Nummular eczema is also known as nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema. The word “nummular” comes from the Latin word meaning coin. These patients have multiple coin shaped plaques involving the skin. Known triggers include: Any damage to the skin, such as insect bites, scrapes, scratches or chemical burns; reactions to inflammation (atopic dermatitis or stasis dermatitis), contact dermatitis (such as to nickel) and dryness. In a desert environment by far and away the most common cause is a dry environment, which also occurs in very cold environments with little moisture in the air, that’s why it is often referred to as “winter itch.”
Eczema can be dry or weeping, seeping, as shown in these photographs of an infant with nummular eczema. Treatment includes a lot of skin management, avoid hot showers, no scrubbing, use mild soaps, such as Dove soap, and prescriptions for topical steroids. Please refer to my handout on eczema by clicking HERE. Click on the word Eczema at the bottom of the page.