Lloydspharmacy.com Health - Discoid eczema

Reviewed by Dr Victoria Lewis, specialist registrar in dermatology

General

This type of eczema shows as discrete coin-shaped patches of eczema on the limbs. It can occur:

on otherwise normal skin
with generally dry skin
with atopic eczema.

Appearance

The affected areas have a well-defined edge and are red. On top there are often small blisters, scales or crusts. This often reflects the fact that they are infected with bacteria.

Usually the pattern of skin lesions (affected areas) on the limbs is symmetrical. The lesions are very itchy, so thickening of the skin (lichenification) is common. Because of their well-defined margins, lesions of discoid eczema can be confused for fungal infections of the skin (ringworm) or for contact eczema.

Age range

Discoid eczema can affect all age groups, but is usually associated with middle-aged or older men.

Causes

These are unknown, but in younger people discoid eczema tends to be seen together with atopic eczema. In adults it is said to be possibly associated with stress, local irritation of the skin and drinking too much alcohol.

Treatment

Treatments are essentially the same as for other types of eczema.

However, discoid eczema tends to be more difficult to get rid of than atopic eczema. Management has therefore often had to be with more potent steroids. The newer anti-inflammatory creams should also be effective, and reduce the need for steroids.

Because infection is common in discoid eczema, antibiotic treatment (topical or by mouth if more severe) can be required if it proves difficult to damp down.

Other types of eczema

Based on a text by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP

Last updated 15.09.2005