Discoid eczema

1. Discoid Eczema

2. General Information Discoid Eczema is a common type of dermatitis Dermatitis = skin inflammation chronic and recurrent condition can be referred to as nummular dermatitis

3. Symptoms Rash appears on the skin – red coin shaped discs Affected areas are red, oozy, and crusty Edges are well defined Blisters are sometimes visible The lesions (affected areas) are extremely itchy. May also burn or sting. Constant scratching and rubbing can cause thick, leathery skin Symptoms most common on the legs. May appear on other body parts, but not the face or scalp.

4. What it looks like Sometimes the skin patches can clear in the center, simply leaving a ring of eczema. Red patches of skin

5. Diagnosis A primary care physician can usually make a diagnosis after seeing the typical skin rash A dermatologist can also play a role in the diagnosis The doctor may take scrapings of lesions for analysis to see if there is a fungal infection (ring worm) or if they are worried about a bacterial infection A biopsy is not generally needed

6. Causes Cause is unknown Most people with Discoid Eczema have generally dry skin However, it may be triggered by : Insect bites Burns Minor Skin Injuries Medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection (interferon and ribavirin )

7. Epidemiology Discoid Eczema can be a single patch or many patches, may last for weeks or months It is NOT contagious or genetic No link between food allergies and the condition No other systems are affected from this skin condition There is a risk of developing other forms of dermatitis

8. Treatments No cure – but treatments are aimed at easing symptoms Skin rehydration treatment Emollients (moisturizers- prevent skin from becoming dry and protect skin from irritants) Emollients can be used all over your skin. Reducing inflammation Topical Steroid- apply only to the affected areas Treating infections If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed

9. Treatments (Cont.) Tar preparations can reduce inflammation especially for thickened, scaly plaques Discoid Eczema improves in the sun. Photo therapy (UV light treatment) is very beneficial, but you have to be cautious of other risks. This treatment is typically only used for severe conditions

10. Prognosis To reduce reoccurrences of Discoid Eczema, remember to keep your skin hydrated. Lotions, creams and bath oils may help. Try to avoid hot baths/showers. Also, avoid clothing and soaps that can irritate your skin. A humidifier in your room can help limit the reoccurrences and severity of flare-ups.

11. Bibliography Nordqvist , Christian. "What Is Discoid Eczema (Nummular Dermatitis)? What Causes Discoid Eczema?"  Medical News Today . MediLexicon International, 18 Mar. 2010. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. " DermNet NZ."  Discoid Eczema (nummular Dermatitis).   N.p ., n.d . Web. 30 Sept. 2013. "Patient.co.uk - Trusted Medical Information and Support."  Patient.co.uk . N.p ., n.d . Web. 30 Sept. 2013. “Eczema (discoid) ."  Eczema (Discoid) . N.p ., n.d . Web. 30 Sept. 2013. "Nummular Dermatitis."  Wikipedia . Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Aug. 2013. Web. 30 Sept. 2013.