Nummular dermatitis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc.

Definition

What is nummular dermatitis (discoid eczema)?

Nummular dermatitis aka numularis dermatitis or discoid eczema is a chronic condition characterized by the formation of coin-shaped red patches on the skin. These patches usually feel itchy, ooze, or are dry and crusty.

This condition, also known as discoid eczema, often occurs after skin injury, burns, or insect bites. Patches on the skin and the accompanying symptoms can last for months.

While harmless and non-contagious, the symptoms they cause can be very disturbing. Symptoms may subside within a year if treated properly. However, this condition may not completely disappear because it is chronic (chronic or recurs frequently).

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of nummular dermatitis?

The most common symptoms of discoid eczema include the following.

• Coin-shaped blisters appear on the skin.
• A red, inflamed, or scaly patch appears around the wound.
• The blister may ooze or crust up.
• Itching and burning sensation on the affected skin.

The blisters generally appear on the arms and legs, but do not rule out the possibility of spreading to the chest and palms. The color of the blister varies between pink, dark red, or brown.

After removing the discharge, the blister will usually dry out into a crust. However, the surrounding skin may still appear red, scaly, or inflamed.

When should I see a doctor?

Immediately consult a dermatologist if you think you experience symptoms of dermatitis numularis. If not treated properly, the problem skin can become infected with bacteria and cause further damage.

Cause

What causes nummular dermatitis?

Like other types of dermatitis, the cause of numularis dermatitis is not yet known with certainty. However, the researchers suspect that its appearance may be related to sensitive skin.

Numeral dermatitis itself is divided into two types, namely exudative numularis dermatitis and dry discoid eczema. The two are differentiated based on the factors that may be the cause.

Here are the differences between the two.

1. Exudative numulatory dermatitis

Symptoms of exudative numularis dermatitis appear quickly and can last for months. Everyone can experience it, especially those aged 50 years and over. In children, this condition is often mistaken for atopic dermatitis (eczema).

The first patches usually appear on areas of the skin that have been injured or infected, for example as a result of:

• Burns,
• insect bites,
• varicose veins surgery
• scurvy, and
• impetigo (a contagious skin disease caused by a bacterial infection).

This disease is sometimes also caused by drug allergies, especially from the type of interferon alpha or injectable immunoglobulin. There are also cases of discoid eczema caused by contact dermatitis due to exposure to metal gold, nickel, or mercury.

2. Dry discoid eczema

Dry discoid eczema can appear on only one area of ​​the skin or on several parts of the body at once. This condition generally starts from dry skin due to eczema, excessive hand washing habits, or side effects of drinking retinoids.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is nummular dermatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with an examination of the patient's skin by a dermatologist. During the examination, your doctor may take a sample of fluid from the blister if a skin infection is suspected.

The doctor may also perform an allergy test if the symptoms are suspected to be caused by an allergic skin reaction. Allergy tests include skin patch test , blood tests, or elimination tests to identify substances that trigger allergies.

How to treat nummular dermatitis?

Discoid eczema is usually difficult to get rid of and can last for months. Therefore, patients are advised to consult a doctor in order to get the right treatment.

Regular eczema treatment will not heal the blister, but at least it can relieve inflammation so that the symptoms are not as severe as before. This step is also useful for preventing infection of problematic skin.

Treatment for nummular dermatitis is a combination of lifestyle changes and medication use. Here are some tips you can do:

1. Protect the skin from damage

Injury to the skin can exacerbate symptoms of discoid eczema. As much as possible, protect your skin from being scratched, cut, or damaged in any way. If necessary, wear long clothes when you have to travel.

2. Maintain skin moisture

The easiest way to keep skin moisturized is to shower with lukewarm water once a day. After bathing, use a special eczema skin moisturizer on the skin that is still half moist and supple.

3. Avoiding symptom triggers

Many factors from the surrounding environment can trigger a recurrence of numularis dermatitis. In order to prevent a recurrence of the disease, here are the things you need to avoid.

• Wool or synthetic clothing.
• Bathing for too long or with water that is too hot.
• Use of harsh soaps.
• Use of fabric softener.
• Chemicals in cleaning products.
• Poorly managed stress.

4. Using drugs

Medicines commonly used by people with discoid eczema are antihistamines, corticosteroid ointments, and tar creams. Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies, while corticosteroids are usually stronger and require a doctor's prescription.

Always use medicines as directed by your doctor. The reason is, certain drugs have serious side effects. Corticosteroid ointments, for example, can cause skin thinning when used long-term.

5. Maintain healthy teeth

A case report in The Journal of Dermatology revealed that numulatory dermatitis can be triggered by infection in the body, especially from cavities. The rash seems to improve after the patient undergoes routine dental care.

Don't forget to brush your teeth regularly, limit foods that can cause cavities, and get your teeth checked at least every six months. These steps can protect teeth from the risk of premature decay.

Numeral dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin characterized by coin-shaped blisters. Skin problems can heal as long as they are treated properly, but there is still a chance that sores will reappear in the same form.

Even so, treatment is very useful for relieving symptoms and preventing skin infections. If you experience symptoms, try to consult your doctor to get the right treatment.