He needs answers to rare dermatitis

Q. I am an 86-year-old male, and, approximately two years ago, I was diagnosed with nummular dermatitis. This disease causes spots of rashes that 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?

A. Nummular dermatitis is a form of eczema. It usually occurs on the arms and legs but can appear anywhere on the body. Treatment for generalized (over most of the body) ND can include bed rest, oral antibiotics or steroids and being in a cool (not cold) environment. Taking cool or lukewarm baths or showers once or twice daily followed immediately by applying moisturizer can be beneficial. As for suggestions, I am not a dermatologist. In my opinion, you are on an appropriate treatment. Just as there is no cure for common eczema, there is no cure for this form.

If you have further questions about prevention, treatment and self-care techniques, I urge you to speak to your physician who, undoubtedly, has access to the newest treatments available.

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