Nummular eczema: how to recognise it?

Nummular eczema, sometimes referred to as discoid, is characterised by the emergence of rounded patches of oval or circular shape, clearly defined on the skin. These red patches, which resemble coins in appearance, have a diameter between 1 and 5 cm. The term "nummular" actually comes from the Latin "nummus" which means "coin". Nummular eczema, like other types of eczema, evolves in flare-ups. Another indicator of nummular eczema is the presence of blisters on the red patches. When these rupture, they ooze and form crusts which subsequently turn into scales.

The location of the red patches is another good indicator of nummular eczema. Indeed, the lesions caused by this dermatosis are primarily located on the legs, arms, and buttocks. Less commonly, they appear on the chest or back. The skin lesions due to nummular eczema cause intense itching and can also be painful. The symptoms of this skin condition impair the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Indeed, the itching and pain lead to sleep disturbances. The oozing caused by the bursting vesicles also promotes the social isolation of the patients.

The diagnosis of nummular eczema must be carried out by a healthcare professional who conducts a clinical assessment for this purpose. They first examine the appearance of the skin lesions and pay attention to their distribution, which is quite characteristic in the case of nummular eczema. Furthermore, a medical consultation also allows the identification of the origin of the eczema: atopic or contact. In the case of contact eczema, patch tests are used to determine the allergen responsible for the reaction and to eliminate it from the daily life of the affected person. This subsequently allows to prevent recurrence of nummular eczema.