What is the cause of discoid eczema?
The cause of discoid eczema is unknown. There are dry and wet types. In most cases, discoid eczema does not run in families. It does not result from food allergy. It is not infectious to other people, although it sometimes becomes secondarily infected by bacteria. • Minor skin injury such as an insect bite or a burn may start it off. • In some children, it is a manifestation of atopic dermatitis. • Autoeczematisation or id reactions can present as discoid eczema. • It may be termed ‘varicose eczema’ when it runs along the leg veins or may complicate gravitational eczema. • Dry skin in the winter months can cause dry non-itchy round patches. • The wet type presents as crusted or blistered patches.
