What Is Nummular Eczema and What Can I Do to Manage It?

Nummular eczema (also called nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema) is an itchy rash that forms oval-shaped or coin-shaped patches on the skin. It appears scaly and red around the round lesions and can cause itching and burning on the skin or become weepy and crusted. Nummular eczema usually appears on the trunk of the body or the extremities, but in children, it can also appear on the face and scalp. It can occur at any age and usually requires more intensive treatment, so we recommend visiting your doctor for a diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan.

As with other types of eczema, keeping the skin hydrated and avoiding triggers is critical to helping your little one feel more comfortable and minimise itching. The Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak and Eczema Moisturiser work together to soothe, hydrate and protect little skin.

While we’re sharing general information about nummular eczema today, we are not medical professionals. We recommend consulting with your medical professional for diagnosis and treatment advice for your little one.

Nummular eczema vs. ringworm – what’s the difference?

Both nummular eczema and ringworm appear as circular patches on the skin, which can cause some confusion. However, nummular eczema and ringworm are very different conditions that require different treatments.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection, whereas nummular eczema is a type of dermatitis that is not contagious. Ringworm will often appear as just a couple of round patches on the skin, while nummular eczema is usually more widespread. It’s best to consult with a doctor to get the correct diagnosis so you know which treatment your child needs.

What causes Nummular eczema in children?

The exact cause of nummular eczema is unknown. However, it is more likely to occur in children with a family history of asthma, allergies or atopic eczema.

Some common triggers of nummular eczema can include:

• temperature changes and dry weather conditions
• stress
• baths that are too hot
• very dry skin
• trauma to the skin, such as burns or bites
• irritants such as wool, rough clothing, soaps and detergents

Avoiding triggers and maintaining a consistent, gentle skincare routine that hydrates your child’s skin can help prevent nummular eczema flare-ups.

How can I manage my child’s nummular eczema?

Unfortunately, like with other types of eczema, there is no cure. However, there are ways to manage and control this type of eczema for your child.

Firstly, it’s crucial to seek a diagnosis from a medical professional. As nummular eczema can share some of the same characteristics as other conditions like ringworm and psoriasis, a diagnosis will help you establish the right treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other topical treatments to help clear up your little one’s nummular eczema, or they may recommend covering the lesions to protect them.

You should also seek medical advice right away if your little one shows signs of infection with their nummular eczema, such as:

• Pain or swelling around the lesions
• Yellowish fluid or crusts on the lesions
• Red or brown streaks on the skin around the lesions

It’s also important to keep up with your moisturising skincare routine and avoid common triggers. Each child with eczema has different triggers that can bring on a flare-up, so try to watch out for what worsens your child’s symptoms so you can avoid them. 

• Giving your child a daily bath with a moisturising bath soak can help keep their skin clean, hydrated, moisturised and clear from irritants. This is because water washes away any bacteria or allergens that may have built up on your child’s skin, minimising the possibility of infection. Hot water can increase the symptoms of eczema, so it’s wise to keep your little one in a lukewarm bath for no more than ten minutes.

• Stick to your little one’s regular skincare routine to keep moisture from escaping. For optimal hydration, use a thick moisturiser and apply immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult with your healthcare professional.