Nummular Dermatitis Part I
As the seasons change here in the Charleston area, certain skin conditions become more common due to the differences in humidity and temperature. One such skin condition is nummular dermatitis, a form of eczema. A distinctive characteristic of nummular dermatitis is the unique, coin-shaped or oval lesions that form on the skin and can persist for weeks or months. Nummular dermatitis is a disease that affects 2 out of every 1,000 individuals. Men tend to develop this form of eczema more often than women, and it is very rare in children. The first outbreak typically occurs between the ages of 55 and 65, although the period between 15 and 25 years of age has also been shown to be active.
Several signs and symptoms develop when nummular dermatitis is present that help identify this disorder. One or multiple patches appear and tend to begin as a group of small, reddish spots that enlarge and grow together to form a reddish, coin-shaped lesion that can vary in size from less than 1 inch to more than 4 inches. These lesions can seep fluid at first before becoming crusty. Patches that have persisted for a long period of time tend to be scaly. Although these patches can be found in a variety of colors ranging from pink to red to brown, they are typically clearly defined. While they are clear in the center, a ring forms around the outermost area of the affected skin, causing nummular dermatitis to resemble a ringworm infection. Although the areas between the lesions typically remain clear, the skin may be very dry and irritable. Nummular dermatitis often causes itching and burning sensations which can range from severe to scarcely noticeable. When this form of eczema clears, it often leaves the affected skin either darker or lighter than the surrounding areas. While in most cases the discoloration is temporary, lesions that occur below the knee can result in permanent discoloration.
