Discoid eczema
Discoid eczema
Overview
Discoid eczema (discoid dermatitis) is a long-term skin condition that usually affects adults. It causes itchy, cracked and red skin in a circular shape. It can affect any part of the skin.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
You have atopic eczema and:
- it’s blistered, crusty, leaking fluid or has spots filled with pus
- it’s painful, swollen or feels warm
- it suddenly gets worse or bigger
- you have a high temperature or feel unwell
Phone 111 if your GP practice is closed.
Causes
What causes discoid eczema?
Doctors do not yet know exactly what causes discoid eczema. That said, it can sometimes be set off by:
- a small skin injury, such as an insect bite or a burn
- certain medicines
- dry weather or dry surroundings
- cold
- skin irritation, for example from shampoo, body wash or household cleaning products
Some people with discoid eczema also have other kinds of eczema, such as atopic eczema. It is also linked to having dry skin.
Discoid eczema does not appear to run in families.
Diagnosis
Speak to your GP practice if you or your child have symptoms of discoid eczema.
Your GP will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms to help diagnose discoid eczema. They may also run some tests to rule out other conditions.
If your discoid eczema is severe, your GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
Getting advice from a pharmacist
A pharmacist can advise you on discoid eczema if your symptoms are mild, for example small areas of dry or slightly itchy skin. If your symptoms are more severe, speak to your GP practice.
Treatment
Discoid eczema tends to stick around for a long time, but medicine can go a long way toward keeping it under control and easing your symptoms.
Treatment options include:
- emollients: moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it drying out
- topical corticosteroids: ointments and creams applied to the skin
- oral corticosteroids: anti-inflammatory medicines
- antibiotics: used when the eczema becomes infected
- antihistamines: to help ease itching
- soap substitutes: to replace soaps and cleaning products that may irritate your skin
Some of these treatments can be bought over the counter without a prescription. If your symptoms don't improve after using an over-the-counter medicine, it's best to speak to your doctor.
You may need to try a few different treatments before you find the one that suits you best. Your doctor or pharmacist can talk you through the options. For more severe symptoms, special dressings or medicines may be needed.
Things you can do to help discoid eczema
There are also steps you can take yourself to help keep your symptoms in check.
Do
- apply moisturising treatments (emollients) to your skin as often as you can
- keep moisturising even after your eczema improves
- wash with an emollient instead of soap
- keep your nails short and clean so they don't damage your skin
- wear soft, light clothing
- take lukewarm baths and showers instead of hot ones
- protect your skin from minor cuts, for example by wearing gloves, since these can trigger discoid eczema
Don't
- avoid scratching your skin, as this can make symptoms worse; try gently rubbing it with your fingers instead
- avoid soaps and detergents that irritate your skin
- don't share your emollient with anyone else
- don't dip your fingers into an emollient pot; use a spoon or pump dispenser instead
Complications
Discoid eczema can leave the skin cracked and broken, and this sometimes leads to infection. If you think your skin, or your child's, may have become infected, see a doctor as soon as possible.
The itching that comes with atopic eczema can disrupt sleep, which in turn can leave you feeling tired and finding it hard to concentrate during the day.
Living with atopic eczema isn't always easy, and it can take a toll on your mental health as well as your skin. If that happens, you may be referred to a mental health specialist for extra support.