Procedures

A skin biopsy may be performed. The findings are nonspecific, but they may help differentiate nummular dermatitis from tinea corporis, psoriasis, a fixed drug eruption, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Some studies have recommended patch testing in patients with refractory nummular dermatitis. One study found that 50% of 56 patients with nummular eczema showed positive reactions on patch testing, and other research identified positive patch testing in 23 of 50 patients with nummular dermatitis.^{[30, 31]} A 2012 study strongly recommended patch testing in nummular dermatitis, as it showed that 332 (32.5%) of 1022 patients with nummular dermatitis had positive patch test results for one or more allergens.^[6]

Histologic Findings

Biopsy findings mirror the evolution of the lesion. In the early stages, a nonspecific infiltrate is present with spongiosis, vesicles, and a predominant lymphocytic infiltrate. Eosinophils may be observed in the papillary dermis. Chronic lesions demonstrate epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and a pronounced granular cell layer. The papillary dermis may be fibrotic, with a perivenular infiltrate of lymphocytes and monocytes.

Lymphocytes are predominately CD8⁺ in the epidermis and CD4⁺ in the dermis. Mast cell–derived interleukin 4 appears to be involved in activation of the T lymphocytes.

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

Dry, scaling plaque of nummular dermatitis (size, 3 X 5 cm) on the shin.

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Author

Jami L Miller, MD Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical School; Vice Chair for Education, Director of Phototherapy Unit, Medical Director of Dermatology Clinic at 100 Oaks, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Jami L Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Paul Krusinski, MD Director of Dermatology, Fletcher Allen Health Care; Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine

Paul Krusinski, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

John D Wilkinson, MD, MBBS, MRCS, FRCP Chairman, Clinical Director, Department of Dermatology, Amersham Hospital and High Wycombe Hospital, UK

John D Wilkinson, MD, MBBS, MRCS, FRCP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Royal College of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors, Khristina Collins, MD, and Lloyd King, MD, to the development and writing of this article.