Brief Answer: Discoid eczema, moisturizer+topical steroid Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at XXXXXXX I would keep a possibility of discoid dermatitis. Discoid dermatitis presents as coin-sized patches of dry, scaly patches present on a background of generalised dryness/xerosis. The patches are usually associated with itching. The patches can sometimes become secondarily infected with bacteria due to scratching. Children who have underlying dry skin (specially those who are Atopic, or have Icthyosis Vulgaris) are prone to develop these patches. Weather and clothing, play an important part; dry and cold weather in winters extracts all the moisture from the skin and wearing woolens directly onto the skin which is already dry causes irritation and dermatitis. Summers bring relief in most of these patients The most important part in the management of this condition is to moisturize the entire skin well, with an intensive moisturizing cream, twice daily and using a gentle cleansing soap or lotion e.g Cetaphil cleansing lotion. In my practice i usually prescribe a moderately potent topical steroid (fluticasone+antibiotic combination ointment (fluticasone+mupirocin ointment), to be applied only over the patches, twice daily, after the application of moisturizer. The cream that you have been using (desowen cream) is a very mild steroid (contains desonide) and is sometimes ineffective. Using a moderately potent topical steroid based ointment e.g fluticasone is not only safe but would be more effective than desonide(desowen) The patches usually heal within 2 weeks, thereafter only the moisturizer need to be continued. General measures like wearing cotton lined woolens OR wearing woolens over cottons can help in addition. hope this answers you query take care regards

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Brief Answer: Attention to general measures to prevent recurrenc Detailed Answer: Hi. Your concern is genuine. This can occur again because those who have dry skin, water retention capacity of the skin is low. There are more chances for discoid dermatitis to develop in winters because of dry weather. Therefore regular moisturisation of skin at the start of winters should be practised. Children usually outgrow there disease as they be come older. Yes, general measures alone can help prevent it from occuring but once the patches have already formed then you need to apply a moderately potent topical steroid (fluticasone+antibiotic combination ointment (fluticasone+mupirocin ointment), till they patches resolve (usually within 2 weeks) followed by attention to general measures only. take care regards

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