DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am an 86-year-old male and approximately two years ago was diagnosed with nummular dermatitis. This disease causes spots of rashes which appear on all parts of my body after the areas get very itchy. I trust my diagnosis because my dermatologist is a professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine. He said there is no cure and very little research because very few people have this disease. I am currently taking triamcinolone acetonide which I have to apply to all affected spots twice a day.

Do you know anything about this condition? Can you offer any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
Nummular dermatitis (ND) is a form of eczema. It usually occurs on the arms and legs but can appear anywhere on the body. The rash generally starts as papules (raised areas of skin) that then turn into plaques (flattened patches, such as those associated with psoriasis). These areas are generally very itchy and are frequently accompanied by abnormal dryness. The areas are prone to infection, cracking, bleeding and so forth caused by scratching.

There are two peak ages of occurrence. Those between 60 and 70 are most commonly affected with a predominance in men. The second group is individuals between the ages of 20 and 30. Those in this group tend to be female and many also have atopic dermatitis (common eczema). This disorder is rare in children.

Symptoms often come and go with winter. [Read more...]