People with eczema experience itchy, red skin with visible scales. Eczema results from a superficial inflammatory reaction in the skin. With nummular eczema, you develop round patches on the skin that itch. These patches are usually symmetrical on the arms and legs. Nummular eczema primarily affects adults.
What causes nummular eczema?
The cause of nummular eczema is unknown. It is often associated with dry skin, which can be caused by the use of soap or shower gel and dry air. Heredity is usually not a factor. In young children, atopic eczema can resemble nummular eczema (see the Atopic Eczema leaflet). Moisture retention in the legs, skin infections, skin damage (e.g., insect bites, wounds, and contact with chemical substances), and medications that dry out the skin can also lead to nummular eczema. Nummular eczema is not caused by an allergy. If your eczema symptoms are suspected to be related to an allergy, your doctor may perform allergy testing.
What are the symptoms of nummular eczema, and what does it look like?
Nummular eczema often itches. It appears primarily on the arms and legs but can also show as round, red, and scaly patches on the torso. Sometimes small blisters are visible. The patches have sharp edges and resemble coins, hence the name (nummular means coin-shaped). Small patches can merge into larger ones.
Is nummular eczema contagious?
Nummular eczema is not contagious.
How does your doctor diagnose nummular eczema?
Your doctor can usually recognize nummular eczema by examining the skin patches. Sometimes, nummular eczema can resemble a fungal infection (ringworm) or psoriasis (see the Psoriasis leaflet). In cases of doubt, a small piece of skin may be removed (biopsy) for tissue examination.
What treatments are available for nummular eczema?
- Nummular eczema is best treated with a corticosteroid ointment (hormone ointment). Strong corticosteroid ointments of class 3 or, if necessary, class 4 are preferred (see the Corticosteroids for Skin leaflet).
- Additionally, it is crucial to apply a moisturizing cream daily to prevent skin dryness.
- In severe, persistent cases of nummular eczema, ultraviolet light (UV-B) therapy may be necessary.
- In some cases, nummular eczema can be stubborn and severe. Your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive medications to be taken orally.
Is nummular eczema curable, or will you always have it?
With treatment using corticosteroid ointment and a moisturizing cream, the eczema usually improves quickly. New patches may develop later, but these will also improve or disappear with continued treatment. Nummular eczema can sometimes be very persistent. In some people, the patches do not go away or frequently recur, requiring long-term treatment.
What can you do yourself?
Avoid drying out the skin by limiting the use of soap or shower gel and taking short, lukewarm showers. If the skin becomes too dry, it is recommended to use a moisturizing cream daily.
