Tune in to hear dermatologist Ross Radusky, MD, and eczema patient advocate Nicola Johnston. Overview What is nummular eczema? Self-care can help you get the best results from treatment. Nummular eczema typically presents as circular itchy patches, which may look pink or red on lighter skin tones and dark brown or gray on deeper skin tones, according to the Skin of Color Society. The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Sanofi and Regeneron. People with atopic dermatitis often experience flares, during which symptoms worsen, and remissions, when symptoms improve or clear up, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Dry skin, because it weakens your skin barrier. Other skin conditions like ringworm and atopic dermatitis can also cause these signs and symptoms. To get the best results, dermatologists recommend the following: Use baths, showers, and handwashing to hydrate (instead of dry) your skin. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. Dr. Silverberg recommends bathing once a day using lukewarm water for about 10 to 15 minutes max. Apply moisturizer every day year-round. Reviewed by: Sometimes, treatment fails to work. Moisturizer plays a key role in healing your skin. 2013;31(1):36-42. Those who had atopic dermatitis or eczema are more likely to develop hand eczema compared with those who havent had atopic dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Its not nummular eczema. Ringworm, which can be spread from person to person (unlike any type of eczema), is caused by more than 40 species of fungi, including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thats because nummular eczema was named after its most defining characteristic: the clearly defined coin shape the skin spots tend to take, according to Dr. Silverberg. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. (Youll notice most of these are related to dry skin.). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Skinsights terms of service and privacy policy. Add bath oil to your daily bath. Find out what can help. You can think of steroids as food for fungi, Dr. Makhzoumi says. When its hot outside, plan outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day when possible. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. A course of topical or oral antibiotics should knock out any infection you do get. To get effective treatment, you need an accurate diagnosis. Nummular dermatitis is a pruritic eczematous dermatosis characterized by multiple coin-shaped lesions. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a topical calcineurin inhibitor like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus as an alternative or in addition to steroids. Nickel, an element often found in jewelry; potassium dichromate, a chemical used in cleaning products; and fragrances, found in many skin-care products, are common irritants. Occasionally, areas of skin affected by discoid eczema can be left permanently discoloured after the condition has cleared up. References These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Winter is usually the time of onset and severity. After your doctor diagnoses you with nummular eczema, they may discuss the following treatments: You may start by using topical steroids, which are medications you apply to your skin to bring down inflammation and relieve itch. There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels. Skin-care products that are labeled fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic are generally good options to try to minimize your exposure to possible irritants or allergens. See what dermatologists recommend by going to: Nummular eczema: Self-care. On lighter skin tones, the spots are pink or red. University of Maryland School of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lifestyle is not as affected by their eczema, How to Tell the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema, How to Know When Your Dry Skin Is Actually Eczema, The 21 Best Eczema Creams for Soothing Dry, Itchy Skin. Alcohol use and your health. Page last reviewed October 1, 2020. This image displays a severe case of nummular dermatitis. Take short, warm showers. Moisturizers with anti-itch ingredients like menthol or oatmeal can help. Infected areas may feel tender or painful. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. After a spot clears, you may see a flat spot of discolored skin. Advertisement Eczema types: Nummular eczema diagnosis and treatment If you have itchy, raised spots or patches on your skin, making an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist can be helpful. Further, your dermatologist can take a small scraping from the top of the rash and check it under the microscope to see if it is caused by a fungus to rule out ringworm. During an office visit, your doctor will place small amounts of potential allergens on your skin that are covered with patches, according to the AAD. This helps to reduce possible side effects from medications while helping your skin clear. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of soft, breathable fabric. [online ahead of print]. In the case of nummular eczema, the patches usually appear on the legs, forearms, or backs of the hands, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). For some people, a light treatment called phototherapy may be an option. Am Fam Physician. References Bonamonte D, Foti C, et al. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define moderate drinking in healthy adults as follows: Some bath oils can irritate your skin, which can worsen nummular eczema. Dermatology. Jiamton S, Tangjaturonrusamee C, et al. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. Products formulated this way are less likely to irritate your skin and trigger a flare-up. Drinking alcohol heavily. They may look . Fragrance-free products cannot contain any ingredient that is added to give the product a particular smell. People should be aware that they can really get to a state now where their skin is clear and their lifestyle is not as affected by their eczema.. I usually will have my patients soak and smear. The best time to put on your medicine is after you get out of the shower or bath, Dr. Makhzoumi says. The word "nummular" comes from the Latin word for "coin," as the spots can look coin-shaped on the skin. Choi S, Zhu GA, et al. Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, features scattered circular, often itchy and sometimes oozing patches. Nummular eczema is a master of disguise because its symptoms can mimic so many other skin conditions. Apply moisturizer as instructed throughout the day, which includes applying it to damp skin within minutes of bathing. Fabrics that can trigger a flare-up when they touch your skin include wool, polyester, rayon, nylon, acetate, latex, and spandex. The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may happen as a result of having particularly dry skin. The following pictures show what you may see on your skin. Anything that injures your skin can worsen existing nummular eczema and trigger a flare-up of new spots and patches. Apply your moisturizer to damp skin after every bath, shower, and handwashing. Dry air, because it can lead to dry skin. So, how can you figure out whats up with your skin? Nummular eczema is more likely to hang around and return when skin feels dry. Additional medicine can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe. It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. Related: 7 Common Myths About Eczema You Shouldnt Believe. If you have spots and patches on your skin or the itch feels unbearable, a board-certified dermatologist can help. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid. This can help the medication heal your skin more quickly. Heat and air conditioning zap moisture from the air, which can dry your skin and lead to a flare-up. Over time, the patches may become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky. "It tends to present, as the name suggests, like a ring . Use a humidifier in your bedroom, and keep the room cool and moist. The skin between the patchesis often dry. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Prescribe oral or topical antibiotics if the area becomes infected. If you have widespread spots and patches, you may need stronger treatment. About 25% of people with nummular eczema also have allergic contact dermatitis, meaning their skin develops an allergic reaction to a substance. Other skin conditions like ringworm and atopic dermatitis can also cause these signs and symptoms. Nummular means resembling a coin, and these round to oval-shaped spots can look like imperfectly shaped coins. The findings from these studies also indicate that people who develop nummular eczema have extremely dry skin. Thefirst sign of discoid eczema isusually a group of small spots or bumps on the skin. Clin Med Res. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Scratching the intensely itchy spots can cause raw, open skin. Most people will apply one of these medications: Tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream. Even when you cannot smell the fragrance, it can irritate your skin. After all, the two can look so similarbut each one has different causes that require different treatments. Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD, Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. To add moisture to your skin, which will help heal your skin, you may need to: Take a daily bath or shower up to 20 minutes long in lukewarm water. Eczematous dermatoses are common, representing approximately 10 to 30 percent of dermatologic consultations across different populations and ethnic groups [ 1-3 ]. We want people to trade their back scratchers for more productive things, Dr. Silverberg says. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Moisturizing skin-care routines are essential. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine. The skin between the spots is often extremely dry. Reviewed by: Other types of eczema include: Page last reviewed: 23 March 2023 As an example, atopic dermatitis is far more common in children than in adults, whereas asteatotic eczema . Heres how long botox tends to last. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Use a humidifier in your bedroom so that you can rest in a cool, moist place. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. On the surface, nummular eczema can fool you into thinking youre dealing with an infection like ringworm. It sometimes develops as a side effect of intravenous immunoglobulin infusions, a type of treatment for certain immune system disorders and diseases. If this happens, keep your dermatology appointment. But if you think youre dealing with nummular eczema, keep reading to potentially help clarify your suspicions so you can get the care you need if necessary. Erin Ducharme, MD, FAAD JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. If you have itchy, raised spots or patches on your skin, making an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist can be helpful. 2020 Aug 10. (fourth edition). Symptoms usually start with swelling around the ankle, varicose veins, or changes in color of the skin. Do you know which one? Erin Ducharme, MD, FAAD You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you. To protect your skin, always wear gloves for household chores like washing dishes, cleaning, and gardening. This may also be a good time to lather on a skin protector like an ointment, as long as your doctor says the two can be used together. Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD, Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. Known also as venous eczema and gravitational dermatitis, this type of skin condition is caused by a circulation problem, often with the veins in the legs. Antifungal medicines treat ringworm, whereas steroids are the first-line nummular eczema treatment. This is the most severe and long-lasting form of eczema. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. This could allowa previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate your skin. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Starting a medication that can cause extremely dry skin. This itch tends to worsen when you relax or try to sleep. Just a simple emollient like Vaseline can do wonders. Am Fam Physician. Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018:233-4. Avoid overheating. There are seven primary forms of eczema, each with different triggers, symptoms, and treatments.