Explore comprehensive insights on nummular eczema, including symptoms, causes, and effective treatments. Learn how to manage this chronic skin condition with expert advice and recommended skincare routines
Normal, dry to atopic skin
Nummular eczema: information on causes, symptoms, treatment
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Nummular eczema: causes, symptoms, treatment
Nummular eczema is characterized by circular patches on the skin. It is one of the seven types of eczema.
Also called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema, nummular eczema is a chronic skin condition including the most common symptoms of eczema like dry and itchy skin. Learn more about eczema
What is nummular eczema?
Nummular eczema is a long-term skin condition that causes skin to become itchy, swollen and cracked in circular or coin-shaped patches. It can affect any part of the body.
It is a chronic condition which can last for weeks to months and appears repeatedly from time to time.
What can trigger nummular eczema?
Nummular eczema causes are still not clear, but we consider the following factors more likely to trigger the symptoms:
Very dry skin or sensitive skin which cannot provide an effective barrier against any aggressions
Trauma to the skin from minor injuries, such as an insect bite or a burn
Allergies, asthma, hay fever
Bacterial infection
Rough fabrics
Frequent use of hot water
Dry environments and cold climates
Use of irritating cleaners
History with atopic eczema
Nummular eczema is not defined as an autoimmune condition. Indeed, there are other genetic and environmental factors that can lead to eczema.
Nummular eczema is not caused by stress, but the latter can contribute to flare-ups and worsen the symptoms.
Nummular eczema is not contagious. As we have discovered, it is triggered by external factors and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Nummular eczema is often triggered in winter. Because of dry climates and excessive changes in temperature, the symptoms may worsen.
How is nummular eczema diagnosed?
To diagnose nummular eczema, you need to visit a dermatologist. Thanks to a clinical exam, the specialist will be able to find oud which skin condition you are suffering from. Considering your symptoms and your medical history, nummular eczema can be diagnosed quite easily. Indeed, nummular eczema includes specific symptoms like:
coin-shaped lesions that are oozing liquid or have crusted
red, pinkish or brown, scaly skin around the lesions
However, in some cases dermatologists may need to run a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and confirm nummular eczema from other types of skin condition like psoriasis, ringworm, fungal infection, and other types of eczema.
Once nummular eczema has been correctly diagnosed, it tends to disappear completely with the right treatment.
There is no cure for nummular eczema but there are different types of treatment to ease your symptoms, restore the natural skin barrier, clear or prevent infection.
Topical corticosteroids or antibiotics
Calcineurin inhibitors
Light therapy
Oral corticosteroids or antibiotics
Antihistamines
To prevent flare-ups, it is also important to avoid irritating chemicals and to apply moisturizers every day to keep healthy skin.
The healing process usually takes one to several weeks with the right treatment, but additional flare-ups can still reoccur.
The first signs of nummular eczema are usually a group of small bumps developing on your arms, legs or hands. Those bumps quickly join into larger patches often swollen, itchy and looking like coins.
Patches of nummular eczema can sometimes become infected. In that case, see your dermatologist quickly to find the best treatment to stop the infection.
Nummular eczema is characterized by itchy coin-shaped bumps that ooze and become crusty whereas psoriasis causes thick scales on skin.
Without treatment, nummular eczema can last for weeks, months or even years. Which is why it is important to see a dermatologist to quickly get an effective treatment and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
What is the best product for nummular eczema other than medication?
A good skincare routine can help prevent nummular eczema flare-ups.
By moisturizing your skin daily, you can prevent it from becoming dry and prone to irritations. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Balm is an ultra-nourishing moisturizer that soothes and reduces feelings of discomfort. It durably strengthens skin and is suitable for the whole body. Discover Bioderma Atoderm range and choose the best skin care products for your skin type.
What should you avoid if you have nummular eczema?
If you have nummular eczema, there are some prevention tips to ease your symptoms:
Protect your skin from injury
Avoid harsh chemicals
Avoid tight clothing made of irritating fabrics
Avoid scratching the plaques
Avoid hot long baths
Cover lesions with bandages
Be consistent with your treatment
Nummular eczema is a chronic skin condition causing coin-shaped lesions on the skin. There is no cure, but effective treatments can be applied to limit flare-ups and reinforce the skin barrier.
