What causes discoid eczema?
The exact cause of discoid eczema is uncertain. However, most people with discoid eczema have generally dry skin. One theory is that the dry skin upsets the normal fatty layer within the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) which usually helps to protect the skin. Because this protection is lost, allergens (special proteins that can cause allergy) can penetrate through the skin and lead to an allergic or irritant response in the skin, so leading to the patches of eczema. In fact, some doctors actually consider discoid eczema as a form of adult onset atopic (allergic) dermatitis. Sometimes certain medicines can trigger discoid eczema in some people. For example, medicines used to treat hepatitis C infection (called interferon and ribavirin). Insect bites or injury to the skin can also trigger an outbreak of discoid eczema in some people. Because the fatty, protective layer within the skin is lost, it is thought that some people with discoid eczema may also have an increased risk of d
