Long-term discoid eczema is characterized by circular or oval patches of itchy, swollen, cracked, and reddened skin.
Discoid dermatitis is another name for it.
Any part of the body can be affected by the patches, which range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. However, they typically spare the scalp and face.
The patches frequently begin as swollen, blistered (covered with tiny fluid-filled pockets), oozing masses that eventually turn dry, crusty, cracked, and flaky.
The patches may eventually go away on their own, but if they are left untreated, it may take weeks, months, or even years for them to do so. They may also come back.
Causes
Although discoid eczema frequently has dry skin as a side effect, it is believed that skin irritation is what causes the condition.
Discoid eczema is more prevalent in men between the ages of 50 and 70, and in women in their teens or early 20s. It typically affects adults and is uncommon in children.
Atopic eczema, for example, can occur in some individuals with discoid eczema.
Symptoms
Oval or circular patches of eczema with a distinct pattern are caused by discoid eczema.
Anywhere on the body can develop the patches, including the:
- lower legs
- forearms
- trunk (torso)
- hands
- feet
Normal effects do not extend to the face or scalp.
A cluster of tiny red bumps or spots on the skin that quickly join together to form larger pink, red, or brown patches that can be several millimeters to several centimeters in size are typically the initial symptoms of discoid eczema.
These patches frequently begin as swollen, blistered (covered in tiny fluid-filled pockets), and fluid-oozing lesions that are also extremely itchy, especially at night.
The patches may eventually clear up in the center, leaving a ring of discolored skin that may be mistaken for ringworm. Over time, the patches may also become dry, crusty, cracked, and flaky.
The skin between the patches is frequently dry, and while you may only have one patch of discoid eczema, most people do.
If left untreated, discoid eczema patches can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Recurring outbreaks of the condition are frequently in the same region.
After discoid eczema has cleared up, it is possible that some skin patches will always be discolored.
Signs of an infection
Discoid eczema patches may occasionally develop an infection, which may show symptoms like these:
- the fluid-dripping patches
- Over the patches, a yellow crust is forming.
- the patches’ surrounding skin turning red, hot, swollen, tender, or painful
- feeling sick
- chills
- a sense of general malaise
Other possible triggers
A minor skin injury, like an insect bite or burn, can occasionally cause an outbreak of discoid eczema.
As patches of eczema can develop in those taking certain medications, discoid eczema may also be linked to those medications.
- When used in combination to treat hepatitis C, interferon and ribavirin
- Some types of arthritis are treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers.
- Rashes and dry skin are side effects of the cholesterol-lowering drug statins.
Climates that are dry or cold can exacerbate discoid eczema symptoms, while climates that are sunny or humid (damp) can alleviate them.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT:
Arsenicum album
The skin is dry, itchy, and burns intensely; scratching can make the itching worse; applying heat will relieve it; people needing this remedy are typically anxious, restless, and compulsively neat and orderly; indigestion with burning pain and a general feeling of chilliness are frequently seen.Arsenicumis indicated.
Calcarea carbonica
This remedy is appropriate for those who are easily exhausted by exertion, feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked, have a tendency to develop eczema and cracking skin that is worse in the winter, have clammy hands and feet, slow metabolism, and a tendency toward weight issues.Calcarea.
Graphites
The areas behind the ears, around the mouth, or on the hands are frequently cracked, with a golden oozing discharge that hardens into crusts; the person will often scratch the irritated places until they bleed. People who are likely to respond to this remedy have tough or leathery skin with cracks and soreness, and they frequently have a long history of skin disorders (impetigo, herpes, etc.).Graphites.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
The skin, especially on the hands and feet, looks chapped and deeply cracked and is very slow to heal. The person typically feels vulnerable and irritable, with a low resistance to illness and infection. This remedy may be helpful to very sensitive, chilly people whose eczema is extremely sore and becomes infected easily.
Mezereum
A craving for fat and a tendency to feel better in open air are other indications for this remedy. A person who needs this remedy frequently has strong anxiety, felt physically in the stomach. Intensely itching eruptions start as blisters, then ooze and form thick crusts, and scratching can lead to thickened skin.Mezereum.
Rhus toxicodendron
This remedy may be helpful for someone with eczema that has blister-like eruptions that are red, swollen, itchy, and relieved by hot applications.Rhus toxoften craves cold milk.
Sulphur
This remedy is sometimes helpful to people who have repeatedly used medications and ointments on their eczema with intensely burning, itching, inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth and worse from bathing. Affected areas may be red, with scaling or crusted skin.
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