Nummular dermatitis | |
---|---|
Other names | Discoid dermatitis, Discoid eczema, Microbial eczema, Nummular eczema, Nummular neurodermatitis |
Lesions visible on outer thigh | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Differential diagnosis | Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) |
Nummular dermatitis (commonly known as nummular eczema or discoid eczema) is one of the many forms of dermatitis. [1] It is characterized by round or oval-shaped itchy lesions. [2] The name comes from the Latin word " nummus," which means "coin."
Nummular dermatitis is characterized by chronic or relapsing itchy coin-sized ovoid-shaped red plaques. [3] [4] They can occur on the trunk, limbs, face, and hands. [1] [2] [5]
Many contact sensitizers or irritants are known to cause contact dermatitis superimposed on nummular dermatitis. Studies have implicated nickel, cobalt, chromate, and fragrance as likely culprits. [6] [7] Xerosis, or dehydration of skin is also a likely cause. [8] Infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Candida albicans may also play a role. [8]
Diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is largely via clinical observation. Biopsies are typically not necessary, and cannot be used to rule out other atopic dermatitis or other eczemas. [9] [10] However, patch testing may be employed to rule out irritants ( contact dermatitis) as a cause. [6] [11] In children, nummular dermatitis is commonly confused with tinea corporis. [8]
One of the keys to treatment and prevention involves keeping the skin moisturized. Lotions, creams, and bath oils may help prevent an outbreak. If the condition flares up, a common treatment involves the application of topical corticosteroids. Oral antihistamines may help lessen itching. Avoidance of irritants is a common strategy. More severe cases sometimes respond to ultraviolet light treatment. If the condition occurs only during the sun-less winter months then vitamin D supplement might be an effective treatment.[ citation needed]
The prevalence of nummular dermatitis in the United States is approximately 2 per 1,000. [12] It is considered a disease of adulthood, for it is rare in children. [13]
Nummular dermatitis | |
---|---|
Other names | Discoid dermatitis, Discoid eczema, Microbial eczema, Nummular eczema, Nummular neurodermatitis |
Lesions visible on outer thigh | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Differential diagnosis | Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) |
Nummular dermatitis (commonly known as nummular eczema or discoid eczema) is one of the many forms of dermatitis. [1] It is characterized by round or oval-shaped itchy lesions. [2] The name comes from the Latin word " nummus," which means "coin."
Nummular dermatitis is characterized by chronic or relapsing itchy coin-sized ovoid-shaped red plaques. [3] [4] They can occur on the trunk, limbs, face, and hands. [1] [2] [5]
Many contact sensitizers or irritants are known to cause contact dermatitis superimposed on nummular dermatitis. Studies have implicated nickel, cobalt, chromate, and fragrance as likely culprits. [6] [7] Xerosis, or dehydration of skin is also a likely cause. [8] Infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Candida albicans may also play a role. [8]
Diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is largely via clinical observation. Biopsies are typically not necessary, and cannot be used to rule out other atopic dermatitis or other eczemas. [9] [10] However, patch testing may be employed to rule out irritants ( contact dermatitis) as a cause. [6] [11] In children, nummular dermatitis is commonly confused with tinea corporis. [8]
One of the keys to treatment and prevention involves keeping the skin moisturized. Lotions, creams, and bath oils may help prevent an outbreak. If the condition flares up, a common treatment involves the application of topical corticosteroids. Oral antihistamines may help lessen itching. Avoidance of irritants is a common strategy. More severe cases sometimes respond to ultraviolet light treatment. If the condition occurs only during the sun-less winter months then vitamin D supplement might be an effective treatment.[ citation needed]
The prevalence of nummular dermatitis in the United States is approximately 2 per 1,000. [12] It is considered a disease of adulthood, for it is rare in children. [13]