Nummular Eczema

Also called discoid eczema, nummular eczema is a condition in which circular patches form on the skin that may ooze and itch. “Nummular” is Latin for “resembling coins” because these patches can appear to be shaped like coins.

The Center for Excellence in Eczema at the Mount Sinai Health System is home to specialists with extensive experience diagnosing and treating this form of eczema.

Causes of Nummular Eczema

The causes of this condition aren’t known, but it may be triggered by dry skin, traumas such as insect bites or burns, contact with nickel, or—when appearing on the legs—restricted blood flow. Nummular eczema occurs most often in males and can develop at any age. At first the condition can resemble other types of eczema or psoriasis. A suspected diagnosis may have to be confirmed by a skin scraping.

Symptoms of Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema can cause a number of symptoms, including the following:

• Circular lesions
• Burning and itching
• Oozing or crusted lesions
• Inflamed skin surrounding the lesions

Treatments for Nummular Eczema

Mount Sinai Health System dermatologists are highly skilled in the treatment of nummular eczema.

Treatment for nummular eczema may have to be aggressive but is often very successful. You will likely be prescribed a topical corticosteroid, as well as a topical antibiotic (to address Staphylococcus aureus infections that commonly occur with this condition).