Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: March | Volume: 7 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 107-110
Clinical Profile of Nummular Eczema in a Hilly Population and Associated Xerosis
Renu Rattan1, Meena Chauhan2, Anuj Sharma3, Abhishek Sharma 4, Gita Ram Tegta5
1Consultant Dermatologist, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
2Consultant Dermatologist, Civil Hospital Rohru, Himachal Pradesh,
3Consultant Dermatologist, Regional Hospital Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh,
4Senior resident, Deptt of Dermatology, SLBS Medical College, Ner Chowk, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh,
5Professor, Deptt of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh,
Corresponding Author: Renu Rattan
ABSTRACT
Background: Nummular eczema, a variant of endogenous eczema, is a common dermatoses with a chronic relapsing course. It is often associated with xerosis and impaired skin barrier. This study aimed at evaluating clinical profile of nummular eczema in a hilly population where xerosis of skin is a feature due to dry weather conditions.
Methods: Forty consecutive patients of nummular eczema attending the out- patient department of a tertiary care centre were recruited in the study and their clinical details along with seasonal variation in the course of dermatitis were analysed.
Results: There were 27(67.5%) males and 13(32.5%) females with a mean age of 39.1 ± 19 years. Most commonly involved site was lower limbs (in 72.5% patients), followed by upper limbs (in 50% patients), further followed by trunk (in 45% patients). Winter exacerbation of the dermatitis was seen in 57.5% patients, while 17.5% patients showed summer exacerbation and 25% of patients reported no seasonal variation. No history of atopy was seen in maximum number of patients i.e. 57. 5%.
Conclusion: Nummular eczema follows a more chronic and relapsing course in the setting of dry skin conditions. Dry environmental conditions precipitate acute exacerbations of dermatitis.
Key words: Nummular eczema, xerosis, dermatitis.