Discoid eczema

Discoid eczema, which is also called discoid dermatitis, is a long-term skin condition that usually affects adults. It causes itchy, cracked and red skin, and the patches form in a circular shape. You can get it on any part of your skin.

Discoid eczema starts as a group of red spots or bumps on the skin. These quickly join up and form larger patches that can be pink, red or brown. The patches vary in size and are usually very itchy, especially at night. They're often swollen, blistered and may ooze fluid.

As time goes on, the patches may turn dry, crusty, cracked and flaky, with a clear centre. This gives a ring look on the skin.

You may have just one area of discoid eczema, or a few patches. They can appear anywhere on the body, though the face and scalp are not normally affected.

Contact a doctor 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

If your doctor's chamber is closed, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

If you or your child have symptoms of discoid eczema, see a doctor. The doctor will look at the skin and ask you about your symptoms, and that helps them diagnose discoid eczema. They may also do some tests to rule out other conditions.

If the discoid eczema is severe, the doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem. Medicines are available, though, to help manage the condition and relieve the symptoms.

Treatments for discoid eczema can include:

• emollients, which are moisturisers you put on the skin to stop it becoming dry
• topical corticosteroids, which are ointments and creams you put on the skin
• oral corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medicines
• antibiotics, used to treat infected eczema
• antihistamines, to help reduce itching
• soap substitutes, to replace soaps and cleaning products that may irritate your skin

Some of these treatments are available over the counter, without a prescription.

If your symptoms don't improve after using over-the-counter medicines, you should speak to your doctor.

You may need to try different treatments before you find the one that suits you best. Your doctor or pharmacist will talk this through with you.

Special dressings or medicines may help with more severe symptoms of discoid eczema.

There are some things you can do yourself at home to help manage the symptoms of discoid eczema.

• put moisturising treatments (emollients) on your skin as often as you can
• keep moisturising even if your eczema gets better
• wash with an emollient instead of soap
• keep your nails short and clean, so you damage your skin less
• wear soft, light clothing
• have lukewarm baths and showers, not hot ones
• protect your skin from minor cuts (by wearing gloves, for example), because they may trigger discoid eczema

• Don't scratch your skin, because it can make your symptoms worse. Try gently rubbing it with your fingers.
• Avoid soaps and detergents that irritate your skin.
• Never share emollients with other people.
• Don't put your fingers into an emollient pot. Use a spoon or pump dispenser instead.

Nobody knows what causes discoid eczema, but it can sometimes be triggered by:

• a minor skin injury, like an insect bite or burn
• some medicines
• dry conditions
• cold
• skin irritation, from shampoos, body wash and cleaning products, for example

Some people with discoid eczema also have other types of eczema, like atopic eczema. It's linked to dry skin too.

Discoid eczema does not seem to run in families.

Discoid eczema can leave the skin cracked and broken, and that can sometimes lead to infection. If you think your skin or your child's skin may have become infected, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Atopic eczema makes the skin itchy, and the itch can disrupt your sleep. You may then feel tired and find it hard to concentrate during the day.

Living with atopic eczema can be difficult. If it's affecting your mental health, your doctor may refer you to a mental health specialist.