Description
Nummular dermatitis is a type of persistent dermatitis, commonly referred to as nummular eczematous dermatitis or discoid eczema. It usually manifests clearly as delineated coin-shaped spots of erythema or redness, scaling, and exudation on certain areas of the body. Although the precise origin of nummular dermatitis is unknown, researchers believe that a mix of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and skin barrier failure is the key factor.
The defining feature of nummular dermatitis is the appearance of oval or round lesions that usually vary in dimension from a few millimeters to several inches. Lesions frequently appear on irritated, dry, or damaged skin and can be quite painful or itchy. Due to constant scratching, affected regions can develop crusts, blisters, or excoriations, occasionally resulting in secondary infestations.
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Nummular Dermatitis: Description, Causes, and Treatment Protocol is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Possible Causes
Nummular dermatitis has an unclear origin, but it is believed to be influenced by multiple factors. Such factors consist of:
Skin Barrier Dysfunction: Skin that has a compromised skin barrier function is more prone to irritation, allergies, and microbial invasion, which can result in an inflammatory reaction.
Environmental Triggers: Nummular dermatitis can be brought on or made worse by dry air, a lack of humidity, exposure to specific metals like nickel, and cobalt, repeated hot baths or showers, along with other harsh chemicals.
Allergic Reactions: An allergic response can result in nummular dermatitis if you come into contact with things like scents, colors, metals, or specific materials.
Genetic Predisposition: If you have a family record or genetic differences that include a history of nummular dermatitis, this could also be a factor.
Exacerbating and Mitigating Factors
Nummular dermatitis is made worse by various factors:
Bathing or Showering Frequently in Hot Water: Long-term hot water exposure with daily bathing can deplete your skin’s natural oils and disturb your skin’s protective barrier, causing dryness and the escalation nummular dermatitis.
Cold and Dry Weather Conditions: Dryness and worsening nummular dermatitis signs can be brought on by low humidity and chilly temperatures. Due to greater moisture removal from your skin caused by cold temperatures and decreased humidity, inflammation, and irritation are more likely to occur.
Irritating or Abrasive Clothing: The symptoms of nummular dermatitis can be triggered or made worse by irritation and friction caused by abrasive or rough clothing, like synthetic or wool materials. It is advised that you wear comfortable, breathable clothing produced from natural fabrics like cotton.
Stress and Anxiety: Anxiety and stress can make nummular dermatitis worse. Stress canexacerbate flare-ups by weakening your body’s immune system and inducing inflammatory reactions.
Medications: Angiotensin-converting enzymes or ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, both of which are used for treating cardiovascular diseases, have also been linked to an increased risk of nummular dermatitis. If you think your medicine is making your condition worse, talk to your doctor about possible replacements.
These are some of nummular dermatitis mitigating factors:
Regular Skin Moisturization: Nummular dermatitis management demands maintaining the skin’s moisture levels. To keep moisture in your skin after a shower or bath, apply your moisturizer right away. To reduce potential irritants, you should opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers.
Putting on Soft, Breathable Clothes: It is essential to wear comfortable, breathable clothing with a loose fit, such as cotton. These materials will minimize your irritation and aid in your skin’s ability to heal by reducing friction and allowing your skin to breathe.
Avoiding Harsh Detergents and Soaps: To avoid robbing your skin of its own natural oils and aggravating it even more, you should choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers rather than abrasive detergents or soaps.
Managing Stress: Using stress-reduction strategies like yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or indulging in enjoyable hobbies and pastimes might help lower your stress levels and possibly relieve your symptoms of nummular dermatitis.
Finding and Preventing Personal Triggers: Pay attention to circumstances that exacerbate or cause the onset of your symptoms. These can differ from person to person based on certain allergies, irritants, or environmental factors. Recognizing and preventing these triggers can reduce flare-ups and enhance your symptom management.
Standard Treatment Protocol
Topical medicines, moisturizers, and dietary changes are all components of the typical treatment plan for nummular dermatitis. These are the main factors of therapy protocol:
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are topical calcineurin inhibitors that are used when corticosteroids are not appropriate or when prolonged administration is required. Without having the negative effects linked to corticosteroids, these drugs modify your immune system and reduce inflammation. In delicate situations or for extended therapy, they are beneficial.
Topical Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids with a potency of mid to high are frequently recommended to treat inflammation and irritation. These medicines aid in symptom relief and healing. However, due to potential side effects like skin thinning, the development of striae, along with rebound flare-ups, prolonged usage of corticosteroids should be avoided.
Moisturizers: Emollients and moisturizers must be applied often and on a regular basis to keep your skin hydrated and improve your skin barrier. To replenish moisture and prevent dryness, you should look for solutions that have components like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, or urea.
Wet Dressings: Wet dressings should be used in serious situations or when there are flare-ups. This entails wrapping the impacted regions in moist bandages or wraps that have been dipped into water or a calming solution. Wet dressings aid in skin comfort, inflammation reduction, and wound healing.
Treatment Options
Numerous therapeutic alternatives can be taken into consideration in addition to the usual strategy for managing your nummular dermatitis. These alternatives include the following:
Prescription Medications:
- Antibiotics
Oral or topically applied antibiotics are recommended to treat an illness if a subsequent bacterial infection develops.
- Antihistamine
When itching interferes with your daily life, these drugs can help reduce the itching and enhance your sleep.
- Phototherapy
In severe or resistant instances of nummular dermatitis, controlled UV light exposure from either natural sunshine or artificially produced light can be helpful.
Over-the-Counter Formulations:
- Colloidal Oatmeal Lotions or Baths
A calming and anti-inflammatory food that can aid in reducing pain and itching is oatmeal. Itching and irritation can be relieved by having oatmeal baths or applying lotions comprised of colloidal oatmeal.
- Moisturizing Creams
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or urea are the ingredients to search for in moisturizers. These help repair and maintain your skin’s protective barrier, avoid dryness, and minimize flare-ups.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Vitamin D
Your immune system and skin health are greatly influenced by vitamin D. According to research, if you have nummular dermatitis, you might have reduced vitamin D levels. Inflammation can be decreased and your immune system modulation will be supported by proper vitamin D levels.
- Vitamin E
Antioxidant vitamin E aids in preventing skin damage and encourages skin healing. It possesses anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial to you if you experience nummular dermatitis.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Supplements comprised of fish oil can provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to improving your overall skin health, they could help reduce your discomfort and edema. Your medical professional should be consulted for guidance on the appropriate dose and suitability.
- Probiotics
Supplemental probiotics can support a microbiome that is balanced and your immune system modulation. According to research, nummular dermatitis issues associated with eczema could benefit from taking specific probiotic strains.
Natural and Herbal Remedies:
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. It has the ability to lessen redness, irritation, and inflammation by applying pure gel made from aloe vera topically on your afflicted regions.
- Calendula
Inflammation-reducing and wound-healing effects can be found in calendula extracts. For symptom relief and to speed up the healing process, calendula-containing creams or ointments can be topically applied.
- Chamomile
Inflammation is reduced and anxiety is reduced by using chamomile. Itching relief and wound healing can be achieved by applying chamomile lotions to your affected area(s) or utilizing chamomile compresses. Another great way to use it is by steeping chamomile tea bags in hot water, letting them cool, and then using them as a compress on the sore areas.
- Evening Primrose Oil
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a form of omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects, is abundant in evening primrose oil. You can be use it orally in the form of a supplement to enhance skin health and reduce irritation.
Conclusion
It is crucial to remember that while these complementary therapies and treatment alternatives may offer comfort and assistance to managing nummular dermatitis, they should not be used in the place of the recommended course of care. Before beginning any new therapy, it is essential that you first seek advice from your dermatologist or other medical provider, especially if you have any underlying medical issues or are using other medications. Creating a successful treatment strategy for controlling nummular dermatitis requires an individualized approach.
Additional resources for further reference
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/nummular-dermatitis/treatment
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1123605-overview
https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/dermatologic-disorders/dermatitis/nummular-dermatitis
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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