Friday, May 06, 2005

Discoid Eczema

Discoid eczema, also called nummular eczema or gravitational eczema is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin; normally on the trunk or lower legs. It may look similar to ringworm. These areas become itchy and can weep fluid. Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).It can be considered as an adult form of atopic eczema. It can be complicated by a bacterial infection which causes weeping and crusting.
The word "nummular" comes from the Latin nummus, meaning coin, and is characterized by round plaques of eczema. Eruptions of nummular eczema are often recurrent and chronic and usually appear in people who are in their 60s but can occur at any age. The cause of nummular eczema is not known, but it usually occurs in cold weather and is most common in people who have dry skin. Hot weather and stress can aggravate this condition, as can the following:
Fabric softeners
Allergies
Soaps and detergents
Wool clothing
Bathing more than once a day.