by Shannon Smith, BSN, RN, 12 June 2012 15:57
Nummular eczema is one of the many forms of eczema that can affect people of all ages. The Nummular Word has a Latin Etymology, which means something similar to a "play tour", and this is a good description of what the Nummular dermatitis looks like in-round, scaly patches on the skin that are red and inflamed. Nummular Eczema often recur and is considered a form of chronic eczema.
The disease is common in people over age 60 and is more common in winter because the air dry. Nummular Eczema is not transmitted genetically and is not caused by allergies or contagious. It seems to be related to the drought and the lack of oil production.
Like other forms of eczema, Nummular eczema is the same type of red, itchy, scaly and form blisters, outbreaks. The obvious feature that differentiates the Nummular eczema is its round or oval. They can occur anywhere on the body, but most people seem to develop them on their legs. Several times, the scaly patches develop severe itching.
Since this is a mild form of eczema, Nummular eczema is more closely linked to the dryness of the skin is in contact by irritants or allergic reactions. At the end of genetic triggers cause Nummular eczema, but there are other factors that produce relapses in people who are already more sensitive to this.
Factors that produce Nummular eczema flare-ups include high levels of stress or anxiety and an increase in caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to quickly eliminate liquids. When the body expels the liquid, it means the loss of a significant skin moisture input. Dry skin means an increased possibility of eczema. Stress, still a major contributor to the eczema of any kind, can also cause Nummular eczema. Because stress increases the speed and the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, it also causes the body to eliminate (or maintain) water intake, which also leads to dry skin... and Nummular eczema. Many people have complained of Nummular eczema outbreak during the dry winter months.
Because dry skin is the main culprit of Nummular eczema, moist skin is the best defense. Ensure that the skin remains moisturized well will go a long way in the prevention and treatment of Nummular eczema. Regularly apply creams and moisturizing lotions or quality is one of the best treatments. Severe Nummular Eczema may require topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
Serious forms of Nummular eczema are those that persist for days, was attended by severe itching, pain or other irritations. Professional health using corticosteroids or antihistamines must generally treat these severe cases of eczema numular.
