or gray on medium-to-deep skin tones and pink to red on fair-to-medium skin. The lesions are typically raised and scaly, can grow in size , and may last for weeks or even months.
- Itchy, dry skin: Generally, the skin surrounding the lesions is dry and may peeland the spots themselves can really itch or burn.
- Raised lesions that flatten out: Usually, the spots flatten during the healing process. The middle area of the skin lesion starts to fade away first.
Carrots To Get Rid Of Eczema
If bugs bunny approves it, you should too. Carrots are the most underestimated of all the ingredients used for skin care. They are rich in Vitamin A and contain beta carotene. For your purpose, soften up freshly cut pieces of carrots using boiling water. After that mash those up to secrete there juice out. Apply the juice over the skin and let it remain there for a minimum of 15 minutes. Wash it up with cold water and see the results.
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Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
Inflammatory dermatoses such as nummular dermatitis are often treated by primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or dermatologists. Although the differential diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is quite broad, it is most often clinically diagnosed by recognizing its patterns of morphology, distribution, and epidemiology. Ancillary testing such as skin scraping with potassium hydroxide preparation, bacterial swab for culture and sensitivities, or biopsy may be performed either in the primary care or dermatologic setting. If the nummular dermatitis is unresponsive to conservative management and topical corticosteroids, it is appropriate to consult a dermatologist. A specialist should supervise patch testing, narrowband UVB treatment, or systemic immunosuppressant, or immunomodulatory therapy.
Treatment of nummular dermatitis can be optimized with an interprofessional team approach. The patients nurse, primary care provider, or dermatologist should monitor for therapy compliance, report any adverse effects, and relay the response to therapy to the remainder of the team. This type of interprofessional teamwork will enhance patient outcomes and minimize adverse reactions in caring for patients with nummular dermatitis.
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How Do You Get Rid Of Nummular Eczema Treatment Options
Nummular eczema, also called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, is a persistent but treatable skin disorder characterized by coin-shaped patches on the skin.
You can get rid of nummular eczema by managing three factors:
- Skin healing
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How Can I Prevent Nummular Eczema Episodes
To reduce your risk of discoid eczema flare-ups, try these skincare strategies:
- Avoid skin products and laundry detergents that contain fragrances or dyes.
- Avoid tight clothing and irritating fabrics.
- Manage stress, which may contribute to flare-ups.
- Moisturize with thick products, such as petroleum jelly or hydrating cream, especially when the skin is still damp after bathing or showering.
- Prevent skin injury. If an injury occurs, clean the area and cover it with a bandage.
- Take short , lukewarm showers.
- Avoid hot long baths.
- Use gentle cleansers that contain moisturizers.
- Avoid rubbing exfoliating skin.
- Avoid using a washcloth, buff puff or loofah.
Related Conditions And Causes Of Nummular Eczema
- Dry skin caused by cold, dry weather
- Sensitive skin
Eczema often starts in childhood. If your child has eczema, use the American Academy of Pediatrics handy Symptom Checker to understand the signs, triggers, and treatment for this condition, plus information on when to call the pediatrician and photos to help with identification.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Nummular Eczema
The most common and noticeable symptom of nummular eczema is a patch of coin-shaped lesions on the body. The lesions frequently develop on the arms or legs, but they may eventually spread to the torso and hands. They may be brown, pink, or red.
Other symptoms may include:
- lesions that are very itchy and burn
- lesions that ooze fluid and eventually crust over
- red, scaly, or inflamed skin around the lesions
Signs of eczema clearing or new flare-ups:
- Flatter spots are visible.
- Skin discoloration is present in the area where the spot flattens. In dark skin, this discoloration is known as postinflammatory hypopigmentation and may last for several months.
- A new flare-up may show up as a large, raised patch on top of an old, healing spot instead of a coin-shaped lesion.
When Should I See A Doctor
If nummular eczema is not treated, the rash will continue to get worse. It can be very itchy and sometimes nummular dermatitis causes pain or bleeding when you touch the affected area of skin. Nummular eczema may also cause your inflamed skin to peel or look like a burn because of excessive scratching. Untreated nummular eczema rashes can also lead to a secondary infection like a bacterial infection. Please see your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you believe you are suffering from nummular eczema.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema
The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. Your eczema may not look the same on you as it does on another adult or on your child. Different types of eczema may even appear in different areas of the body at different times.
Eczema is usually itchy. For many people, the itch can range from mild to moderate. But in some cases, it can become much worse and you might develop extremely inflamed skin. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch it until it bleeds, which can make your eczema worse. This is called the itch-scratch cycle.
What to look for:
What Causes Nummular Eczema
The causes of nummular eczema are not clear, according to the National Eczema Association. However, several factors may trigger the condition, including damage to the skins barrier, such as a cut, scrape, burn, or insect bite. Nummular eczema may also occur as a result of the skin being very dry or sensitive.
In people with contact dermatitis, nummular eczema may develop as a reaction to that type of eczema and its triggers, which can vary but may include detergents, hair dye, and nickel.
Stress may also result in eczema flare-ups, including the nummular form of the condition.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association state that males generally get nummular dermatitis more often than females. They also note that whereas males typically get it between the ages of 55 and 65 years, it tends to present in females during their teenage years or young adulthood.
People with nummular eczema may experience several symptoms, including:
- Coin-shaped, discolored lesions on the skin: These may range in color from red or pink to brown.
- Burning or itching sensations: These sensations may be severe.
- Inflamed or scaly skin: People may notice these skin changes around a lesion.
- Lesions on the legs and hands: Usually, nummular eczema lesions develop on a persons hands and fingers. However, they may also appear on the arms, legs, feet, and shoulders.
- moisturizers , which can reduce painful flare-ups and the need for steroid use
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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Nummular Dermatitis
If you have nummular eczema, you should talk to a healthcare provider and receive treatment. They can help you clear the flare-up more quickly and prevent infection.
During treatment, call for any signs of infection, such as:
- Feelings of pain or tenderness on or near affected areas.
- Red or brown streaks on the skin near a lesion.
- Swelling.
- Yellow or gold fluid or crust on the lesions, indicating the presence of pus.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Nummular eczema is a skin condition that causes raised, coin-shaped lesions on your skin. If you have any unusual spots on your skin, talk to a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist. They can differentiate between fungal infections such as ringworm, chronic problems such as eczema and other skin conditions.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/19/2022.
References
What Is The Treatment Of Discoid Eczema
As discoid eczema is associated with loss of skin barrier function, it is important to:
Protect the skin from injury.This type of dermatitis often starts after minor skin injuries, so careful skin protection is required. If the hands are affected, use gloves and tools to make sure the skin is not irritated by friction, detergents, solvents, other chemicals, or excessive water.
Apply emollients frequentlyEmollients include bath oils, soap substitutes and moisturising creams. They can be applied to dermatitis as frequently as required to relieve itching, scaling, and dryness. Emollients should also be used on the unaffected skin to reduce dryness. It may be necessary to try several different products to find one that suits. Many people find one or more of the following helpful: glycerine and cetomacrogol cream, white soft paraffin/liquid paraffin mixed, fatty cream, wool fat lotions, or urea cream.
Avoid allergens
If patch testing has identified contact allergy, exposure to the allergen should be avoided.
Anti-inflammatory treatments include:
Topical steroidsTopical steroids are anti-inflammatory creams or ointments available on prescription to apply just to the patches once or twice daily for 24 weeks. Topical steroids reduce symptoms and clear the dermatitis.
AntibioticsAntibiotics are often prescribed if the dermatitis is blistered, sticky, or crusted. Sometimes discoid eczema clears completely on oral antibiotics, only to recur when they are discontinued.
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Can Aloe Vera Heal Eczema
Aloe vera gel is a natural antibacterial moisturizer. Using aloe vera for eczema can hydrate the skin and may reduce the risk of eczema becoming infected. According to anecdotal evidence and some existing studies, aloe vera can be effective for the treatment of eczema. It should be safe to use for most people.
Reducing Redness On The Face
To get remove redness on the face, its helpful to have a daily skin care routine. Every day, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or water, pat the skin dry on the areas that are inflamed to soothe them, and then use a water-based moisturizer such as a cream or lotion to lock in moisture and reduce redness. This can really help to reduce inflammation fast!
Looking into your facial soaps, cleansers, and make-up products can help to see if there are harsh ingredients such as sulfates, exfoliants, or fragrance that might be causing your skin to break out.
Eczema on the face is typically patches of red and inflamed skin. This makes facial dermatitis especially difficult for children and adults to deal with, as it can be quite obvious and apparent!
Inflammation can also worsen due to outdoor triggers such as poor air quality such as pollution, dust, and dry weather. Because the skin has very little protection, its important to remove potential irritants and triggers.
In my video I show you what routine I do these days to keep my face clear and protected.
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Who Gets Discoid Eczema
Discoid eczema can affect all age groups. It is slightly more common in older adult males and younger adult females. In males there is an association with chronicalcoholism. Drug-induced discoid eczema can be due to medications that cause skin dryness.
Discoid eczema can occur in association with atopic eczema, eczema craquelé, and secondary eczematisation.
How Do You Get Rid Of Nummular Eczema
To help clear nummular dermatitis flare-ups, your healthcare provider may prescribe topical treatments. These creams or ointments are applied to your skin:
- Antibiotics.
- Calcineurin inhibitors .
Some people with broad areas of discoid eczema have difficulty covering all spots with topical treatments. Healthcare providers may suggest ultraviolet light therapy two to three times per week or oral corticosteroids.
Researchers continue to study additional treatment options.
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What Is It Like Living With Eczema
Many people live with eczema . As many as 15 million Americans may have this skin condition. Living with it can be challenging.
There may be times when your eczema disappears. This is known as a remission period. Other times you may have a flare-up, which is when it gets worse. The goal of treatment is to prevent such flare-ups, preventing your symptoms from getting worse. Be sure to avoid triggers, moisturize, take your medicine and do anything else your healthcare provider recommends.
Symptoms Of Discoid Eczema
Discoid eczema causes distinctive circular or oval patches of eczema. It can affect any part of the body, although it does not usually affect the face or scalp.
The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.
On lighter skin these patches will be pink or red. On darker skin these patches can be a dark brown or they can be paler than the skin around them.
Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered and ooze fluid. They also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night.
Over time, the patches may become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky. The centre of the patch also sometimes clears, leaving a ring of discoloured skin that can be mistaken for ringworm.
You may just have 1 patch of discoid eczema, but most people get several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.
Patches of discoid eczema can sometimes become infected. Signs of an infection can include:
- the patches oozing a lot of fluid
- a yellow crust developing over the patches
- the skin around the patches becoming hot, swollen and tender or painful
- feeling sick
- feeling unwell
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