Causes of Nummular Eczema
The exact cause of nummular eczema isn’t known, but certain factors can raise your risk of having it. These risk factors include having a family history of allergies or atopic dermatitis, having dry skin, and having skin injuries, such as insect bites. Your risk of getting this condition might also be higher if you live in an area with a cold, dry climate. Other risk factors include having circulation problems in your legs, having bacterial skin infections, taking certain medications, or having another kind of eczema.
You might develop nummular eczema when you’re exposed to certain irritants, such as metals or soaps. This type of eczema can also occur when you’re stressed or exposed to temperature change.
Nummular eczema typically presents itself as a circular rash.
Symptoms of Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema mainly causes circular lesions to show up on certain areas of your skin, such as on your legs, arms, hands, or torso. These spots might have a reddish, brownish, or pinkish color, and the surrounding skin might appear scaly or reddish. The affected areas of your skin might be itchy or have a burning sensation. The eczema spots might also leak fluid and end up crusting over. Having this type of eczema treated is important, since it can lead to secondary skin infections that cause a yellowish crust to develop.Nummular Eczema vs Ringworm
Nummular eczema is sometimes confused with ringworm, since both conditions can cause round, reddish patches or spots. Knowing whether you have nummular eczema or ringworm is important in terms of treatment. While eczema isn’t contagious, ringworm can spread to other people. While both conditions cause rashes, nummular eczema tends to cause multiple patches, dry skin in general, and spots that can vary in color and cause burning or itchiness. Ringworm spots are reddish only and might not cause itchiness or burning. When you have a ringworm, you might also have one spot only instead of multiple spots.
Nummular Eczema vs Regular Eczema
Different types of eczema can affect your skin. Atopic or regular eczema is more common than nummular eczema, so how can you tell which type you have? Regular eczema can cause scaly, itchy patches on different areas of your body. These spots can leak fluid, have a reddish or brownish appearance, and cause dry skin. Unlike nummular eczema, regular eczema doesn’t usually cause circular or coin-shaped patches. Instead, patches of regular eczema can vary in shape and cover large areas of your skin.Men typically have nummular eczema more often than women. Men usually develop this condition later in life, such as in their 50s or 60s. When women have this condition, it usually shows up when they are adolescents or young adults. Regular eczema in men and women usually appears in childhood and can continue into adulthood.
Treatment for Nummular Eczema
Although nummular eczema is chronic, you can find relief with the right treatment. Part of effective treatment for this type of eczema involves avoiding irritants or factors that can trigger symptoms. For example, you might need to avoid fabrics, soaps, or household cleaning products that cause eczema to flare up. Keep in mind that it might take time to determine the exact irritants or factors that trigger eczema symptoms. Other ways to lower your risk of having symptoms include managing stress, avoiding cuts and scrapes, and using warm instead of hot water while bathing.
For relief from symptoms of nummular eczema, you can talk to your doctor about using medicated lotions or ointments. Over-the-counter antihistamine products might also provide short-term relief. Keeping your skin moisturized after taking a shower or bath can help as well, as long as you use a moisturizer that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients.
Both our Original & Nut-free Skin Soothing Creams help with relieving irritation and itching for all types of eczema, including nummular eczema. Our blend of Pure Honey, Beeswax, and 1% Colloidal Oatmeal moisturizes, calms, and protects skin.
When you have nummular eczema, keep in mind that you don’t have to continue dealing with itchiness and other symptoms. Finding treatment and avoiding triggers can help you manage this chronic skin condition. With ongoing relief from these eczema symptoms, you can easily improve your quality of life.
