Nummular Dermatitis or Nummular eczematous Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema) is a coin shaped patch on the skin. It is a stubborn and an itchy rash.Its characteristics being oval to round erythematous plaques generally found on the legs and arms. The lesions begin as papules and then coalesce into plaques. In the beginning they may be studded with vesicles containing serous exudate. These are generally very pruritic. This condition is more common in males rather than females.

Nummular dermatitis is often recurrent and chronic and usually appears in people who are in their 60s but can occur at any age.

Cause

It occurs most commonly in winters but its exact cause is not known. People suffering from nummular eczema generally have dry skin and are easily irritated by detergents, soaps and rough woolen clothing. Nummular Dermatitis may be aggravated by cold and hot weather.

Symptoms

Nummular Dermatitis appears with few or many round red plaques with small overlying blisters. The plaques often extend to more than a few centimeters with visibly marked edges and overlying scale may be prominent. There may be swelling and oozing in new lesions. Itching can range from mild to severe.

The arms and trunk can be affected but the most commonly affected areas are the buttocks and the arms. Even after being cleared the spots may reappear in the same location. Nummular Dermatitis persists for years but it can be resolved completely. Most often the flare-ups occur during the winters but mild summers can aggravate the problem.

Treatment

There is no cure for Nummular Dermatitis but there are ways to control it. Tar, Vaseline and cortisone compounds are effective in controlling it. When a strong cortisone preparation is used to treat large areas of the body regular medical check ups become necessary. The areas that need to be avoided while using strong cortisone preparation include rectal area, armpit, face, and groin. Apply a little massage when using cortisone creams. Salves containing coal tar can be used for stubborn nummular eczema but the problem associated with it is that it smells and there is also problem of stains on the clothes.

Avoid perfumes, make-ups as they are likely to cause itching. Wear 100% cotton clothes. Use bath oils in the tub and keep the skin lubricated. Do not take more than one shower in a day. Do not use hot water as it dries the skin, lukewarm water is the best.