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Nummular eczema

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Nummular eczema is an allergy-related disorder in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin.

Alternative Names:

Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of nummular eczema is unknown, but there usually is a personal or family history of asthma, allergies , atopic dermatitis , or similar disorder. It is relatively uncommon, and most often occurs in elderly men.

Several things may make the condition worse, including

• Dry skin
• Environmental irritants
• Stress
• Temperature changes

References:

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

• Review Date: 4/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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