Nummular eczema is one form of such a common disease as eczema. It is characterized by the appearance of small round spots on the body. At the same time, a strong, unbearable itch appears. But before delving into this issue, you need to figure out what exactly is this eczema, and what else does it happen?
What is eczema?
Eczema is an acute, non-contagious dermatological pathology, which is manifested by a rash on the skin that is diverse in shape and color, a burning sensation and itching. This disease was known two centuries before our era. It can be assumed that Hippocrates and Avicenna faced similar symptoms in their patients. At that time, almost any skin rash was called eczema. Only in the middle of the 19th century did Willen, Bateman, and Reis, at ten-year intervals, turn their attention to this disease and deduce its inherent patterns.
Nummular eczema is a recurring acute dermatitis, which is manifested by small, round rashes that do not have a specific localization. It can manifest itself as single, barely noticeable elements, or it can densely cover the entire body. More often men are ill.
Classification
There are several types of eczema that have the most characteristic clinical picture against the background of signs common to this disease.
- Idiopathic eczema. In the acute period of the disease, the skin swells and small vesicles appear on it, which quickly burst and expose sores, called serous wells. The wound surface does not bleed, but the released clear fluid dries up with the formation of yellowish crusts. Under them, the erosion heals, and the disease ends before the next relapse.
- Microbial eczema. Based on the name, it is associated with the attachment of bacterial flora in places of permanent damage to the skin and mucous membranes. In addition to the main signs inherent in idiopathic eczema, layering from layers of hardened pus is inherent in this form. The process of the appearance of rash elements and their development is accompanied by itching and scratching. Nummular eczema is a variation of this form.
- Mycotic eczema. The disease occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to the introduction of fungal spores into the body. The body produces antibodies to foreign proteins and thereby tries to eliminate the fungus, but the places where the micelles are formed also suffer from the aggressive effects of the immune system.
- Seborrheic eczema. It appears that it is logical in patients already suffering from another dermatological pathology. Rashes appear on areas of the skin that have a lot of sebaceous glands (for example, the scalp, ears, nasolabial folds, etc.). The spots merge with each other, form the likeness of garlands.
- Occupational eczema appears in people who are constantly in contact with active chemicals.
- Tilotic (horny) eczema is observed exclusively on the palms and soles. It appears in the form of corns and diaper rash.
- Children's eczema is associated with the allergic location of the child due to burdened heredity (the presence of allergies in close relatives). It is one of the most common forms of this disease.
Causes of Nummular Eczema
Let's understand in more detail, because of which, after all, nummular eczema appears. The causes of the appearance of specific symptoms of the disease can be very different. These are artificial flavorings in food products, and medicines, and active chemicals. But not only exogenous factors can contribute to the appearance of eczema. Other medical pathologies can also act as trigger factors. These include:
- diabetes;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- hyperhidrosis or exicosis;
- metabolic disorders;
- hormonal pathologies;
- stresses;
- violation of peripheral circulation.
Pathophysiologists agree that the most obvious reason for the development of eczema is a violation of the normal functioning of the skin, a decrease in its immune and regenerative properties.
Symptoms
Nummular dermatitis (disk eczema) manifests itself in the form of round spots and large spots, which have clear boundaries and protrude above the surface of the surrounding unchanged skin. Their diameter does not exceed three centimeters. Color can vary from pale pink to red and even purple-blue.
The appearance of rashes is accompanied by severe itching, which can bring severe discomfort to the patient, disrupting his usual daily routine. In rare cases, exudate perspiration joins the elements of the rash - on the surface of the spots, patients notice transparent drops of fluid. After the acute phase, chronicity begins. The surface of the rash becomes dry, the skin is peeling and cracking, crusts appear.
Rashes, as a rule, appear on the limbs, but may well occur on other parts of the body. The spots have no favorite localization. In severe cases, in addition to local changes, there is a slight increase in temperature, weakness, lethargy, and drowsiness. After the disappearance of the rash, the skin in the affected areas remains thin, covered with cracks for a long time.
Disease complications
Nummular eczema, like other diseases that occur against the background of a decrease in local or general immunity, has complications in the form of attachment of a secondary bacterial infection. This is due to the fact that a person combs the affected areas of the skin and introduces microbial agents with dirty nails.
Clinically, this process is manifested by a sudden increase in temperature, chills, headache, dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. In places of rashes appear bubbles filled with cloudy contents, as a rule, this is pus. If such a bubble is punctured or torn, then an erosive surface will remain in its place, from which an unpleasant odor will come.
The second serious complication of this type of eczema may be its generalization or the so-called erythroderma. Inflammation covers large areas of the skin, red spots and swelling appear. Doctors must warn patients about the dangers of the above symptoms and recommend that they immediately go to the hospital.
Diagnostics
What does a doctor need to make a diagnosis of nummular eczema? A photo of the affected area of the skin, taken with a dermatoscope. This device helps to get a strong enough magnification to see the smallest details of the epidermis. In addition to this procedure, it is necessary to collect a complete medical history of the patient’s life and health. This will help to find out the cause of the disease.
In rare cases, if outwardly the elements of the rashes resemble psoriasis, scabies or a fungal infection, then it is recommended to conduct microbiological studies of smears from the affected areas. The result, as a rule, becomes known within a week.
Official medicine treatment
An integrated approach to stopping a disease such as nummular eczema is needed. Treatment can take a long time and you need to be patient. We must start with the fact that eczema is a manifestation of another, hidden pathology, therefore it is necessary to treat it first of all. Success in achieving remission depends on the desire and mood of the patient, therefore it is extremely important to achieve mutual understanding and trust between the doctor and the patient.
The main treatment method is the use of steroid ointments. They reduce inflammation, itching and redness. It is important to strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist, since drugs have serious side effects. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe lung sedatives, antihistamines, as well as drugs that improve blood flow in the microvasculature.
Disk eczema (nummular dermatitis): treatment with folk remedies
If traditional medicine does not suit the patient for some reason, then he is free to turn to its artisanal equivalent. Folk medicine can offer compresses from coltsfoot, ointments with eggs and vinegar or badger fat, chatters from the flesh of black grapes.
It is worth remembering that these funds act individually and that which helps one well can aggravate the course of the disease in another. Therefore, all such recipes should be treated with caution, and at the slightest sign of deterioration or the appearance of additional rashes, it is necessary to go to the hospital without delay.
Forecast and Prevention
Coin-shaped nummular eczema has a very dubious prognosis. The chance of a full recovery is almost zero. The disease often recurs when treatment is discontinued.
For the prevention of this pathology, bacterial, fungal infections can be promptly and completely treated. Limit skin contact with active chemicals at work and at home, as well as harden the body.