Nummular dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis is one of the many forms of dermatitis.[1] it is characterized by round or oval-shaped itchy lesions.[2] The name comes from the Latin word "nummus," which means "coin."

Nummular dermatitis
Other namesDiscoid dermatitis, Discoid eczema, Microbial eczema, Nummular eczema, Nummular neurodermatitis
Lesions visible on outer thigh
SpecialtyDermatology
Differential diagnosisDermatophytosis (Ringworm)

Signs and symptoms

Nummular dermatitis is characterized by chronic or relapsing itchy coin-sized ovoid-shaped red plaques.[3][4] They can occur on the trunk, limbs, face, and hands.[1][2][5]

Causes

Many contact sensitizers or irritants are known to cause contact dermatitis superimposed on nummular dermatitis. Studies have implicated nickel, cobalt, chromate, and fragrance as likely culprits.[6][7] Xerosis, or dehydration of skin is also a likely cause.[8] Infection with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Candida albicans may also play a role.[8]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is largely via clinical observation. Biopsies are typically not necessary, and cannot be used to rule out other atopic dermatitis or other eczemas.[9][10] However, patch testing may be employed to rule out irritants (contact dermatitis) as a cause.[6][11] In children, nummular dermatitis is commonly confused with tinea corporis.[8]

Treatment

One of the keys to treatment and prevention involves keeping the skin moisturized. Lotions, creams, and bath oils may help prevent an outbreak. If the condition flares up, a common treatment involves the application of topical corticosteroids. Oral antihistamines may help lessen itching. Avoidance of irritants is a common strategy. More severe cases sometimes respond to ultraviolet light treatment. If the condition occurs only during the sun-less winter months then vitamin D supplement might be an effective treatment.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of nummular dermatitis in the United States is approximately 2 per 1,000.[12] It is considered a disease of adulthood, for it is rare in children.[13]

See also

References

  1. Cowan, M. A. (1961-01-01). "Nummular eczema. A review, follow-up and analysis of a series of 325 cases". Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 41: 453–460. ISSN 0001-5555. PMID 13881857.
  2. WEIDMAN, ABRAHAM I. (1956-01-01). "Nummular Eczema". AMA Archives of Dermatology. 73 (1): 58–65. doi:10.1001/archderm.1956.01550010060006. ISSN 0096-5359. PMID 13275125.
  3. ADACHIA, A (2000). "Mercury-induced nummular dermatitis". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 43 (2): 383–385. doi:10.1067/mjd.2000.102457.
  4. Rollins, Troy G. (1968-10-14). "From Xerosis to Nummular Dermatitis: The Dehydration Dermatosis". JAMA. 206 (3): 637. doi:10.1001/jama.1968.03150030093022. ISSN 0098-7484. PMID 5695586.
  5. Perry, Adam D.; Trafeli, John P. (2009-05-01). "Hand Dermatitis: Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment". The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 22 (3): 325–330. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2009.03.080118. ISSN 1557-2625. PMID 19429739.
  6. Khurana, Sandeep; Jain, V. K.; Aggarwal, Kamal; Gupta, Sanjeev (2002-12-01). "Patch testing in discoid eczema". The Journal of Dermatology. 29 (12): 763–767. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2002.tb00219.x. ISSN 0385-2407. PMID 12532040.
  7. Bonamonte, Domenico; Foti, Caterina; Vestita, Michelangelo; Ranieri, Luigi Davide; Angelini, Gianni (2012). "Nummular Eczema and Contact Allergy". Dermatitis. 23 (4): 153–157. doi:10.1097/der.0b013e318260d5a0. PMID 22828253.
  8. Williams, Hywel C. (2005-06-02). "Atopic Dermatitis". New England Journal of Medicine. 352 (22): 2314–2324. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp042803. ISSN 0028-4793. PMID 15930422.
  9. Kulthanan, Kanokvalai; Samutrapong, Pailin; Jiamton, Sukhum; Tuchinda, Papapit (2007-12-01). "Adult-onset atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study of natural history and clinical manifestation". Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology. 25 (4): 207–214. ISSN 0125-877X. PMID 18402293.
  10. Julián-Gónzalez, Rolando Elias; Orozco-Covarrubias, Luz; Durán-McKinster, Carola; Palacios-Lopez, Carolina; Ruiz-Maldonado, Ramon; Sáez-de-Ocariz, Marimar (2012-09-01). "Less common clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis: prevalence by age". Pediatric Dermatology. 29 (5): 580–583. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01739.x. ISSN 1525-1470. PMID 22469300.
  11. Krupa Shankar, D. S.; Shrestha, Shristi (2005-11-01). "Relevance of patch testing in patients with nummular dermatitis" (PDF). Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 71 (6): 406–408. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.18945. ISSN 0378-6323. PMID 16394482.
  12. T., Johnson, Marie Louise (1977-01-01). "Prevalence of dermatological disease among persons 1-74 years of age: United States". ADV Data Natl CTR Health Statistics.
  13. Krol, Alfons; Krafchik, Bernice (2006-03-01). "The differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in childhood". Dermatologic Therapy. 19 (2): 73–82. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2006.00058.x. ISSN 1529-8019. PMID 16669989.
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