WHAT IS NUMMULAR ECZEMA?Nummular eczema is a form of eczema characterized by round or oval, red, scaly patches on the body. The name comes from the Greek word nummus , meaning "coin" (the patches are about the size of a coin). Nummular eczema occurs primarily in older adults (from about age 50) and slightly more often in men than women. The patches can appear suddenly, without any apparent cause. It is not contagious.WHAT CAUSES NUMMULAR ECZEMA?The exact cause of nummular eczema is unknown. It is thought to be due to skin irritation from soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and other skincare products, as well as dehydration caused by climatic factors such as cold weather and low humidity. Eczema sometimes develops if you have a predisposition (this is called atopic eczema), but nummular eczema doesn't develop this way; it just happens. Nummular eczema is often seen in people with dry skin. Dry skin can result from showering too frequently or too hot, or from using soap or shower gel on the skin. Dry skin also becomes more common with age.
Young children can also have nummular eczema. This is usually atopic eczema, a congenital form of eczema that can also occur as nummular eczema.WHAT DOES NUMMULAR ECZEMA LOOK LIKE?They are multiple spots, round or oval in shape, light red and flaky. Sometimes small fluid-filled blisters are visible. The spots are usually on the legs, but they can also be on the abdomen or on the arms, hands, or feet. The spots are itchy. Small spots can merge into larger ones. They may form scabs. Sometimes the spots become infected with a skin bacterium called staph ( Staphylococcus aureus ).
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| nummular eczema |
nummular eczema |
nummular eczema |
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| nummular eczema |
nummular eczema |
nummular eczema |
HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and its appearance. Some skin conditions can resemble the condition, such as ringworm (a fungal skin infection), psoriasis , atopic dermatitis , contact allergy, or impetigo . If there is any doubt, a small piece of skin can be removed for examination under a microscope ( skin biopsy ). If contact dermatitis is suspected, allergy testing is sometimes performed using patches on the back (patch tests).HOW IS NUMMULAR ECZEMA TREATED?Nummular eczema is best treated with a corticosteroid ointment. This should be a strong corticosteroid, class 3 or 4. It's also important to keep the entire skin in good condition. Don't use too much soap; you don't need to wash your skin with soap every day. Limit soap use to your armpits and groin; rinse the rest off only in the shower. If necessary, use light, moisturizing lotions, bath oil, or nourishing moisturizers. These don't have to be prescription medications; various high-quality skincare products are available at drugstores and supermarkets. Try different products and choose one you like.
For severe, persistent nummular eczema, ultraviolet (UVB) light therapy may sometimes be necessary.WHAT ARE THE OUTLOOK?The patches disappear if you apply the corticosteroid ointment thoroughly and take measures to prevent the skin from drying out. They can, however, return, often during the winter months when the air is drier. In that case, simply reapply the ointment. In most cases, nummular eczema disappears within a few weeks and does not return. |
