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Coin dermatitis

 
Author: Alexey Portnov, family doctor
Date created: 22.01.2013
Last reviewed: 27.10.2025

Nummular dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by coin-shaped or disc-shaped lesions.

Nummular dermatitis is most common in middle-aged patients and is accompanied by dry skin, especially in winter. The cause is unknown.

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Symptoms and diagnosis of nummular dermatitis

Discoid lesions often appear as patches due to the fusion of vesicles and papules, which later crust over. The lesions spread rapidly and are itchy, most often occurring on the folds of the limbs, buttocks, but sometimes appearing all over the body.

The diagnosis of nummular dermatitis is made clinically and is based on the appearance and location of the lesions.

What do need to examine?

How to examine?

Who to contact?

How is nummular dermatitis treated?

There is no single effective treatment. In the presence of purulent foci, systemic antibiotics (dicloxacillin or cephalexin 250 mg 4 times a day) can be prescribed together with the use of wet compresses. In less inflamed lesions, tetracycline 250 mg orally 4 times a day can be used, which has a favorable, although not necessarily antibacterial effect. Ointments and creams should be rubbed in 3 times a day. Occlusive dressings can be applied at night. Intralesional glucocorticoids can be administered for a small number of foci that do not respond to treatment. Phototherapy with psoralen and ultraviolet A and B radiation can help with widespread, persistent disease and frequent relapses. Generalized glucocorticoid use should be avoided for a long time, the initial dose is prednisone 40 mg every other day.

More information of the treatment