Discoid eczema, or nummular eczema, is a common type of skin issue. ‘Discoid’ refers to the round or oval patches it creates on your skin, kind of like little coins. ‘Eczema’ is a general term for conditions that cause red, itchy, and inflamed skin. This kind of eczema usually shows up as coin-shaped spots on the skin. These spots might be itchy and scaly, often pink or red, and sometimes ooze a clear fluid. As time passes, these patches can become crusty and start to look a bit like a target or bullseye.
Types
There are various types of eczema, and one of them is called Discoid Eczema. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it before. We’ll break it down for you in this article in easy-to-understand words.
Discoid Eczema – What Is It?
In simple terms, Discoid Eczema, also known as Nummular Dermatitis, is a form of eczema that appears as round or oval patches on the skin. The word ‘discoid’ means ‘like a disc’ because of the round or oval shape of these patches. These can be very itchy and uncomfortable, and they might even leak fluid sometimes. Anyone can get this type of eczema, but it’s more common in adults than kids.
Now, there are no ‘types’ of Discoid Eczema as such, but it can present differently in different people, based on various factors like severity, presence of infection, and treatment response. So, let’s explore these different aspects.
Mild Discoid Eczema
In its milder form, you might notice red, itchy, and inflamed disc-shaped patches on the skin. These patches might be a little raised and could feel dry and scaly. Mild discoid eczema might be bothersome but doesn’t usually interfere much with daily activities.
Severe Discoid Eczema
If it gets more severe, the patches could become larger, more numerous, and intensely itchy. They might start oozing fluid and form a crust. This could be quite uncomfortable and might make it harder to carry out your day-to-day tasks.
Infected Discoid Eczema
Sometimes, discoid eczema can become infected. This happens when bacteria get into the skin through the cracks in the eczema patches. Signs of infection might include pain, warmth, swelling, or pus in the affected areas. If you notice these signs, it’s essential to see a doctor because you might need antibiotics to treat the infection.
Causes
This skin ailment is usually found in adults with dry skin. But what causes discoid eczema? Let’s delve into the top causes.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin is susceptible to discoid eczema. The lack of moisture can lead to irritation, triggering eczema flare-ups.
- Weather: Cold, dry weather can lead to skin dryness, increasing the risk of discoid eczema. On the other hand, hot, humid weather can cause excessive sweating, another trigger.
- Stress: Emotional stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to skin conditions like discoid eczema.
- Allergies: Certain substances, such as nickel, fragrances, or rubber can trigger an allergic reaction leading to discoid eczema.
- Harsh Soaps: Soaps and detergents with strong chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
- Insect Bites: Insect bites can cause an inflammatory response in the skin, triggering discoid eczema.
- Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal skin infections can cause discoid eczema.
- Poor Diet: Lack of essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, and E can affect skin health and contribute to eczema.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Both these habits can dry out the skin, making it prone to discoid eczema.
- Genetics: If your family has a history of eczema or other skin conditions, you’re more likely to develop discoid eczema.
- Contact with Irritants: Prolonged skin contact with irritants like certain fabrics, plants, or chemicals can trigger eczema.
- Certain Medications: Some medicines can cause skin dryness or an allergic reaction, leading to discoid eczema.
- Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid issues can increase the risk of discoid eczema.
- Imbalanced Gut Microbiome: An imbalanced gut microbiome can affect your immune response, potentially causing discoid eczema.
- Exposure to Extreme Temperatures: Frequent changes in temperature can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, triggering eczema.
- Physical Trauma: Injuries like burns, cuts, or scrapes can lead to discoid eczema.
- Over-washing Hands: Frequent hand-washing can strip away the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
- Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, like during menstruation or menopause, can trigger discoid eczema.
- Long Hot Baths or Showers: Hot water can remove the skin’s natural oil, leading to dryness and eczema.
- Excessive Scratching: Scratching can damage the skin’s surface and lead to discoid eczema.
- Friction: Friction caused by tight clothing can irritate the skin, triggering discoid eczema.
- Prolonged Exposure to Water: Extended water exposure can dry out the skin, leading to discoid eczema.
- Fragrances and Dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes in personal care products can irritate the skin.
- Certain Foods: Food allergens like dairy, nuts, or gluten can trigger eczema in some people.
- Sweat: Accumulated sweat can irritate the skin, causing discoid eczema.
- Heavy Cleansers: Certain heavy-duty cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to discoid eczema.
- Pet Dander: Allergies to pet dander can cause an inflammatory skin response, leading to discoid eczema.
- Dust Mites: Allergies to dust mites can trigger eczema flare-ups.
- Certain Fabrics: Some fabrics like wool or synthetic materials can irritate the skin, leading to discoid eczema.
- Latex: Allergy to latex can cause an allergic skin reaction, triggering discoid eczema.
This list offers a comprehensive overview of the possible triggers for discoid eczema. Remember, the causes can vary from person to person. If you believe you’re dealing with discoid eczema, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Symptoms
Let’s discuss the top symptoms of discoid eczema in simple, plain English.
- Circular or Oval Rashes: These are often the first noticeable signs. They may appear anywhere on the body, but often show up on the legs, arms, and trunk.
- Itchy Skin: If you’re continually scratching, it could be discoid eczema. The itchiness might be mild or could become intense, especially during the night.
- Red, Inflamed Skin: Look out for reddened skin areas. These inflamed patches are a telltale sign.
- Dry, Scaly Skin: Another characteristic is patches of dry, flaky skin. These can crack, leading to further discomfort.
- Pink or Red Bumps: Raised, small, pink, or red bumps could form, especially in the early stages of the condition.
- Skin Discoloration: The affected skin may turn darker or lighter than your normal skin tone.
- Fluid-filled Blisters: In some cases, small blisters filled with fluid might form on the patches.
- Weeping Skin: The blisters can break open, causing a discharge of fluid. This can make the skin feel wet and sticky.
- Crusting Over: Post the weeping stage, a yellowish crust may form over the affected areas.
- Swelling: The skin around the affected area can swell due to inflammation.
- Burning Sensation: Some people experience a burning or stinging sensation in the patches.
- Skin Sensitivity: The skin can become sensitive to touch and to certain skincare products.
- Infections: Scratching the patches can lead to skin infections, signaled by increased redness, pain, or pus.
- Pain or Soreness: While not as common, some people feel pain or soreness in the affected areas.
- Chronic or Recurring Rashes: Discoid eczema often comes and goes over time. Frequent flare-ups are a common symptom.
- Insomnia: Due to discomfort or itching, especially at night, some people might have trouble sleeping.
- Psychological Stress: Dealing with persistent skin issues can lead to feelings of stress or anxiety.
- Thickened Skin: Over time, the skin patches may become thick and leathery, a condition called lichenification.
- Fever: In cases of severe infection, you might experience fever or chills.
- Fatigue: Dealing with chronic eczema and the resulting poor sleep can often lead to feelings of fatigue.
Diagnosis
Diagnoses and tests for discoid eczema, explained in simple English to increase understanding:
- Visual Examination: This is the first step. Doctors usually identify discoid eczema by looking at the skin.
- Medical History: Discussing your medical and family history helps doctors understand if you’re prone to skin conditions.
- Patch Testing: Tiny amounts of potential allergens are applied on your skin to check for a reaction.
- Prick Testing: A tiny prick is made on the skin, where allergens are introduced to check for allergic reactions.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can help rule out other conditions that might look like discoid eczema.
- Skin Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of your skin to look at under a microscope.
- Ruling Out Ringworm: Ringworm, a fungal infection, can look like discoid eczema. A simple test can rule this out.
- Ruling Out Psoriasis: Psoriasis is another skin condition that might be confused with discoid eczema. Doctors usually distinguish them based on appearance.
- Ruling Out Atopic Dermatitis: This common form of eczema can often overlap with discoid eczema.
- Infection Assessment: Doctors may check for signs of infection in your eczema, which can affect treatment.
- Contact Allergy Testing: Some substances touching your skin might trigger discoid eczema.
- Skin Scraping: This helps in detecting fungal or bacterial infections.
- Lifestyle Evaluation: Your doctor might ask about your daily habits, as factors like stress or dry skin can trigger eczema.
- Skin Prick Test: Different from a prick test, this identifies immediate allergic reactions to as many as 40 different substances at once.
- Intradermal Test: This involves injecting a small amount of allergen into the skin to check for a reaction.
- Phototesting: This test checks how your skin responds to ultraviolet light, which can affect eczema.
- Patch Test for Metals: Metals, like nickel, can cause discoid eczema in some people.
- Cosmetics Testing: Some makeup or skincare products can trigger discoid eczema.
- IgE Levels Test: IgE is an antibody that’s often higher in people with allergies or eczema.
- Elimination Diet: If a food allergy is suspected, your doctor might suggest removing certain foods from your diet to see if your eczema improves.
- Environmental Allergen Test: This test identifies whether substances in your environment, like dust mites or pollen, might be causing your eczema.
- Sweat Test: Some people find their eczema worsens with sweat, and this test can help identify if that’s a factor for you.
- Stress Assessment: Stress can worsen eczema in some people. Your doctor might ask questions about your stress levels.
- Cold, Dry Air Exposure: For some, cold, dry air can trigger eczema. This test exposes you to such conditions to see how your skin reacts.
Treatment
Most effective treatments for discoid eczema. Each treatment is explained in simple, plain English, making it easy for anyone to understand and implement.
1. Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are creams or ointments that reduce inflammation and itching. They are a go-to treatment for discoid eczema and are available in different strengths.
2. Moisturizers
Daily use of moisturizers can help to soothe the skin and reduce dryness. They can be used alongside other treatments to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
3. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
This type of medication, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, works by calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. They are useful when steroids aren’t effective or suitable.
4. Coal Tar Creams
This old-school remedy can reduce itchiness and inflammation. Although it may be a bit messy, it is known for its effectiveness.
5. Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines can be used to control itching, especially at night. They won’t cure eczema, but they will make it more bearable.
6. Phototherapy
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It can help to reduce symptoms in more severe cases.
7. Patch Testing
This involves placing small amounts of potential allergens on your skin to identify triggers. Once identified, these triggers can be avoided to help manage symptoms.
8. Wet Wraps
Wet wraps involve wrapping the skin in damp bandages to lock in moisture and help the skin heal.
9. Antibiotics
Sometimes, eczema can lead to infections. In these cases, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to fight off the bacteria causing the infection.
10. Steroid Tablets
In severe cases, oral steroids may be prescribed for short periods to control symptoms.
11. Alitretinoin
Alitretinoin, an oral retinoid, is used for severe, long-term discoid eczema which hasn’t responded to other treatments.
12. Bandages or Dressings
Special dressings can protect your skin, prevent scratching, and help creams and ointments work better.
13. Emollient Bath Additives
Adding an emollient to your bath water can keep your skin moisturized and reduce dryness and itching.
14. Hypoallergenic Products
Products free from potential allergens like perfumes or dyes can help to reduce flare-ups.
15. Lifestyle Changes
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can improve your overall health and reduce eczema symptoms.
16. Stress Management
Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to manage stress, which is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups.
17. Essential Oils
Certain essential oils like chamomile and tea tree oil can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
18. Oatmeal Baths
Soaking in a bath of colloidal oatmeal can soothe the skin and reduce itching.
19. Vitamin D Supplements
Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to eczema. Taking supplements may improve symptoms in some people.
20. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These healthy fats found in fish and flaxseeds can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
21. Probiotics
Probiotics, found in fermented foods and supplements, can help to balance the gut microbiome and may improve eczema symptoms.
22. Elimination Diet
If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet can help identify the culprit.
23. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water can improve skin hydration and reduce dryness.
24. Cool Compresses
Applying a cool, damp cloth to the skin can help to relieve itching and soothe inflammation.
25. Aloe Vera
The gel from the aloe vera plant can be used to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation.
26. Cotton Clothing
Wearing breathable, cotton clothing can help to reduce skin irritation.
27. Eczema Support Groups
Support groups can offer emotional support and practical tips for managing discoid eczema.
28. Medical Trials
If standard treatments aren’t working, participating in a medical trial for a new treatment may be an option.
29. Apple Cider Vinegar
Diluted apple cider vinegar can help to balance the skin’s acidity levels and reduce itching.
30. Gentle Skincare Routine
Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products can help to reduce skin irritation and prevent flare-ups.
Conclusion
Discoid eczema may be a challenging condition to manage, but these 30 treatments can help to soothe your skin and improve your quality of life. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments.