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Reviewed by Dr Victoria Lewis, specialist registrar in dermatology
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General
This type of eczema shows as discrete coin-shaped patches of
eczema on the limbs. It can occur:
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on otherwise normal skin
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with generally dry skin
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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
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Based on a text by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP
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Last updated 15.09.2005
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