It can be difficult and frustrating to find the reason behind your particular form of eczema, and likewise in treating it.
In this case you may have discoid eczema, characterized by the coin-shaped plaques of eczema. These areas are usually itchy, red from inflammation, and when disturbed too much, can ooze fluid. Discoid eczema has a few different names it goes by, usually dependent upon where the areas of inflammation occur.
Nummular eczema is one name you may have heard, which simply refers to the circular look of the eczema. Gravitational eczema or varicose eczema are two other terms you might be familiar with, both of these focusing more on the lower legs.
Discoid eczema can appear virtually anywhere on the body, from the head to the lower legs, though it most commonly appears on the arms, back, torso, and lower legs. As an adult, you may find that you are more susceptible when you reach your 60s, though discoid eczema has no single age range it is restricted to.
The circular red plaques may begin with small blisters over it and can increase in size if no treatment is offered. The area may become scaly with mild or severe itching, and may begin to swell or ooze fluid. Sometimes after these areas have been cleared of the eczema, there may be a mark where the irritated spot used to be.
These places will take weeks or even months to clear up, though they may only be a shade or two darker or lighter than your normal skin tone.
Though as with all eczema there is only speculation as to what the causes may be. You will probably have to talk to your doctor or dermatologist to get a better idea of what may be causing yours, though it may take some detective work as sometimes skin patch testing will not yield any plausible results.
During times of cold weather and hot weather your condition can worsen, and if you have dry skin, that may be a factor as discoid eczema is commonly associated with those who have dry skin. Discoid eczema is not known to run in families and be due to genetic dispositions. As with almost all skin conditions, stress can worsen it, so as hard as it may be, avoid stress and keep yourself relaxed.
Certain irritations may start off an outbreak of discoid eczema. You may find that a small injury, perhaps a burn or an insect bite to be a possible cause. If you are constantly bathing or washing, the excessive amounts of water can bother your skin and cause plaques to erupt, so do not bathe more than is necessary and allow your skin to keep itself naturally moisturized through body oil.
Too much bathing can wash away these necessary oils and leave skin dry, thus giving you more of a chance to develop eczema eruptions. Using soaps and detergents will only add to the aggravation of your skin, as they can be harsh, drying, and possibly cause allergies. Wool clothing may also be a cause, as well as certain fabric softeners.
To get your skin back to normal, baby your skin; avoid any friction, detergents, chemicals, too much water, or other things that you find might irritate your skin. You can use a coal tar salve to help ease your eczema, just be wary that they do not smell pleasant and can stain your clothing. You can also get antibiotics to help your eczema, such as oral antibiotics, but you may have to continue taking them in order to keep the eczema from reappearing.
