Nummular eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes coin-shaped, round bumps that sometimes ooze and may crust over.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, a specialist in Dermatology - Dermatology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that nummular eczema is also known as coin-shaped eczema, nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema.
Nummular eczema can appear on any part of the body, but is rarely seen on the face and scalp. Symptoms include red, swollen papules like insect bites, severe itching at night, and blisters covered with tiny blisters. The papules quickly join together to form large patches ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Over time, the dry, scaly, peeling patches become rough, swollen, soft, or painful, and the skin in the middle becomes dry, wrinkled, and red.
Patient with nummular eczema. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Doctor Kim Dung said that the exact cause of nummular eczema has not yet been found, however the disease is often related to factors such as allergies; bacterial infections (Staphylococcus bacteria...); contact with rough fabrics; dry skin or sitting in a cold, dry environment; or bathing in hot water; skin damage (burns, scratches, insect bites); use of irritating soaps that dry the skin.
During daily activities, the affected skin area is easily damaged, oozing pus or secreting clear fluid. Therefore, many people are concerned that if they come into contact with the secretions, they will be infected. However, in reality, nummular eczema is not contagious, because the cause of the disease is due to internal factors or spontaneously occurring in the body such as genetics; allergic constitution; weak immune system; excretory system disorders; stress... In addition, staying in a cold, dry environment for a long time; insect bites; exposure to toxic chemicals; using drugs containing isotretinoin, interferon,... can also easily cause nummular eczema.
To prevent nummular eczema, avoid using products that can irritate the skin, such as laundry detergents that contain fragrances or dyes. Avoid wearing tight clothing and fabrics that cause discomfort. If the skin is damaged, disinfect the area and cover it with a bandage.
Moisturize your skin with a mild moisturizer or ointment. Avoid long, hot baths. Avoid scrubbing the skin, which can cause irritation.
Limit shellfish, sugary foods, do not eat raw foods (blood pudding, meat salad, raw seafood...), do not eat eggplant and pickled bamboo shoots. Limit foods that can easily cause itching such as eggs, poultry...
People who are treating nummular eczema should also avoid foods that can easily cause scarring such as water spinach, sticky rice, corn, crab, shrimp... Do not use products containing stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, beer, coffee...
Doctor Nguyen Thi Kim Dung noted that nummular eczema causes skin damage and is easily mistaken for ringworm or tinea versicolor. Prevention is difficult, so people with allergies need to take better care of and protect their skin.
When symptoms of nummular eczema appear, patients should see a dermatologist - cosmetic dermatologist for early examination and treatment. If left untreated for a long time, the disease will last, causing discomfort and significantly affecting life.
Dinh Tien
Source link
Comment (0)