Live Life Team
DISCOID ECZEMA
Discoid eczema is the chronic skin condition that is usually found in adults. It is also known as nummular eczema. . Even though this can affect any body part, it is normally found in forearms, hands, lower legs as well as on the trunk.
People suffering from discoid eczema will have well defined oval or circular plaques which have mini raised spots which are red in colour. This type of eczema worsens in the presence of central heating as well as dry environments.
Symptoms
The patches that develop in persons having nummular or discoid eczema are normally very itchy in nature. They become sore in the worst cases. Once they become sore, the patches develop bacterial infection.
Causes
The basic cause of discoid or nummular eczema is not known. The factors that may trigger discoid eczema include even small factors like a bite from an insect or burns.
Discoid eczema is not hereditary, but people who suffer from atopic eczema have a tendency of developing discoid eczema.
Factors that worsen discoid eczema are:
- dry skin
- dry environment
- heavy consumption of alcohol
- emotional stress
Diagnosis
Discoid eczema is diagnosed by the presence of tiny red blisters and spots that are crusty and oozing on the forearms, legs as well as trunk.
Treatment
Treatment of discoid eczema is done by administering emollients as well as topical corticosteroids. The infection that occurs in discoid eczema is treated using antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics. Antihistamines are used for treating the itchiness related to this condition. The complementary treatment for this condition includes using homeopathic medicines, borage oil etc.
VARICOSE ECZEMA
Varicose eczema is that type of eczema that usually affects the area of varicose veins. Faulty valves present in the varicose veins trigger varicose eczema.
Varicose eczema normally affects people of the middle age as well as elderly people. The factors that can trigger this condition are:
obesity and
presence of varicose veins.
Symptoms
The symptoms start with a mild itching of the patch present on the skin over varicose veins which later become scaly, inflamed, itchy and speckled. The skin may even become brown in colour.
In certain people the patches develop inflammation and become very painful. This is known as “lipodermatosclerosis”.
Causes
The basic cause of varicose eczema is the improper circulation in legs that lead to the formation of varicose veins.
Lipodermatosclerosis may occur due to varicose veins or due to the deeper veins which are already affected by blots.
Diagnosis
Usually the diagnosis for varicose eczema is done by examining the areas affected by varicose eczema, but if the doctor has doubts about the diagnosis, the person must visit a dermatologist.
Treatment
The person may be advised to use emollients to reduce the itchiness of the skin and to retain the moisture of the skin.
Steroid creams can be used for the treatment of the area that has inflammation. Use of topical steroids must be avoided in case if the affected area is infected, ulcerated or broken.
Compression hosiery should be used for the improvement of circulation.
Removal of varicose veins is considered when the above mentioned steps are not effective.
