Are There Any Possible Complications
As mentioned above, bacterial infection of a patch of discoid eczema can occur and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Also, care should be taken to avoid scratching the itchy patches where possible. If you scratch a skin patch too much, scarring of your skin can occur.
After a discoid eczema skin patch has healed, in many people there will be no residual signs. However, in some people there can be some permanent brown discolouration of the skin in the affected area. In others, the affected area of skin can become paler than the surrounding skin.
Other Types Of Eczema
Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin. Other types of eczema include:
- atopic eczema the most common type of eczema, it often runs in families and is linked to other conditions such as asthma and hay fever
- contact dermatitis a type of eczema that happens when the skin comes into contact with a particular substance
- varicose eczema a type of eczema that usually affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
Page last reviewed: 30 October 2019 Next review due: 30 October 2022
What Does Scabies Feel Like At First
Common Symptoms
Severe itching , especially at night, is the earliest and most common symptom of scabies. A pimple-like itchy scabies rash is also common. Itching and rash may affect much of the body or be limited to common sites such as: Between the fingers.
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Are Shingles And Eczema Contagious
Shingles is highly contagious to those who are not immune to the virus. Shingles can be transmitted through direct contact with sores, but a person who contracts shingles from an affected person will develop chickenpox, not shingles.
If you have shingles, in order to reduce transmission of shingles to others, ensure your rash is well covered, avoid scratching and touching the rash, wash your hands often, and avoid contact with at-risk people like pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, and premature or low-weight babies.
Eczema, on the other hand, is not contagious and cannot be passed on from person to person. It is important to note if the rash becomes infected then the infection is contagious.
Diagnosing Nummular Eczema And Ringworm
Youll need to see your doctor for a diagnosis of either condition.
Its best to have nummular eczema diagnosed by a dermatologist. A doctor specializing in skin conditions or even your primary care doctor can help determine a treatment plan and rule out other conditions.
Nummular eczema is diagnosed with a physical exam. A doctor can usually make a diagnosis by looking at the skin. Nummular eczema is most prominent in these areas of the body:
- legs
- arms
- torso
If you have open sores within any of the rashes, your doctor may take a sample to see if you have an infection. This is especially important if your symptoms look like ringworm.
A sample can help them determine if you have a staph infection from eczema, or if its a fungal infection related to ringworm.
Red, circular rashes on the skin are a telltale sign of ringworm, but your doctor may also test a sample to confirm. Theyll look for signs of a fungal infection. If the fungal test is negative, then you dont have ringworm.
Once you have an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can explain treatment options.
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How Discoid Eczema Is Treated
Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem, but medications are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control.
Treatments used include:
- emollients moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
- topical corticosteroids ointments and creams applied to the skin that can help relieve severe symptoms
- antihistamines medications that can reduce itching and help you sleep better
There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels.
Additional medication can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe.
- feet
The face and scalp are not normally affected.
The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.
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 one patch of discoid eczema, but most people have several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.
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You Have An Infection Or Serious Health Condition
Underlying health issues such as infections can trigger eczema flares, and swelling of the legs associated with congestive heart failure can result in itchy, red skin of the lower legs. Although the presence of eczema does not typically indicate an underlying concern, if your eczema is not responding to treatments as expected, it is best to bring it up with your dermatologist.
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Skin Conditions That Can Be Mistaken For Ringworm
Fungus is everywhere. If you come into contact with it, you can develop a fungal infection. Ringworm is a common type that mostly affects the skin, hair and nails. Its caused by the fungus dermatophytosis or tinea. Ringworm is described as a red, scaly and itchy patch that has a ring shape. Its not dangerous and can be treated with antifungal medication, like Fugacil. However, there is some confusion that can make it difficult to identify ringworm. Symptoms can be confused with those in many other skin conditions. So, to receive the effective treatment, its very important to make an accurate diagnosis. Here are 7 common skin conditions that can be mistaken for ringworm.
Zinc Deficiency And Biotin Deficiency
Most cases of ZD occur in premature infants who are still breast feeding at three months of age when zinc levels in mothers milk drop as the infants zinc requirements increase. Typical presentation includes a horseshoe pattern of facial dermatitis or crusty erosions on the cheeks and chin. Diaper area involvement typically features sharply demarcated plaques with peripheral scale that, unlike Candidiasis, classically spares the folds. In older children, lesions localize to the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. Paronychia, alopecia, diarrhea, and recurrent skin infections are also common. Children with ZD tend to be irritable although there is no xerosis or pruritus. Until solid food is introduced, zinc supplementation improves clinical signs.
BD, or multiple carboxylase deficiency, is a rare autosomal recessive trait based on reduced activity of any or all three associated biotin-dependent carboxylases. BD presents with alopecia and maculopapular erythemic rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and genitals. The eruption is often accompanied by vomiting, apnea, hypotonia, seizures, lethargy, recurrent infections, metabolic acidosis, organic aciduria, hyperammonemia, and difficulty feeding. Symptoms generally present within the first year of life. Family history of BD is an important risk factor. Biotin supplementation improves symptoms.
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Eczema Around The Eye
When eczema occurs on the face, it often affects the skin around the eyes or eyelids . Eczema that develops near the eyes needs special attention because the eyes themselves can be affected.
Those with eczema around the eyes are more susceptible to certain eye problems such as conjunctivitis , inflamed cornea, and changes in the shape of the cornea .
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Look For Visible Signs Of Infection
Examining your childs skin for signs of infection is the first step in determining whether your child is experiencing more than eczema. Of course, this isnt always easy. Eczema is typically itchy, red and scaly. When its flaring, the skin may even appear weepy, oozy or crusty from all the inflammation.
Still, skin infections caused by bacteria usually present with a red, hot, swollen and tender rash that often is accompanied with pus. Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules. Overall, if your child has pus-filled blisters, yellow or orange-colored crusts, swollen red bumps or streaks of redness spreading across the skin, its possible that theyve contracted an infection.
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Can Atopic Eczema Be Cured
No, it cannot be cured, but there are many ways of controlling it. As they get older, most children with atopic eczema will see their AE improve with 60% clear by their teens. However, many of these people continue to have dry skin and so need to continue to avoid irritants such as soaps, detergents and bubble baths.
AE may be troublesome for people in certain jobs that involve contact with irritant materials, such as catering, hairdressing, cleaning or healthcare work. In later life, AE can present as hand dermatitis and as result exposure to irritants and allergens must be avoided both in the home and at work.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Scabies And Eczema
Scabies is a contagious skin condition where mites burrow into the skin causing itchy rashes. Eczema is a noncontagious and life-long skin condition that flares up at different times, sometimes without warning. Both conditions cause dark, itchy rashes to appear on the skin.
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How Can I Take Care Of My Skin In The Winter
In our dry climate, staying moisturized is a must. Makinzee says that winter skin needs a little more TLC than a daily lotion. I tell patients to look for thick creams that hold their shape. If you pump it on your skin and it seeps through, it may be too light for the winter. Some of Makinzees favorite daily moisturizers are Cetaphil and CeraVe because they dont contain fragrances or dyes. For very chapped spots like elbows and knuckles, Makinzee says you can go straight for the Vaseline or Aquaphor. Petroleum jellies are really great barriers for rough spots.
Some other measures you can take are getting a humidifier for your bedroom , using a water softener in the winter, and ensuring that your cleansers and moisturizers are gentle .
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What Do Benign Skin Lesions Look Like
It typically presents as asymptomatic, slowly enlarging, well-demarcated, irregular, skin colored to pink or brown, patches or scaly plaques. Lesions often reach several centimeters in diameter and may occur on any mucocutaneous surface, favoring the head, neck, and extremities.
Any spot that doesn’t look like others on your body. Any sore that doesn’t heal. Redness or new swelling beyond the border of a mole. Color that spreads from the border of a spot into surrounding skin.
Seborrheic keratoses are harmless skin growths that often appear as the skin ages. Some people have just one, but it is common to develop several. Seborrheic keratosis is not a risk factor for skin cancer or a form of precancer.
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Managing Severe Eczema And Stress
If your eczema is widespread and severe you will need to be under the care of a Consultant dermatologist, who will be able to assess your suitability for stronger treatments such as phototherapy or systemic immunosuppressants.
If your eczema could be attributed to stress, you might benefit from seeking out additional sources of emotional support. Your GP will be able to signpost you to local counselling services. You might also consider joining a local club or interest group to avoid becoming isolated.
Can Skin Cancer Be Mistaken For Psoriasis
Psoriasis and skin cancer both change the outer layer of skin. In the diseases’ early stages, it can be difficult to tell symptoms apart. It may be easy to mistake, for example, symptoms of skin cancer for symptoms of plaque or guttate psoriasis. However, the diseases tend to affect different parts of the body.
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Why Do I Suddenly Have Eczema
If youre diagnosed with eczema, your doctor might:
- prescribe medicines to put on the skin that soothe the redness and irritation, such as creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids
- recommend other medicines to take by mouth if the eczema is really bad or you get it a lot
If someone has severe eczema, ultraviolet light therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer medicines that change the way the skins immune system reacts also may help.
When To Seek Medical Advice
See a pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema. They can recommend a suitable treatment.
You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected. You may need to use an antibiotic cream or, in severe cases, take antibiotics as a tablet or capsule.
A GP should be able to make a diagnosis just by examining the affected areas of skin. In some cases they may also ask questions or arrange some tests to rule out other conditions.
A GP may refer you to a doctor who specialises in skin conditions if they’re unsure of the diagnosis or if you need a patch test.
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When To See A Doctor Or Healthcare Professional
Any skin symptoms that feel intense, excessive, or interrupt your sleep, work, or daily life deserve medical attention.
If you or your child has a rash or another skin condition that wont go away or gets worse, even with over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to evaluate it.
If you have an itchy, painful, or tender patch of skin that has red streaks, scabs, or yellow, oozing pus, or you begin to develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately.
These may be signs of an infection that could become life-threatening if left untreated.
If your itchy skin is accompanied by swelling or tingling in your face, tongue, throat, or lips, tightness in your chest, coughing, wheezig, or hoarse voice, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
What Are The Treatment Options
Though the underlying causes are different, treatment is generally similar, Dr. Fernandez says. You should see a dermatologist for any rash that doesnt go away with over-the-counter medicine, he says.
- Topical cortisone, especially if you have a mild case.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for more moderate to severe cases.
- or ultraviolet light treatment for severe cases.
Also, eczema can prompt a secondary infection so your doctor may use topical and systemic antibiotics to remove bacteria and calm the inflammation.
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What Can Mimic Scabies
These include bites from insects such as midges, fleas, and bedbugs infections such as folliculitis, impetigo, tinea, and viral exanthema eczema, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions such as papular urticaria and immunologically mediated diseases such as bullous pemphigoid and pityriasis rosea.
Difference Between Shingles And Eczema Causes
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have previously had chickenpox, there is a higher risk of having shingles later on in life. Even if youve recovered from chickenpox, the virus can be dormant and remain in the nervous system. Throughout the years, the virus can become reactivated and present itself as shingles.
The reason why the varicella zoster virus reactivates is unclear and may have to do with aging and a weakened immune system, hence the prevalence of shingles among older adults.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Because it often resembles an allergy, researchers believe that environmental factors may trigger the condition. A combination of factors may come into play with regards to the cause of eczema, including genetics, abnormal functioning of the immune system, environment, activities that cause the skin to be more sensitive, and defects in the skin barrier allowing moisture out and germs in.
Eczema has been found to run in families, so heredity may be a contirbuting factor. It is also more common in asthma patients and in those who suffer from allergies.
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Shingles Vs Eczema Differences In Symptoms Causes And Treatments
Written byDr. Victor MarchionePublished onJune 23, 2016
Shingles and eczema are skin conditions that can cause a rash-like appearance and inflammation of the skin. Knowing the differences between the two can aid in proper diagnosis as both require a specific treatment.
Shingles is a painful rash that is commonly seen among seniors. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus and can appear anywhere on the body. Shingles is a treatable condition, and there is even a vaccine available for at-risk groups in order to reduce the risk. Its important that shingles is caught early as it can lead to serious health complications.
Eczema refers to a non-contagious skin condition, which causes the skin to become inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. The exact cause isnt well understood, but there are many factors that may trigger its onset.
Here we will outline the symptoms, causes, and treatments for both shingles and eczema to help you spot these conditions and understand how to treat them.
Skin Thickens And Looks Leathery
With frequent scratching or rubbing, the skin tends to thicken in order to protect itself. The itchy patch may look leathery and turn a brownish, gray, or reddish in color. You may also notice that the itchy patch feels dry, rough, and scaly. Even when the skin thickens, the itch continues.
Frequent scratching can cause the skin to thicken
Very thick skin can have a grayish hue.
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