Nummular Eczema
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Definition
Nummular eczema is an allergy-related disorder in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin.
Alternative Names
Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause of nummular eczema is unknown, but there usually is a personal or family history of:
It is relatively uncommon, and most often occurs in elderly men.
Several things may make the condition worse, including
Dry skin
Environmental irritants
Temperature changes
References
Morelli JG. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap654.
Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis
Symptoms
- Coin-shaped skin lesions
- On the arms and legs
- May spread to middle of body
- Ooze and become crusty
- Itching
- Scaly or raw skin
- Skin redness or inflammation
Signs and tests
Your doctor can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin and asking you about your family's medical history.
A skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other similar conditions.
References
Morelli JG. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap654.
Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis
Treatment
Avoid triggers that can make your symptoms worse, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods. Experts do not recommend taking frequent baths - excess bathing and soaps can cause dry skin, which often makes the condition worse.
Your doctor may recommend skin lotions, soaps, or moist bandages to soothe scaly, dry, or healing areas. Antihistamines taken by mouth may relieve itching.
Persons with severe symptoms may be given prescription skin ointments that contain tar, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs. In rare, severe cases, the doctor may prescribe more powerful corticosteroids to be taken by mouth or injection.
Expectations (prognosis)
Nummular eczema is a long-term (chronic) condition. Medical treatment and avoiding irritants can help reduce symptoms.
Complications
A secondary infection of the skin may develop.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
References
Morelli JG. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap654.
Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent the disorder. Avoid any triggers that make your symptoms worse.
References
Morelli JG. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap654.
Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.