Round scaly patch on skin

Discoid eczema | nidirect

Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term skin condition. It causes skin to become itchy, reddened, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches. See your pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema so they can recommend a suitable treatment.

Symptoms of discoid eczema

Circular or oval patches of eczema

Circular or oval patches of eczema can affect any part of the body, although they don't usually affect the face or scalp.

They start as a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin which join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.

Blistering

At first, these patches of eczema are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid.

Itchiness and pain

The patches also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night.

Dry, crusty, cracked and flaky skin patches

Over time, the patches may become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky. the centre of the patch also sometimes clears, leaving a ring of discoloured skin that can be mistaken for ringworm.

Discoid eczema causes circular or oval patches of eczema on the skin

You may just have one patch of discoid eczema, but most people get several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.

Patches of discoid eczema can sometimes become infected.

Signs of an infection can include:

the patches oozing a lot of fluid
a yellow crust developing over the patches
the skin around the patches becoming red, hot, swollen, and tender or painful
feeling sick
chills
feeling unwell

When to get medical advice

See your pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema so they can recommend a suitable treatment.

You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected. You may need treatment.

Your GP should be able to make a diagnosis just by examining the affected areas of skin. In some cases they may also ask questions or arrange some tests to rule out other conditions.

Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in managing skin conditions) if they're unsure of the diagnosis or if you need patch testing.

Causes of discoid eczema

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may occur as a result of having particularly dry skin.

Dry skin means your skin can't provide an effective barrier against substances that come into contact with it. This could allow a previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate (damage) your skin.

It's important to look carefully at all the chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries that may have come into contact with your skin. Contact dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with a particular irritant, may have a role in discoid eczema.

Some people with discoid eczema also have a history of atopic eczema, which often occurs in people who are prone to asthma and hay fever. However, unlike atopic eczema, discoid eczema doesn't seem to run in families.

Other possible triggers

An outbreak of discoid eczema may sometimes be triggered by a minor skin injury, such as an insect bite or a burn.

Some medicines may also be associated with discoid eczema, as patches of eczema can appear in people taking:

interferon and ribavirin – when they're used together to treat hepatitis C
tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers – used to treat some types of arthritis
statins (cholesterol-lowering medication) – which can cause dry skin and rashes

Dry environments and cold climates can make discoid eczema worse, and sunny or humid (damp) environments may make your symptoms better.

Treating discoid eczema

Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem. But medications are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control.

Without treatment, discoid eczema can last for weeks, months or even years. It may also keep recurring – often in the same area that was affected previously.

Treatments used include:

emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
topical corticosteroids – ointments and creams applied to the skin that can help relieve severe symptoms
antihistamines – medications that can reduce itching and help you sleep better

There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels.

Additional medication can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe.

Occasionally, areas of skin affected by discoid eczema can be left permanently discoloured after the condition has cleared up.

Other types of eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin. Other types of eczema include:

atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) – the most common type of eczema, it often runs in families and is linked to other conditions such as asthma and hay fever
contact dermatitis – a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance
varicose eczema – a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins

Discoid eczema

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Discoid eczema - NHS

Discoid eczema, also known as nummular or discoid dermatitis, is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes skin to become itchy, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches.

Without treatment, discoid eczema can last for weeks, months or even years. It may also keep coming back – often in the same area that was affected previously.

Symptoms of discoid eczema

Discoid eczema causes distinctive circular or oval patches of eczema. It can affect any part of the body, although it does not usually affect the face or scalp.

Credit:

Phanie / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-nummular-eczema-72432322.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=98CEB49C-1F7D-44C0-860A-2DCA2646A698&p=218214&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dE5RG4J%26qt_raw%3dE5RG4J%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%7bA883FDE5-7F3D-4472-81F5-B61111916852%7d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2%26edrf%3d0%26ispremium%3d1%26flip%3d0%26pl%3d

The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.

On lighter skin these patches will be pink or red. On darker skin these patches can be a dark brown or they can be paler than the skin around them.

Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid. They also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night.

Over time, the patches may become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky. The centre of the patch also sometimes clears, leaving a ring of discoloured skin that can be mistaken for ringworm.

You may just have 1 patch of discoid eczema, but most people get several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.

Patches of discoid eczema can sometimes become infected. Signs of an infection can include:

the patches oozing a lot of fluid
a yellow crust developing over the patches
the skin around the patches becoming hot, swollen and tender or painful
feeling sick
feeling hot or shivery
feeling unwell

When to seek medical advice

See a pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema. They can recommend a suitable treatment.

You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected. You may need to use an antibiotic cream or, in severe cases, take antibiotics as a tablet or capsule.

A GP should be able to make a diagnosis just by examining the affected areas of skin. In some cases they may also ask questions or arrange some tests to rule out other conditions.

A GP may refer you to a doctor who specialises in skin conditions (dermatologist) if they're unsure of the diagnosis or if you need a patch test.

Causes of discoid eczema

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may happen as a result of having particularly dry skin.

When your skin is very dry it cannot provide an effective barrier against substances that come into contact with it. This could allow a previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate your skin.

Some people with discoid eczema also have a history of atopic eczema, which often happens in people who are prone to asthma and hay fever. However, unlike atopic eczema, discoid eczema does not seem to run in families.

Other possible triggers

An outbreak of discoid eczema may sometimes be triggered by a minor skin injury, such as an insect bite or a burn.

Some medicines may also be associated with discoid eczema, as patches of eczema can appear in people taking:

interferon and ribavirin – when they're used together to treat hepatitis C
tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers – used to treat some types of arthritis
statins (cholesterol-lowering medicine) – which can cause dry skin and rashes

Dry environments and cold climates can make discoid eczema worse, and sunny or damp (humid) environments may make your symptoms better.

Treating discoid eczema

Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem, but medicines are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control.

Treatments include:

emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
topical corticosteroids – ointments and creams containing a steroid that are applied to the skin and may relieve severe symptoms
antihistamines – medicines that can reduce itching

There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels.

Additional medicine can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe.

Occasionally, areas of skin affected by discoid eczema can be left permanently discoloured after the condition has cleared up.

Find out more about treating discoid eczema.

Other types of eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin. Other types of eczema include:

atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) – the most common type of eczema, it often runs in families and is linked to other conditions such as asthma and hay fever
contact dermatitis – a type of eczema that happens when the skin comes into contact with a particular substance
varicose eczema – a type of eczema that usually affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins

Page last reviewed: 30 October 2019
Next review due: 30 October 2022

Plaques on the skin - causes, diseases, diagnosis and treatment

INVITRO
Library
Symptoms
Plaques on the skin
Fungus

Allergy

Psoriasis

Keratoma

Mycosis

Nevus

Melanoma

27481 November 16

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor. nine0031 For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Plaques on the skin: the causes of occurrence, in what diseases they occur, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

A plaque is a pathological element with clear edges that rises above the skin surface or merges with it, more than 5 mm in size. nine0013
In dermatology, many types of plaques are distinguished - about 70 diseases occur with the formation of these elements, which makes the plaque one of the most common rashes.

Plaque varieties

The shape of the plaques are round, oval and irregular in shape. Over time, the shape, surface and appearance of this element may change.

Due to the occurrence of plaques, they can be both a manifestation of skin diseases and a symptom of diseases of internal organs and systems (autoimmune reactions, liver diseases, oncological processes, allergic reactions). nine0013
Plaques are dry, smooth, red, brown, gray-white, etc.

Possible causes of plaques

Dry plaques on the skin in adults may be a manifestation of the following diseases: plaques with severe itching.
Allergic reactions are characterized by the appearance on the skin of smooth dry plaques, pink spots, blisters, which are very itchy and cause severe discomfort. They can develop both when the skin comes into contact with the allergen, and when it gets on the mucous membranes (for example, with urticaria, hay fever, food and contact allergies). nine0004
Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious skin disease in which scaly dry plaques form on the elbows, knees, scalp, prone to fusion and accompanied by mild itching.

Dry plaques form on the skin if it is exposed to stress for a long time with the loss of its protective functions.
Diseases of the digestive tract, accompanied by malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of vitamins and trace elements in the small intestine), chronic diseases of the liver and other organs, in which substances that are not normally present in the dermis accumulate, also lead to the appearance of dry plaques. nine0004
Solar keratoma is a precancerous condition, which is characterized by the presence of many light grayish plaques on the skin.

The appearance of red plaques on the skin indicates their good blood supply. Possible causes of this condition may be the following nosologies:

Drug toxidermia is an allergic reaction accompanied by the appearance of elements in the form of plaques on the skin. In severe cases, Lyell's syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, may develop. nine0004

Dühring's dermatitis (herpetiform) is a chronic skin disease with no established etiology, which is characterized by recurrent appearance of a rash of various morphologies on the skin, accompanied by severe skin itching and burning.
Mycosis fungoides is a primary T-cell lymphoma of the skin, a malignant lymphoid lesion, primarily of the skin. Itchy red plaques appear on the skin, resembling eczema. In the initial stages, they respond well to treatment with hormonal ointments, but the disease itself requires more complex therapy. nine0004

In children, the appearance of red spots and plaques on the skin is most often associated with an allergic reaction to food.

Brown plaques occur when melanin is deposited in the affected area of the dermis, which causes a brown (dark) color. Possible causes may be the following diseases:

Becker's nevus is an anomaly in the development of the dermis, when dark plaques with an uneven surface appear on the skin, on which hair can begin to grow over time. nine0004
Pigmentary nevus - "birthmark", may rise above the skin, has a brown or dark color.
Melanoma is the most malignant skin tumor characterized by rapid metastasis. It develops mainly from nevi and moles. If the nature of the surface, the boundaries of the mole change, its size increases, bleeding occurs, you should immediately contact a dermatologist or oncologist to exclude the development of melanoma.
Senile keratoma occurs in elderly people, most likely due to a lack of vitamins, an abundance of animal fats consumed, skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation due to a violation of its protective functions. Typical localization - face, neck, open areas of the body.
Seborrheic keratoma is a yellowish plaque on the skin that eventually transforms into a dark brown growth that tends to flake off, itch severely, crack, bleed, and can serve as an entryway for infection. nine0004

Which doctors to contact

With the formation of plaques on the skin, it is necessary to contact a dermatologist to determine the causes of the appearance of this element of the rash.

Plaque diagnostics and examinations

For the diagnosis of fungal skin lesions, scraping from the affected area is used for subsequent microscopic examination.

The development of an allergic reaction requires seeking medical help to identify the allergen, prescribing antihistamines, and sometimes hormonal drugs. In clinical cases of allergy, along with skin tests, analyzes are performed using various sets of common allergens and triggers: a panel for respiratory allergens, for food allergens, and for a combination of both. nine0031

Respiratory Panel

Synonyms: Comprehensive Respiratory Allergen Test Panel; Respiratory allergens panel, Allergen respiratory profile, Allergy testing. Brief description of the study "Panel respira...

Up to 5 business days

Available with house call

5 515 RUB nine0013

In garbage

Food Panel, IgE

Food Allergen Panel: hazelnut, peanut, Walnut, almond, cow's milk, egg white, egg ...

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5 515 RUB

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Food and Respiratory Panel

Panel different allergens: A mixture of grass allergens: fragrant spikelet; perennial rye; timothy; rye cultivated; Woolly buckthorn (GP3) IgE . .. nine0013

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Available with house call

5 515 RUB

In garbage

In psoriasis, seeing a dermatologist and rheumatologist can help reduce the symptoms of the disease if appropriate therapy is prescribed. For the diagnosis, it is usually sufficient to examine, determine, the skin manifestations of psoriasis are so characteristic, but if necessary, a differential diagnosis is carried out, including a clinical blood test, feces for the presence of worm eggs and protozoa, and a histological examination of the skin. nine0013

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram. Brief description of the study CBC: general...

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RUB 810

In garbage

Fecal test for helminth eggs

Synonyms: Feces on worm eggs; Analysis of feces for eggs of worms. Ova and Parasite Exam; O&P; Stool O&P test. Brief description of the study "Analysis of feces for eggs of helminths&ra...

Up to 1 business day

Available with house call

RUB 570

In garbage

Fecal analysis for protozoa (PRO stool)

Synonyms: Analysis of faeces for protozoa. Parasite Exam, feces; Parasitic Examination, fecal. Brief description of the study "Analysis of feces for protozoa" Fecal analysis for ...

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RUB 570

In garbage

Histological examination of biopsy material and material obtained during surgical interventions (endoscopic material; tissues of the female reproductive system; skin, soft tissues; hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue; bone and cartilage tissue)

Taking biomaterial is paid separately. According to the requirements of paragraph 17 of the Rules for conducting pathological and anatomical studies, approved. Order of the Ministry of Health of Russia. ..

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2 880 RUB

In garbage nine0013

Diseases of the stomach and intestines can also lead to plaque formation on the skin. To identify the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, it is enough to refer to therapist or gastroenterologist, conduct a number of endoscopic examinations (gastroscopy, and, if necessary, colonoscopy), ultrasound of the abdominal organs, perform some screening blood tests for diseases of the liver, intestines, stomach.

Gastroscopy

Examination of the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the possibility of biopsy or endoscopic removal of small pathological ...

RUB 4,440 Sign up

Colonoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the colon to look for abnormalities, perform biopsies, and remove small polyps and tumors.

RUB 5,740 Sign up

Comprehensive ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen)

Scanning of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity to assess its functional state and the presence of pathology.

RUB 2,890 Sign up

Liver function tests: screening

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RUB 1,935

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Diagnosis of celiac disease: intolerance to cereal proteins (gluten)

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7 520 RUB nine0013

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Gastropanel

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To clarify the diagnosis of keratoma, a skin biopsy is performed and epithelium scraping is performed, followed by microscopic and histochemical examination. nine0013

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2 880 RUB

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Examination of scrapings and impressions of tumors and tumor-like formations

Material for research. Imprints and scrapings are obtained from pathological lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (except for the cervix and cervical canal). Relative to test...

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RUB 1,030

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If atypical cells are detected in scrapings or biopsies, immediately contact oncologist.

If xanthoma appears on the skin, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist, take blood tests for lipid profile and blood glucose levels, and screen for diabetes. nine0013

Lipid profile screening

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Available with house call

1 355 RUB

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Glucose (in the blood) (Glucose)

Research material Serum or blood plasma. If it is not possible to centrifuge the sample 30 minutes after collection for serum/plasma separation...

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335 RUB

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Diabetes management: advanced

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RUB 5 820

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What should I do if plaque appears on the skin?

Any newly appeared neoplasms should be shown to a dermatologist. Their cosmetic removal without prior consultation with a specialist is fraught with serious consequences.

In addition, there are symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

change in the shape of the plaque - the edges have become uneven;
change in the surface of the plaque - cracks, ulcerations appeared;
change in the size of the plaque - it began to grow rapidly above the surface of the skin or actively spread through it;
discoloration of the plaque - in cases of malignancy, an uneven color of the formation is usually observed with areas of darker and lighter shades;
the appearance of bleeding - both contact and spontaneous; nine0004
enlargement of regional (nearby) lymph nodes.

Plaque treatment

When plaques of an allergic nature appear on the skin, antihistamines are prescribed, in cases of a severe course of the disease, glucocorticosteroids. In addition, it is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet.

Mycotic plaques require antifungal drugs, both local (ointments, creams) and systemic (tablets). Taking these drugs is associated with a high risk of side effects, and therefore it is possible only after consulting a doctor, accurate verification of the diagnosis and confirmation of the etiology of the disease. nine0013

Treatment of psoriasis is multi-stage and complex, it involves constant monitoring by a rheumatologist, taking cytostatics and other drugs, using ointments and shampoos to improve skin condition, using antihistamines to reduce itching, including physiotherapy and a hypoallergenic diet in the treatment regimen.

When confirming the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, properly selected therapy can stop the appearance of new plaques on the skin, as well as prevent the development of complications of the underlying disease. nine0013

Sources:

Clinical guidelines. Dermatitis herpetiformis // Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2016.
Clinical guidelines. Urticaria in children // Union of Pediatricians of Russia; Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists. 2018.
Clinical guidelines. Toxidermia // Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2016.
Clinical guidelines. Familial hypercholesterolemia // National Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis. 2018.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes. nine0013

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Dry spots on the skin: three common dermatological diseases

July 5, 2020

Dry spots on the skin are a common dermatological symptom that can indicate both a temporary failure and a violation of the barrier functions of the epidermis, and a skin disease. It all depends on the size of the spots, the clarity of their boundaries, as well as the duration of their presence on the skin. nine0013

The causes of dryness can be divided into two large groups:

non-specific - allergic reactions to household chemicals, laundry soap, cosmetic products, dehydration due to cold and wind;
specific - then the spots become a manifestation of dermatological diseases.

Sometimes a person may notice that dry spots appear on his skin after a certain event occurs, for example, after washing clothes with his hands. Then the reason is obvious and easy to eliminate. But if dry spots on the skin do not go away, itch, peel off, you should consult a doctor. nine0013

Dry spots with scales

Pink raised dry spots on the body and head may indicate psoriasis. With this dermatological pathology in humans, raised plaques appear on the skin - psoriatic papules. They protrude above the surface of the skin, cause intense itching and flake, tend to spread and merge.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which rashes are most often localized on the elbows, head, knees and groin. Dry pink spots covered with white scales are foci of chronic inflammation. Under the influence of internal autoimmune processes, epidermal cells divide several times faster than necessary. As a result, small scales are constantly separated from dying skin cells. nine0013

Atopic dermatitis and its difference from psoriasis

Atopic dermatitis can also cause dry patches on the body. And as with psoriasis, they cause itching. Due to the increased sensitivity of the skin to environmental factors, the mechanisms of its self-regulation are violated, including the barrier function. That is, an allergy is a trigger for atopic dermatitis, but the tendency to such a skin reaction is genetically laid down.

Most often, atopic dermatitis occurs in children. The disease has a chronic course, when exacerbations are replaced by periods of remission. Here are the typical signs of atopic dermatitis:

dry skin;
peeling and redness of the eyelids;
dry skin-colored plaques on the trunk and extensor areas of the body;
cracks.

It is difficult for a person who does not have a medical education to distinguish psoriasis from atopic dermatitis, but a doctor can easily make a differential diagnosis. There are several differences that may speak in favor of a particular pathology. Atopic dermatitis often affects children, psoriasis can debut in adulthood. Psoriatic plaques are raised above the skin, and scales can be seen. Dry spots in atopic dermatitis are flat. It is also important to consider typical localization. nine0013

Useful links: State Center of Urology in Moscow - Clinic of Urology named after R. M. Fronshtein of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov