topical corticosteroids – ointments and creams containing a steroid that are applied to the skin and may relieve severe symptoms.emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry.Treating discoid eczemaĭiscoid eczema is usually a long-term problem, but medicines are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control. You should not stop taking any prescribed medicine without talking to the doctor who prescribed it for you.ĭry environments and cold climates can make discoid eczema worse, and sunny or damp (humid) environments may make your symptoms better. Some medicines have been linked to discoid eczema. Other possible triggersĪn outbreak of discoid eczema may sometimes be triggered by a minor skin injury, such as an insect bite or a burn. However, unlike atopic eczema, discoid eczema does not seem to run in families. 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. Contact dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with a particular irritant, may have a role in discoid eczema. It's important to look carefully at all the chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries that may have come into contact with your skin. This could allow a previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate your skin. When your skin is very dry it cannot provide an effective barrier against substances that come into contact with it. The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may happen as a result of having particularly dry skin. In some cases they may also ask questions or arrange some tests to rule out other conditions.Ī 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. You may need to use an antibiotic cream or, in severe cases, take antibiotics as a tablet or capsule.Ī GP should be able to make a diagnosis just by examining the affected areas of skin. You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected. See a pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema. the skin around the patches becoming hot, swollen and tender or painful.a yellow crust developing over the patches.Patches of discoid eczema can sometimes become infected. The skin between the patches is often dry. You may just have 1 patch of discoid eczema, but most people get several 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. They also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night. Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid. On darker skin these patches can be a dark brown or they can be paler than the skin around them. On lighter skin these patches will be pink or red. These then quickly join up to form larger patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size. The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small spots or bumps on the skin.
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