nummulaarinen

Nummular is a term used in medicine and biology to describe a circular or coin-shaped appearance. It is derived from the Latin word "nummulus," meaning "small coin." This descriptive term is often applied to various structures or lesions observed during medical examinations, particularly in dermatology and ophthalmology.

In dermatology, nummular lesions typically refer to coin-shaped rashes or patches of skin that are well-demarcated. These can be seen in conditions such as nummular eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itchy, coin-shaped plaques. The appearance helps clinicians in diagnosing and differentiating various skin conditions.

In ophthalmology, nummular refers to the appearance of certain types of deposits or infiltrates within the eye. For instance, nummular keratitis describes inflammatory infiltrates in the cornea that have a circular or coin-like shape. Similarly, nummular macular disease in the retina describes deposits that are circular and resemble coins. This specific morphology aids in the identification of the underlying disease process and guides treatment strategies. The term "nummular" is therefore a useful descriptor for clinical observations, providing a clear visual characteristic to aid in medical diagnosis.