Nummular eczema causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and home remedies

Nummular dermatitis is one of the many forms of dermatitis. Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, features scattered circular, often itchy and sometimes oozing patches. The word “nummular” comes from the Latin word for “coin,” as the spots can look coin-shaped on the skin. They can occur on the trunk, limbs, face, and hands.  

In this video, we will introduce some useful information about Nummular eczema causes, types, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and home remedies.

By the way, welcome to Anatomy Note Youtube Channel again.

Causes of Nummular eczema

The exact cause of discoid eczema is unknown like other eczema types in modern medicine. Some cases are associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection.

The eruption can be precipitated by:

1. A localized injury such as scratch, insect bite, or thermal burn
2. Impetigo or wound infection.
3. Contact dermatitis.
4. Dry skin.
5. Varicose veins.
6. Wool, soaps, and some detergents.
7. Nummular eczema is more common in the winter.

In traditional medicine, it is believed that dermatitis is caused by the damage of the balance of the body organs natures, especially the skin natures, which is affected by various internal and external factors.

Symptoms of Nummular Eczema (dermatitis)

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.

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 center of the patch also sometimes clears, leaving a ring of discolored 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.

Treatment for Nummular Eczema

Unfortunately, nummular eczema has no 100% cure in modern medicine, but several treatments available for relieving symptoms and improve life quality. To help clear nummular eczema, your dermatologist will prescribe medication or light treatments. Most people will apply one of these medications:

1. Corticosteroid ointment.
2. Antihistamine treatment to reduce itching.
3. Antibiotics cream or tablets may be needed if infected.
4. Tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream.
5. UV light phototherapy and others.

Be sure these medical treatments are ordered and supervised by a legal dermatologist. Because some of these treatments may thin your skin and some may affect other organ functions in the patient’s body.

Prevention and home remedies for nummular eczema

1. In general, keep the skin lubricated.
2. Apply oil such as Neutrogena body oil or Alpha-Keri oil to the skin at the end of one’s shower.
3. Vaseline is even more helpful if not too greasy.
4. Do not take more than one bath or shower a day.
5. Use lukewarm water, as hot water dries out the skin.
6. Avoid contact with wool or rough clothing.
7. Cotton clothes (100%) are best.
8. When laundering the clothes, use no fabric softener, Kling, or dryer sheets.
9. Wash the clothes using dye-free, fragrance-free detergents such as the “All free” detergent.
10. See a pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema. They can recommend a suitable treatment.

Thanks for your watching.

Nummular eczema causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and home remedies | Discoid Dermatitis