Discoid eczema is a long-term skin condition that causes circular patches of cracked, swollen skin to appear on your body. The affected areas can sometimes become infected.
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Discoid eczema, sometimes referred to as discoid and nummular dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes circular or oval patches of swollen, cracked skin. They usually start as smaller spots or bumps, and can appear almost anywhere on your body.
The patches can range in size, and can be anywhere from a few millimetres up to several centimetres. They can cause severe itchiness, typically in the evening, and over time the patches can change appearance. At first, the affected areas are red or pink (or dark brown on darker skin), but over time they can become swollen, and might form a blister that contains fluid.
Discoid eczema can sometimes get infected. You should keep an eye on any affected areas that feel hot, swollen, or develop a yellow crust.
Who gets discoid eczema?
Discoid eczema can occur at any age. It’s rare in children, and is instead more likely to affect adults. Those who get discoid eczema often have other types of eczema at the same time, like atopic eczema or contact dermatitis.
Men who are aged between 50-70 are more commonly affected, as are teenage women and women in their twenties.
How common is discoid eczema?
It’s tricky to say just exactly how common discoid eczema is. It’s seen mostly in middle-aged adults, although it’s not fully understood why.
The most commonly affected parts of the body are the lower extremities (from your hips to your toes), arms and hands but discoid eczema patches can form nearly anywhere on the body. They don’t usually appear on the face or the scalp, though.
Discoid eczema has been associated with alcoholism, so you might be prone to developing it if you drink more than the recommended amount of units per week. It can also be drug-induced, so it’s worth checking if any medications you use might be having an effect.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Discoid eczema
What causes discoid eczema?
It’s not known why people develop discoid eczema. It’s thought that it has to do with the skin being dry, which then causes it to become aggravated.
When skin becomes dry, it loses its natural protective barrier. Without this barrier, it becomes more prone to irritation from the chemicals found in everyday toiletries and cosmetic products.
Often, people who have discoid eczema have atopic eczema, so it’s worth checking if any undiagnosed allergies are behind your symptoms. Unlike atopic eczema, discoid dermatitis doesn’t run in families.
What are the symptoms of discoid eczema?
Discoid eczema usually begins as small bumps or spots that show up on your skin, which then become larger, red-or-pink patches. Typically, several patches will start to appear, and they can range in size from a few millimetres to around two or three centimetres. They are often circular, or oval ‘discoid’ shapes, and can be asymmetrical (uneven).
The affected patches are usually swollen, and covered in tiny fluid-filled blisters. They often cause itching which is worse in the evening. The longer you have discoid eczema, the more the patches can develop and become dry and flakey. And if the blisters break, the patches can become infected.
Can discoid eczema lead to other problems?
Discoid eczema won’t develop into a more serious condition, but symptoms might bother you long-term if you don’t get them under control.
The patches of swollen and cracked skin on your body are also at risk of becoming infected the longer you leave them. Infection can also occur as the result of constant scratching, so getting the right help as soon as your symptoms develop will save you a lot of discomfort in the long run.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Discoid eczema
What medications are there for discoid eczema?
The type of medication you’ll be recommended will usually depend on the severity of your symptoms. There are several ways of treating discoid eczema, and it might be suggested you use more than one treatment at the same time.
Emollients like Dermol and Doublebase might be suitable for dry, flakey skin, and are an effective way of replenishing lost moisture on your skin’s surface. Epaderm ointment and Hydromol work in a similar way, and the latter can even be used as a soap substitute.
Topical corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat eczema-related conditions, and might be recommended for your discoid dermatitis. Betnovate, Mometasone and Dermovate all work in a similar way — they contain steroids that have anti-inflammatory qualities and help to suppress your normal immune response. They can be applied directly to your skin.
Antihistamines might be recommended as an add-on treatment to help with itching. They might be particularly useful if you have seasonal allergies that worsen your eczema.
You may also be prescribed an immunosuppressant like tacrolimus (also found in Protopic) if corticosteroids haven’t worked well for you, or if you’ve experienced adverse reactions to them. These medications work by modulating your immune responses to treat and prevent eczema flare-ups.
Are discoid eczema treatments available over the counter?
You might find that moisturisers and creams available in supermarkets and pharmacies help with your discoid eczema. Some pharmacy-strength medications contain active ingredients and are designed to soothe irritated, inflamed skin. You can begin using them once you’ve had a chat with a pharmacist.
Avoiding soaps and laundry detergents that irritate your skin can allow it to heal faster, and applying creams and emollients straight after showering or having a bath can ease your symptoms. If you think your itchy skin is made worse by allergies, common antihistamines might help.
If a clinician thinks your discoid eczema will respond better to a topical corticosteroid, or if your skin is infected and requires antibiotic treatment, you’ll usually need a prescription.
Does discoid eczema always need treatment?
Eventually, discoid eczema might clear up without needing treatment. It can take a long time though, and without managing it properly, the condition can come back.
Because the circular patches of red skin are often cracked and itchy, it might be hard to avoid scratching them. This can make the rash worse, and can cause the patches to become infected. This is another reason why it’s important to get the right help — a clinician can help you get on top of your condition, and they’ll help you choose a treatment that can restore your skin to its natural state as soon as possible.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Discoid eczema
FAQ: Discoid eczema
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is discoid eczema diagnosed?
Answer:
During your initial consultation with us, you’ll usually be asked to upload a picture of any affected areas of your body. This is so a clinician can get a better look at your skin, and rule out any other forms of eczema or conditions that might impact its appearance.
It might be suggested you see your doctor, or a dermatologist, for a skin examination called a dermoscopy. A dermoscopy involves studying the skin using a microscope, and it can make diagnosing your condition easier. They’re sometimes used to diagnose melanomas. Occasionally, computer software is used to compare images of your skin to pre-existing ones, to look for similarities.
A clinician might be confident in diagnosing discoid eczema just by looking at your skin, without the need for further examination. Discoid eczema typically presents as symmetrical, disc-like patches of skin, which are distinctive in appearance compared to other types of eczema.
Is discoid eczema similar to any other skin conditions?
Answer:
There are lots of different types of eczema, so you might find your symptoms are similar to another kind involving redness and irritation. Discoid eczema is often called nummular dermatitis, or discoid dermatitis, so if you find any information on these conditions or hear mention of them, they’re just different names for the same condition.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It causes dryness and itchy skin, but unlike discoid eczema, it’s less distinctive in its appearance. It occurs in patches, but they’re not necessarily oval or circular shaped. ‘Atopic’ means a sensitivity to allergens, and can often affect people who have hayfever and asthma.
Contact dermatitis is similar, and can create dryness and redness, but is triggered by either direct contact with an irritant, or an allergic reaction to one.
Sometimes, discoid eczema gets mistaken for ringworm, because both conditions leave discoloured rings on the surface of the skin. Ringworm rashes are usually scaly, though, and tend to be caused by fungi.
Can you get side effects from discoid eczema treatment?
Answer:
It depends which treatment you use. Corticosteroids and moisturisers can all cause different side effects and affect people in different ways, as can antihistamines if you’re using them as an add on treatment. You might find the medication you use to manage your discoid eczema causes no side effects at all.
All of our medications come with a patient information leaflet (PIL) that contains a list of side effects, as well as all the active ingredients and directions for use. The product pages on our website also have more details about each individual treatment.
Do discoid eczema treatments always work?
Answer:
It’s hard to say whether individual treatments will always work. There are a few different ways to approach managing a condition like discoid eczema. What works for one person might not work for another.
People sometimes have more than one type of eczema at the same time, so often, additional treatments are used. If you’re using a corticosteroid cream for example, but you think your skin itching is exacerbated by allergies, you might be prescribed an antihistamine as an add-on treatment.
Why should I buy discoid eczema treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
Discoid eczema can be a long-term problem if it’s not managed properly, but our clinicians can help you find the best treatments for your symptoms. So they don’t bother you for any longer than they have to.
When you start on one of our treatments, you can message us whenever you like, night or day, for anything you need answers to. Our deliveries are fast and discreet, and you can get what you need on subscription if you want us to handle top-ups.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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