Discoid eczema is a long-lasting skin condition that can cause the skin to turn reddened, itchy, cracked and swollen in oval or circular patches. The patches can range in size from a few millimeters up to a few centimeters and can develop in any part of the body, but they do not appear on the scalp or face.
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The patches are often blistered, swollen and drain fluid initially, but become crusty, dry, flaky and cracked over time. These patches can clear up without treatment but this can take weeks, months or even years if not given proper treatment and has the tendency to recur.
When to seek medical care
A doctor should be consulted if an individual is suspected with discoid eczema. The doctor will assess the affected areas and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Causes of discoid eczema
The exact cause of discoid eczema is still unknown but it is often accompanied by dry skin and believed to be instigated by skin irritation. Always bear in mind that discoid eczema typically affect adults and rare in children.
This type of eczema is common among men aged 50-70 years old and women in their teens or twenties. Some individuals who have discoid eczema might also have other forms of eczema such as atopic eczema.
It is vital to carefully check all the chemicals present in toiletries and cosmetics that was exposed to the skin. Contact dermatitis develops once the skin is exposed to a particular irritant. This is believed to play a role in discoid eczema. Some also have a history of history of atopic eczema that often occurs among those who are susceptible to hay fever and asthma. Nevertheless, discoid eczema does not seem to run in families.
What are the potential triggers?
An outbreak of discoid eczema can oftentimes by started by a minor skin injury such as a burn or an insect bite. Some medications might also be linked with this type of eczema as patches can manifest among those who use ribavirin and interferon (treatment for hepatitis C), statins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers.
Even cold climates and dry environments can make discoid eczema worse while humid or sunny environment can help improve the symptoms.
Treatment of discoid eczema
When it comes to discoid eczema, it is a long-term problem but there are medications available to help manage the symptoms as well as keep the condition under control. The commonly used treatment options include the following:
- Emollients or moisturizers are applied on the skin to prevent dryness
- Antihistamines work by reducing the itchiness and promotes better sleep at night
- Topical corticosteroids are applied on the skin to relieve severe symptoms
There are also self-care measures to observe such as avoiding irritating chemicals that might be present in detergents, soaps, shower gels and bubble baths. In some cases, additional medication can be given if infection develops or the eczema is severe.