Discoid Eczema

Discoid eczema is one of the less common types of endogenous eczema. It mainly affects the arms and legs, and sometimes the hands. This kind of eczema appears as round (discoid) coin-sized, red, scaly patches. It is most common in middle-aged men. Discoid eczema is very itchy and a relatively strong topical" steroid is usually needed to settle the symptoms. As with treatment of other types of endogenous eczema, this is not a cure. Discoid eczema can last for many months, and in some cases comes and goes over several years. Sometimes there is an added bacterial infection and the affected areas get redder, crusted and weepy. In this situation, a combination strong steroid-antibiotic cream can be helpful. The cause remains a mystery, but there is no known link with other health problems or food allergy, and blood tests are unnecessary. It may be confused with other skin complaints that cause red scaly patches such as psoriasis or ringworm (tinea fungal infection).