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Nummular eczema - Overview

Alternative Names

Eczema - nummular; Nummular dermatitis

Definition of Nummular eczema:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of nummular eczema is unknown, but there usually is a personal or family history of:

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

Skin layers

Reviewed last on: 4/17/2009
Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Morelli JG. Eczematous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap654.

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