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Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)

Definition: Nummular Dermatitis (also known as nummular eczema) is a type of dermatitis that commonly affects people 55 years and older with round or oval, coin shaped lesions. These lesions are red in color, itchy, and appear most often on the legs and arms but can spread to the trunk of the body. Nummular dermatitis affects men more than women. Nummular comes from the Latin word "nummus," which means "coin." Both the words dermatitis and eczema are general words to describe an "inflammation of the skin."

Causes: The exact cause of nummular dermatitis is unknown. Like other types of eczema and dermatitis, nummular dermatitis is a chronic condition with periods of inactivity and flare ups. Nummular dermatitis often occurs in those with very dry skin and a proneness towards other types of eczema and dermatitis, especially contact dermatitis.

According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "...there is usually a personal or family history of asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, or similar disorders." (1)

As with other types of dermatitis and eczema, nummular dermatitis may be exacerbated by:

  • Cold weather, temperature changes
  • Wool clothing
  • Harsh soaps, detergents, solvents.
  • Stress
  • Excessive Sweating
  • Frequent bathing

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is made by a visual inspection of the appearance and location of the skin lesions.

Treatment: Nummular dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent condition that is controllable with treatment. Following your doctor's guidance, treatment typically involves:

  1. Treating the skin lesions
  2. Avoidance of environmental irritants and/or allergens that may exacerbate conditions.

Treatment of nummular dermatitis usually begins with rehydrating the skin with moisturizing lotions. Lotion is best used immediately following a bath or shower to lock in the moisture in the skin.

Your doctor may also treat the lesions with prescription strength steroid-based ointments to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. Follow the recommended guidelines or doctor's advice when using steroid based ointments. Oral or injection based steroids may also be prescribed by your doctor in moderate to severe cases.

In stubborn cases of nummular dermatitis, coal tar or ultralight therapy may be prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed if the lesions become infected.

Avoidance of factors that may exacerbate conditions include:

  1. Taking luke-warm showers instead of hot water showers which tend to dry out the skin.
  2. Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents. Patients should use a mild, non skin drying soap. Body oil may be added to bath water.
  3. Wear cotton clothing that "breathes" and avoid clothes with wool or other fibers that irritate the skin.
  4. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals such as gasolene, petroleum products or fertilizers.
  5. Avoiding cold weather and/or wind which may dry out your skin. If you live in a cold weather climate, a room humidifier may be useful in keeping your skin hydrated while the heat is turned on.

Once the lesions have been successfully treated and are in remission, the occurence of future flare-ups can be significantly reduced through aggressive hydration of the skin. Moisturizing skin lotion should be applied at least once or twice a day.

As with all cases of dermatitis and eczema, consult with your doctor for treatment and avoidance recommendations.

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

 

 

 

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Page Last Modified:
09/09/2010