Nummular Eczema                                                                

Nummular Eczema is rarely seen in babies, it is specific to adults. Nummular eczema is most common in older people with very dry skin. Sufferers of nummular eczema generally complain of an inflamed, crusted, itchy rash in the form of coin-shaped patches on the skin. It is commonly occurs on lower legs. Gradually, they will become a ring worm or psoriasis. Nummular eczema tends to be chronic and is characterized with fluctuating breakout periods.

There is currently no known causes of nummular eczema, health professionals believe that dry skin, low humidity, cold weather, some prescription medications and bacterial infections can lead to breakouts. Nummular eczema occurs more often in the winter. Since the cause of nummular eczema is not clear, treatment is mainly directed at minimizing the major symptoms of itching and burning. Similar to atopic eczema, soaps, bathing more than once a day and wearing wool clothing often make the condition worse.

Nummular eczema usually starts out as a group of tiny red spots and blister-like lesions. Then it gradually spreads and merges into a reddened, itchy, coin-shaped lesion that is two to ten centimeters in diameter. As it grows, the lesion will become clear in the middle and forms a "ring" that resembles ringworm.

Some Nummular eczema are cured within a year. However, the lesions persist or recur for many years in many other cases. Lesions that recur after clearing usually grow back at the same spot that it starts with.

Nummular eczema break outs most commonly occur on the lower legs, arms, torso, and hands. More men than women suffer from this disease. The age of peak onset is between the ages of 55 and 65 years. There has been a small peak in women between the ages of 15 and 25 years.

Nummular Eczema Treatment

Nummular eczema treatment is focused on relieving the itching and burning symptoms. Bathing in luke warm water (not hot water) with oil additives, and using emollients can help keep the skin moisturized. Body Oil, such as Neutrogena body oil or Alpha-Keri oil, will help to keep body moisturized. Vaseline can also be used. Apply moisturizer after each shower. Make sure to pat dry your body instead of rub it dry. For soap, dermatologists recommend using very mild soap, such as Cetaphil, Oil of Olay, Dove or Basis. 

Tar preparations and topical anti-inflammatory steroids may also be used to reduce inflammation and itching. Anti-histamines or ultraviolet phototherapy may also be used in more severe cases. In the most severe and stubborn cases of nummular eczema, oral steroids may be prescribed.

Also, be careful when washing clothes. Make sure to select detergent that is fragrance free. Avoid fabric softener or dryer sheets. Like treating baby eczema, avoid rough clothing and wool clothing. Cotton clothes are the most suitable for Nummular eczema patients.

Although there is no cure for Nummular eczema, using the steps above to minimize the symptoms will alleviate the pain and help you to control the Nummular Eczema outbreaks.