Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema) Questions & Answers

Updated: Jun 22, 2023
  • Author: Jami L Miller, MD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is nummular dermatitis?

How is nummular dermatitis characterized?

What kind of condition is nummular dermatitis?

What is the pathophysiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the relationship between nummular dermatitis and medication?

What is the relationship between nummular dermatitis and the mercury in dental amalgams?

What is the role of mast cells in the pathophysiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of neurogenic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of mast cell dysfunction in the pathophysiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathophysiology of nummular dermatitis?

What causes nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of contact dermatitis in the etiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of venous insufficiency, varicosities, stasis dermatitis, and edema in the etiology of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of autoeczematization in nummular dermatitis?

What other uncommon factors may play a role in the etiology of nummular dermatitis?

How common is nummular dermatitis?

Does nummular dermatitis have a racial predilection?

Does nummular dermatitis have a sexual predilection?

Does nummular dermatitis have an age predilection?

What is the prognosis of nummular dermatitis?

How do secondary infections affect the prognosis of nummular dermatitis?

How are generalized flares managed in nummular dermatitis?

How does increased sensitivity to environmental antigens affect the prognosis of nummular dermatitis?

What should patients know about nummular dermatitis?

Presentation

What are common features of a patient's medical history in nummular dermatitis?

How long do pruritic eruptions last with nummular dermatitis?

What factors cause the fluctuation of nummular dermatitis symptoms?

Where do recurrent nummular dermatitis lesions occur?

How is nummular dermatitis diagnosed?

What is the clinical course of nummular dermatitis?

How are older nummular dermatitis plaques characterized?

How is nummular dermatitis differentiated from tinea corporis?

How is nummular dermatitis distinguished from other forms of dermatitis?

How can nummular dermatitis lead to lichen simplex chronicus?

How does stasis dermatitis manifest in patients with nummular dermatitis?

What are the possible complications of nummular dermatitis?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)?

Workup

How are lab studies used to exclude tinea corporis in the workup of nummular dermatitis?

Which lab studies are indicated for lesions with spreading erythema in the workup of nummular dermatitis?

When is a workup for infection indicated in nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of a skin biopsy in the workup of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of patch testing in the workup of nummular dermatitis?

What are the histology findings in nummular dermatitis?

Treatment

What is the goal of nummular dermatitis treatment?

What bathing regimen is recommended for the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

How are wet wrap treatments used to manage nummular dermatitis?

How are topical steroids used to treat nummular dermatitis?

Are ointments or creams more effective in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

When are oral, intramuscular, or parenteral steroids indicated in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

How do tar preparations treat nummular dermatitis?

How do topical immune modulators treat nummular dermatitis?

What treatment is indicated for generalized and prolonged eruptions in nummular dermatitis?

How are oral antihistamines or sedatives used to treat nummular dermatitis?

How do topical antibiotics treat nummular dermatitis?

When are oral antibiotics indicated in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of aggressive hydration in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of immune suppressive medications in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

What specialist consultations are indicated in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

Which activities should people with nummular dermatitis avoid?

What is the role of sunlight or phototherapy in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

How does aggressive hydration therapy help prevent nummular dermatitis?

What bathing precautions should patients with nummular dermatitis take?

What measures can be taken at home to help treat nummular dermatitis?

Medications

How are potent steroids used in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

Which medications used to treat an overt infection associated with nummular dermatitis?

What is the role of sedating antihistamines in the treatment of nummular dermatitis?

How are generalized or severe flares treated in nummular dermatitis?

Which oral antibiotics are used to treat secondary infection in nummular dermatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)?

Which medications in the drug class Antihistamines are used in the treatment of Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)?

Which medications in the drug class Immune modulators are used in the treatment of Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)?