Nummular Eczema
Nummular Eczema
Everything you need to know about
Nummular Eczema
Eczema is a series of skin disorders characterised by itchy, irritated skin. The itchy, irritated spots of nummular eczema are round. Nummular refers to the form of a coin. That is why the condition is also known as discoid eczema. Doctors may also refer to the condition as nummular dermatitis.
This kind of eczema commonly affects the hands, arms, and lower legs. The affected areas are usually reddish-brown in colour. They may leak or appear scaly. Eczema, on the other hand, is not communicable.
Nummular eczema can affect everyone, however certain people are at a larger risk than others.
It’s more prevalent in:
- Men rather than women
- Those with extremely dry or sensitive skin
- People who have a different type of eczema
It might be triggered by an insect bite, a wound, a chemical burn, or an issue with your blood flow. It can also be brought on by an allergy or a reaction to something you touch (hypersensitivity).
How’s it diagnosed?
It’s critical to contact a dermatologist to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. Nummular eczema can resemble a variety of other skin disorders, including:
- Psoriasis
- Ringworm
- Infection with a fungus
- Eczema of a different kind
Dermatologists are specialists in skincare. Yours might recognise nummular eczema simply by looking at it. To be sure, the doctor may scrape a small piece of skin and send it to a lab for testing.
Treatment
Nummular eczema seldom improves on its own with over-the-counter medications and home cures. To relieve inflammation and stop the itch, your dermatologist will most likely recommend an ointment or lotion.
Staph infections in the afflicted areas are common in people with nummular eczema. If this happens to you, you’ll need to take an antibiotic or apply it to your skin.
If your sores are weeping a lot, your doctor may recommend an astringent like witch hazel or calamine lotion to help dry them out.
Because of their itching, some people with nummular eczema have problems sleeping. To help you sleep while your skin heals, your dermatologist may prescribe a sleep aid (such as a sedating antihistamine).
How can I prevent it?
Your skin may revert to normal after therapy. However, nummular eczema frequently returns, possibly in the same region. Ask your dermatologist if you should make any lifestyle adjustments if you experience frequent flares. Your doctor may recommend stress management practices or adjusting a medication that is causing skin irritation.
Patch testing, a type of allergy test, can help your doctor figure out if an allergy or hypersensitivity is to blame. Up to half of those with nummular eczema who do not respond to standard therapies have an allergy. You can avoid a metal like nickel, a fabric like wool, or a smell in your personal care goods once you know what you’re sensitive to.
It’s also crucial to keep your skin hydrated to keep it healthy and reduce the chances of the problem returning. These might be helpful:
- Showers that are quick and lukewarm (but not hot)
- Creamy moisturising lotion
- If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier.
