Nummular EczemaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is a dermatitis (skin inflammation) in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin. The word nummular is Latin for resembling coins.
Eczema - discoid; Nummular dermatitis
The cause of nummular eczema is unknown. But there usually is a personal or family history of one or more of:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
Things that can make the condition worse include:
- Dry skin
- Environmental irritants
- Temperature changes
- Stress
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Coin-shaped areas of the skin (lesions) that are red, dry, itchy, and scaly, and appear on the arms and legs
- Lesions may spread to the middle of the body
- Lesions may ooze and become crusty
Eczema is often treated with medicines applied to the skin. These are called topical medicines, and may include:
- A mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream or ointment at first. You may need a stronger medicine if this does not work.
- Other ointments or creams that help quiet the immune response may be prescribed for anyone over 2 years old, often for use on the face or other sensitive areas.
- Creams or ointments that contain coal tar may be used for thickened areas.
You may also be asked to try a wet wrap treatment. This involves the following steps:
- Apply petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) or steroid ointment to the lesions.
- Wrap the affected area with wet bandages to keep the skin moist. This also helps the medicine work. If larger areas of the body are affected, you can wear damp pajamas or a sauna suit.
- Apply a warm towel or wear dry clothes over the wet bandage or wet pajamas.
- Follow your provider's instructions for how long to keep the area covered, and how many times a day to do the wet wrap treatment.
The following measures may help improve your symptoms or prevent them from returning if your skin has cleared:
- Use lukewarm water when bathing and showering. Hot water can dry and irritate the skin. Take shorter or fewer baths or showers.
- Don't use soap. It can dry the skin. Use a gentle, mild cleanser instead.
- Ask your provider about adding bath oil to bath water.
- After bathing or showering, pat the lesions dry and apply lotion before the skin is all dry.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing can rub and irritate the skin. Avoid wearing rough fabrics, such as wool, next to the skin.
- Use a humidifier in your home to help moisten the air.
SSM Health Dermatology
Dr. Henderson grew up in Edmond, doing his undergraduate studies at Oklahoma Baptist University. After a few years as a Certified Financial Planner, Dr. Henderson returned to his original dream of becoming a physician. Dr. Henderson went to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine where he was accepted into the prestigious academic honor society Alpha Omega Alpha for maintaining a 4.0 GPA through the first three years of medical school. Dr. Henderson did his dermatology training at OU Dermatology. He was fortunate to receive extensive training in Mohs surgery and reconstruction during his residency. Dr. Henderson is in the first ever class of doctors to become board certified in Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery, passing a rigorous exam and demonstrating years of experience performing Mohs surgery. Dr. Henderson's passion is the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. He uses a multitude of treatment methods, including Mohs surgery when needed according to Appropriate Use Criteria. Dr Henderson has an interconnected team of reconstructive surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to ensure that his patients have the highest level of care no matter how early or advanced their skin cancer is. As one of two Mohs surgeons for the largest dermatology group in the state, Dr Henderson is proud to have performed Mohs surgery on thousands of patients in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. He and his highly experienced staff are honored to have the opportunity to care for you or your family member. Dr. Henderson is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nummular Eczema. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Nummular Eczema, Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma, and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Dr. Henderson is board certified in American Board Of Dermatology , American Board Of Mohs And Dermatologic Surgery , Drug Enforcement Administration , Oklahoma Bureau Of Narcotics And Dangerous Drugs , and Oklahoma State Board Of Medical Licensure & Supervision.
Avera Medical Group Dermatology — Mitchell
Mandi Greenway, MD, a dermatologist, provides expert skin care for people of all ages at Avera Medical Group Dermatology in Mitchell, SD. Dr. Greenway is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nummular Eczema. She is also highly rated in 34 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Actinic Keratosis, Warts, Seborrheic Keratosis, and Melanoma. Dr. Greenway is board certified in American Board Of Dermatology.
Bassett Oneonta Specialty Services
Marina Bravin is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Oneonta, New York. Dr. Bravin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nummular Eczema. She is also highly rated in 59 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Actinic Keratosis, Melanoma, Warts, and Psoriasis. Dr. Bravin is board certified in Internal Medicine, American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Nummular eczema is a long-term (chronic) condition. Medical treatment and avoiding irritants can help reduce symptoms.
A secondary infection of the skin may develop.
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
Also contact your provider if:
- Symptoms continue despite treatment
- You have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, or pain)
There is no known way to prevent the disorder.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dinulos JGH. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.
James WD. Eczema, atopic dermatitis, and noninfectious immunodeficiency disorders. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 5.