2. General Information
Discoid Eczema is a common type of dermatitis
Dermatitis = skin inflammation
chronic and recurrent condition
can be referred to as nummular dermatitis
3. Symptoms
Rash appears on the skin – red coin shaped discs
Affected areas are red, oozy, and crusty
Edges are well defined
Blisters are sometimes visible
The lesions (affected areas) are extremely itchy. May
also burn or sting.
Constant scratching and rubbing can cause thick,
leathery skin
Symptoms most common on the legs. May appear on
other body parts, but not the face or scalp.
4. What it looks like
Sometimes the skin patches
can clear in the center,
simply leaving a ring of
eczema.
Red patches of skin
5. Diagnosis
A primary care physician can usually make a
diagnosis after seeing the typical skin rash
A dermatologist can also play a role in the diagnosis
The doctor may take scrapings of lesions for analysis
to see if there is a fungal infection (ring worm) or if
they are worried about a bacterial infection
A biopsy is not generally needed
6. Causes
Cause is unknown
Most people with Discoid Eczema have generally dry
skin
However, it may be triggered by :
Insect bites
Burns
Minor Skin Injuries
Medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection (interferon and
ribavirin)
7. Epidemiology
Discoid Eczema can be a single patch or many
patches, may last for weeks or months
It is NOT contagious or genetic
No link between food allergies and the condition
No other systems are affected from this skin
condition
There is a risk of developing other forms of
dermatitis
8. Treatments
No cure – but treatments are aimed at easing
symptoms
Skin rehydration treatment
Emollients (moisturizers- prevent skin from becoming dry and
protect skin from irritants) Emollients can be used all over
your skin.
Reducing inflammation
Topical Steroid- apply only to the affected areas
Treating infections
If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed
9. Treatments (Cont.)
Tar preparations can reduce inflammation especially
for thickened, scaly plaques
Discoid Eczema improves in the sun. Photo therapy
(UV light treatment) is very beneficial, but you have
to be cautious of other risks. This treatment is
typically only used for severe conditions
10. Prognosis
To reduce reoccurrences of Discoid Eczema,
remember to keep your skin hydrated. Lotions,
creams and bath oils may help. Try to avoid hot
baths/showers. Also, avoid clothing and soaps that
can irritate your skin. A humidifier in your room can
help limit the reoccurrences and severity of flare-ups.
11. Bibliography
Nordqvist, Christian. "What Is Discoid Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis)? What
Causes Discoid Eczema?" Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 18
Mar. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
"DermNet NZ." Discoid Eczema (nummular Dermatitis). N.p., n.d. Web. 30
Sept. 2013.
"Patient.co.uk - Trusted Medical Information and Support." Patient.co.uk. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
“Eczema (discoid) ." Eczema (Discoid). N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
"Nummular Dermatitis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Aug. 2013.
Web. 30 Sept. 2013.
