Discoid eczema

Discoid eczema is a long-term skin condition that causes skin to become itchy, reddened, swollen and cracked in circular or oval patches.

It's also known as discoid dermatitis.

The patches can be a few millimetres to a few centimetres in size and can affect any part of the body, although they don't usually affect the face or scalp.

The patches are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid at first, but become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky over time.

The patches may clear up on their own eventually, but this can take weeks, months or even years if not treated, and they can recur.

Read more about the symptoms of discoid eczema.

Seeking medical advice

You should see your pharmacist or GP if you think you may have discoid eczema.

Your GP should be able to make a diagnosis just by examining the affected areas of skin. In some cases they may also ask questions or arrange some tests to rule out other conditions.

Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specialises in managing skin conditions) if they are unsure of the diagnosis or if you need patch testing.

Your GP or specialist can recommend suitable treatments.

What causes discoid eczema?

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it is often accompanied by dry skin and is thought to be triggered by irritation of the skin.

Discoid eczema tends to affect adults and is rare in children. It is more common among men aged from 50 to 70 and women in their teens or twenties.

Some people with discoid eczema may also have other types of eczema, such as atopic eczema.

Read more about the causes of discoid eczema.

How discoid eczema is treated

Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem, but medications are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control.

Treatments used include:

• emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
• topical corticosteroids – ointments and creams applied to the skin that can help relieve severe symptoms
• antihistamines – medications that can reduce itching and help you sleep better

There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels.

Additional medication can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe.

Read more about treating discoid eczema.

Discoid eczema causes distinctive circular or oval patches of eczema.

The patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the:

• lower legs
• forearms
• trunk (torso)
• hands
• feet

The face and scalp are not normally affected.

The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.

Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered (covered with small fluid-filled pockets) and ooze fluid. They also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night.

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.

You may just have one patch of discoid eczema, but most people have several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.

Patches of discoid eczema can last for weeks, months or even years if not treated, and they can keeping recurring – often in the same area that was affected previously.

Occasionally, areas of skin affected by discoid eczema can be left permanently discoloured after the condition has cleared up.

Signs of an infection

Patches of discoid eczema can sometimes become infected. Signs of an infection can include:

• the patches oozing a lot of fluid
• a yellow crust developing over the patches
• the skin around the patches becoming red, hot, swollen, and tender or painful
• feeling sick
• chills
• a general sense of feeling unwell

When to seek medical advice

You should see your GP or pharmacist if you think you may have discoid eczema, as the condition can take a long time to improve without treatment and it may keep recurring.

You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected, as you may need to use antibiotic cream or, in very severe cases, take antibiotics tablets.

Read more about diagnosing discoid eczema.

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may occur as a result of having particularly dry skin.

Dry skin means your skin cannot provide an effective barrier against substances that come into contact with it, which could allow a previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate (damage) your skin.

It's important to look carefully at all the chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries that may have come into contact with your skin.

Contact dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with a particular irritant, may therefore have a role in discoid eczema.

Some people with discoid eczema also have a history of atopic eczema, which often occurs in people who are prone to asthma and hay fever. However, unlike atopic eczema, discoid eczema does not seem to run in families.

Other possible triggers

An outbreak of discoid eczema may sometimes be triggered by a minor skin injury, such as an insect bite or a burn.

Some medicines may also be associated with discoid eczema, as patches of eczema can appear in people taking:

• interferon and ribavirin – when they are used together to treat hepatitis C 
• tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers – which are used to treat some types of arthritis
• statins (cholesterol-lowering medication), which can cause dry skin and rashes

Dry environments and cold climates can make discoid eczema worse and sunny or humid (damp) environments may make your symptoms better.

There is no simple cure for discoid eczema, but there are medications that can help ease the symptoms.

These include:

• emollients – to use all the time
• soap substitutes – to replace irritating soaps and cleaning products
• topical corticosteroids – for flare-ups
• oral corticosteroids – for severe flare-ups
• antibiotics – for infected eczema
• antihistamines – for severe itching

There are many different preparations for each type of medication and it is worth taking time with your pharmacist to find the best one for you.

A range of emollient products, soap substitutes and some topical corticosteroids can be bought from pharmacies without a prescription. Some of them are cheaper to buy this way than with a prescription.

Ask your pharmacist for advice on the different products and how to use them. See your GP if your eczema does not improve after using an over-the-counter preparation.

Self-help

There are also some self-help tips that may help to control symptoms of discoid eczema, such as:

• avoiding soaps and detergents, including liquid soaps, bubble bath, shower gels and wet wipes – even if these do not obviously irritate your skin; you should use an emollient soap substitute instead
• protecting your skin from minor cuts (for example, by wearing gloves) as they may trigger discoid eczema
• taking daily lukewarm baths or showers – using an emollient when washing may reduce your symptoms, and remember to apply your treatments soon afterwards
• not scratching the patches – keeping your hands clean and your fingernails short may help reduce the risk of skin damage or infection from unintentional scratching
• making sure you use and apply your treatments as instructed by your GP or pharmacist

If you suspect your skin is infected, for example because there is excessive weeping or tenderness in the patches of eczema, see your GP. Infection can spread quickly, and the use of topical corticosteroid creams can mask or further spread the infection.

Emollients

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to reduce water loss and cover it with a protective film. They are often used to help manage dry or scaly skin conditions such as eczema.

Choice of emollient

Several different emollients are available. You may need to try a few to find one that works for you. You may also be advised to use a mix of emollients, such as:

• an ointment for very dry skin
• a cream or lotion for less dry skin
• an emollient to use instead of soap
• an emollient to add to bath water or use in the shower
• one emollient to use on your face and hands, and a different one to use on your body

The difference between lotions, creams and ointments is the amount of oil they contain. Ointments contain the most oil so they can be quite greasy, but are the most effective at keeping moisture in the skin. Lotions contain the least amount of oil so are not greasy, but can be less effective. Creams are somewhere in between.

Creams and lotions tend to be more suitable for red, inflamed (swollen) areas of skin. Ointments are more suitable for areas of dry skin that are not inflamed.

If you have been using a particular emollient for some time, it may eventually become less effective or may start to irritate your skin. If this is the case, your GP will be able to prescribe another product.

How to use emollients

Use your emollient all the time, even if you are not experiencing symptoms as they can help limit the return of your condition. Many people find it helpful to keep separate supplies of emollients at work or school.

To apply the emollient:

• use a large amount
• don't rub it in, smooth it into the skin in the same direction that the hair grows instead
• for very dry skin, apply the emollient every two to three hours
• after a bath or shower, gently dry the skin and then immediately apply the emollient while the skin is still moist

If you are exposed to irritants at work, make sure you apply emollients regularly during and after work.

Don't share emollients with other people.

Side effects

Occasionally, some emollients can irritate the skin. If you have discoid eczema, your skin will be sensitive and can react to certain ingredients in over-the-counter emollients. If your skin reacts to the emollient, stop using it and speak to your GP, who can recommend an alternative product.

Emollients added to bath water can make your bath very slippery, so take care getting in and out of the bath.

Topical corticosteroids

To treat the patches of discoid eczema, your GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid (corticosteroid medication that is applied directly to your skin) to reduce the inflammation.

You may be concerned about using medication that contains steroids. However, corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used by bodybuilders and athletes. When used as instructed by your pharmacist or doctor, corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for discoid eczema.

Choice of topical corticosteroid

There are different strengths of topical corticosteroids that can be prescribed depending on the severity of your eczema. Discoid eczema usually needs a stronger type of corticosteroid than other types of eczema.

You might be prescribed a cream to be used on visible areas, such as face and hands, and an ointment to be used at night or for more severe flare-ups.

How to use topical corticosteroids

When using corticosteroids, apply the treatment accurately to the affected areas. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, you should follow directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with the corticosteroid.

Do not apply the corticosteroid more than twice a day. Most people will only have to apply it once a day. 

To apply the topical corticosteroid, take the following steps:

• apply your emollient first and ideally wait around 30 minutes before applying the topical corticosteroid, until the emollient has soaked into your skin
• apply a good amount of the topical corticosteroid to the affected area  
• use the topical corticosteroid until the inflammation has cleared up, unless otherwise advised by your GP

Speak to your prescriber if you have been using a topical corticosteroid and your symptoms have not improved.

Side effects

Topical corticosteroids may cause a mild and short-lived burning or stinging sensation as you apply them. In rare cases, they may also cause:

• thinning of the skin
• changes in skin colour
• acne (spots)
• increased hair growth

Most of these side effects will improve once treatment stops.

Generally, using a stronger topical corticosteroid, or using a large amount of topical corticosteroid, will increase your risk of getting side effects. For this reason, you should use the weakest and smallest amount possible to control your symptoms.

Corticosteroid tablets

If you have a severe flare-up, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid tablets to take for up to a week.

If corticosteroid tablets are taken often or for a long time, they can cause a number of side effects, such as:

• reduced growth rate in children
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• diabetes

For this reason, your doctor is unlikely to prescribe repeat courses of corticosteroid tablets without referring you to a specialist.

Antibiotics

If your eczema becomes infected, you may also be prescribed an antibiotic.

Oral antibiotics

If you have an extensive area of infected eczema, you may be prescribed an antibiotic to take by mouth. This is most commonly flucloxacillin, which is usually taken for one week. If you are allergic to penicillin, you might be given an alternative such as clarithromycin.

Topical antibiotics

If you have a small amount of infected eczema, you will normally be prescribed a topical antibiotic, such as fusidic acid. This means the medicine is applied directly to the affected area of skin, in the form of an ointment or cream.

Some topical antibiotics are available in creams or ointments that also contain topical corticosteroids.

Topical antibiotics should normally be used for up to 2 weeks as necessary.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a type of medicine that work by stopping the effects of a substance in the blood called histamine. Your body often releases histamine when it comes into contact with an irritant. Histamine can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sneezing, watery eyes and itching.

Antihistamines may be prescribed during flare-ups of discoid eczema to cope with the symptom of itching, particularly if it is interfering with your sleep. However, they will not treat the damaged skin.

Many older types of antihistamines can make you drowsy, which can be useful if your symptoms affect the quality of your sleep. Otherwise, ask your pharmacist or GP to recommend one of the more modern “non-sedating” antihistamines.

Further treatments

If the treatments prescribed by your GP are not successfully controlling your symptoms, they may refer you for assessment and treatment by a dermatologist (specialist in treating skin conditions).

Further treatments that may be available from your dermatologist include:

• phototherapy – where the affected area of skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light to help reduce inflammation
• bandaging – where medicated dressings are applied to your skin
• immunosuppressant therapy – medicines that reduce inflammation by suppressing your immune system