Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis

Avoid triggers that can make your symptoms worse, such as wool, lanolin, and certain foods. Experts do not recommend taking frequent baths - excess bathing and soaps can cause dry skin, which often makes the condition worse.

Your doctor may recommend skin lotions, soaps, or moist bandages to soothe scaly, dry, or healing areas. Antihistamines taken by mouth may relieve itching.

Persons with severe symptoms may be given prescription skin ointments that contain tar, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs. In rare, severe cases, the doctor may prescribe more powerful corticosteroids to be taken by mouth or injection.

Nummular eczema is a long-term (chronic) condition. Medical treatment and avoiding irritants can help reduce symptoms.

A secondary infection of the skin may develop.

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

Also call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Symptoms continue despite treatment
• You have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, or pain)

Images

Skin layers

Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)