(Credit: Ternavskaia Olga Alibec / Shutterstock)
For people with eczema, dealing with insane itches that make you scratch your skin till it bleeds can be a daily affair. It not only affects their quality of sleep and mental well-being, but also self-esteem. While eczema is a chronic condition with no known cure as of yet, there are ways to manage it. From home remedies like cool compress to itch-relief creams and moisturisers to repair skin barrier, read on for the best eczema treatment products in Singapore and expert tips on how to curb the condition and stop the itching immediately.
Eczema appears as red, scaly, and itchy skin, most often on the elbows, knees and neck as these areas are thinner and more prone to friction. According to Dr Teo Wan Lin (TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre), it is an inflammatory skin condition that tends to be chronic. For most people, eczema begins from a young age and prevails into adulthood. Over time, prolonged scratching of these areas to relieve the itch may result in blisters as well as thickening and flaking of the skin.
If the itch is getting to you and you are in need of some quick relief, here are some dermatologists’ tips on home remedies on how to stop eczema itch immediately. By relieving the itch, the tendency to scratch the affected areas is reduced. This also reduces the chances of damaging the skin barrier, which can exacerbate eczema.
Recommended by both Dr Patricia Yuen (Patricia Yuen Dermatology) and Dr Kok Wai Leong (Dermatology & Surgery Clinic), a cool compress is the easiest and most direct home remedy for eczema to relieve itch and redness. Simply wrap an ice pack with a towel and place it on the affected area to soothe and numb the itch. Once the itch is relieved, apply a moisturiser to the treated area.
This method is commonly used by dermatologists for severe eczema patients and you can try it yourself at home too. Do this after bathing, moisturising and applying your medication. Make a wet wrap by soaking a piece of long gauze in warm water. Wrap the gauze around the affected area and secure it in place. Layer a dry dressing over the wet one before putting on your clothes. Wet wrapping can work wonders to calm the skin. In addition, it helps your skin to better absorb the medication and soothe itching and pain. It can be used at night when the itching intensifies.
Dr Teo recommends keeping your moisturiser in the fridge before application. The cold moisturiser will provide a cooling sensation to your skin to distract your itch receptors and reduce discomfort. This home remedy for eczema is incredibly easy and is a quick solution to keep the itch at bay.
Aside from eczema medication, the best over-the-counter eczema treatments in Singapore and home remedies for eczema, changing a few aspects of your lifestyle can also help to improve your condition. Find out what are some lifestyle changes that you can make below.
In addition, you can add some oatmeal based products such as oatmeal cleansers and oatmeal moisturisers into your skincare routine. According to Dr Kok, oatmeal has a natural soothing effect on inflamed skin which can be beneficial for eczema flare-ups. However, do note that oat sensitisation may occur in young children and cases of contact allergies have also been reported. Hence, it is advisable to do patch tests when trying out new oatmeal skincare products for your eczema.
We understand that it can be hard to figure out the best eczema-friendly products in Singapore for your skin. A useful tip from Dr Kok is to look out for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Aside from your skincare, did you know that what you wear can also affect your eczema condition? According to Dr Kok, eczema patients are also more prone to contact allergies on the skin. Eczema can be triggered by certain clothing materials such as wool as well as other synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Your skin may react negatively to the fibres in these fabrics or the dyes, resins and chemicals used to treat them. Instead, opt for 100% cotton or soft, breathable materials like bamboo and silk.
Dr Kok reminds that eczema patients will need to pay extra attention to the things they come in contact with. This includes hand wash and sanitisers, dishwashing liquid and other cleaning detergents. These harsh chemicals can affect the skin and cause irritation with prolonged exposure. Identifying your eczema triggers is a way on how to get rid of it and the key to preventing nasty flare-ups. The trigger varies for each individual ranging from stress to sweat and humid conditions. Keep a record of your exposure to potential triggers and consider going for a professional patch-testing.
Late nights and junk food will do no good to your eczema condition. According to Dr Teo, inadequate sleep, disturbed sleep patterns, poor diet and stress are all factors that can directly trigger eczema flare-ups. This is because they affect your immune system. Thus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in managing your eczema.
We understand, picking the right eczema treatment products in Singapore that work best for your condition can be tricky. To help you, we’ve summarised some of the key ingredients to look out for and also ones to avoid as recommended by dermatologists below.
| Type of eczema treatment product | Ingredients to avoid | Ingredients to look out for |
| Itch relief cream |
|
|
| Moisturiser |
|
|
| Facial cleanser & body soap |
|
|
Theo10 is a local brand in Singapore that offers a range of eczema-care products made from natural and ethically sourced ingredients. The Theo10 Eczema Cream (available on Theo10sg Official Store) sets itself apart from other itch relief creams for eczema on the market with its all-natural formula that’s free from harmful chemicals and steroids. It uses therapeutic grade (determined by the process and quality of plant) peppermint to help soothe the itch.
Another key ingredient is propolis, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to deal with eczema infections. This makes it suitable for long term use, and is safe to be applied on children as young as 36 months and adults alike. Due to its efficacy and safe-to-use formula, it has also been recommended by dermatologists at KK Hospital. If you’re looking for ways on how to stop eczema itching immediately, the Theo10 eczema cream won’t disappoint. The brand recommends applying the cream in minute amounts (the size of half a rice grain) whenever you feel the itch throughout the day. Typically, the itch and redness subside after two to three days of frequent application.
Ask anyone who suffers from eczema and chances are they’ll tell you the itch drives them crazy, which is why they’re always looking for solutions on how to stop it immediately. For quick relief to help you stop scratching and risk compromising your skin further, cue the Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser (available on Suu Balm OFFICIAL STORE) – one of the best eczema treatment products for itch relief in Singapore. It is formulated by a senior dermatologist from National Skin Centre with the goal to help manage eczema itch while strengthening skin barrier at the same time. It uses menthol as one of its key ingredients which triggers the receptors in your body that sense cold. This replaces the itch with a cooling sensation, providing rapid relief.
The Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser also contains five types of skin-identical ceramides which help you build up your skin barrier while soothing the itch. Furthermore, this best moisturiser for eczema has a lightweight texture which makes it suitable for the humid Singapore weather.
According to Dr Kok, colloidal oatmeal (grinded oat grains as fine as powder) has been utilised for a long time as a natural way to soothe inflamed skin. The Dermal Therapy Anti Itch Soothing Cream (available on Dermal Therapy Official Store) contains just that, which is why it is one of the best itch relief products for eczema treatment in Singapore to add to your eczema management routine.
In addition to colloidal oatmeal, the Dermal Therapy Anti Itch Soothing Cream blends Canadian willowherb that’s calming and anti-inflammatory, as well as menthol for the cooling sensation in its formula to boost its efficacy in relieving itch. We recommend using oatmeal-based products for adults, as Dr Kok notes that oat sensitisation may occur in young children, and cases of contact allergies have been reported. For adults looking for ways on how to stop eczema itch relief, this is definitely a great option to try.
Dermatologists recommend choosing a moisturiser that’s rich in ceramides as it not only provides hydration, but also helps reinforce skin barrier and lock moisture in. This is important for those with eczema as an impaired skin barrier is one of the main reasons for its occurrence. That’s why the Dr. TWL Multi Ceram Moisturiser (available on DrTWL Dermaceuticals Official Store) is a solid choice as it is predominantly made of plant-based ceramides. Apart from restoring skin barrier, these ceramides also contain additional antioxidant benefits, and help reduce inflammation and steroid reliance.
That said, we understand that whenever it comes to cream-based moisturisers for eczema, there’s always a fear that they may be too sticky and heavy on the skin – especially in Singapore’s weather. If you’re worried about that, rest assured that this cream is one of the best options that absorbs quickly and can even be used before applying makeup without feeling cakey!
Back to working from the office and have to sit in an air-conditioned environment for prolonged periods of time? Prevent your skin from drying out with the Mineral Booster (available on DrTWL Dermaceuticals Official Store) recommended by Dr Teo! It is primarily made of polyglutamic acid, a compound that is high in its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin – even more so than hyaluronic acid!
In addition, the Mineral Booster is made of purified deep seawater that contains essential minerals that help to calm the skin – which comes in handy whenever there’s a flare-up. There are also multiple botanical actives that can reduce inflammation. The best part is how convenient it is as it comes in a mist form which feels lightweight yet deeply hydrating! Dr Teo advises using this as an on-the-go wet wrap treatment by spraying this on your skin after applying moisturiser.
If you’re looking for a moisturiser for eczema-prone skin that’s made of high quality, organic-certified ingredients, end your search with the Theo10 Eczema Lotion (available on Theo10sg Official Store) – one of the best creams in Singapore. It is jam-packed with moisturising ingredients such as rice bran-sourced ceramides, cold-pressed organic coconut oil, and bee propolis.
Ceramides sourced from rice bran offer anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory support on top of moisture, which helps eczema-prone skin heal. Bee propolis further speeds up the healing process, as it calms and disinfects the skin. The Theo10 Eczema lotion is also free from anything that could possibly irritate your skin – like artificial fragrances, parabens, and alcohol. If you’re looking for ways on how to get rid of eczema, using a deeply moisturising product like this is vital. It is recommended to apply it on your skin daily, even after an eczema outbreak has subsided.
You know a product is extra-safe to use when it says it is suitable for babies as they are the ones with the most sensitive and vulnerable skin. The baby-friendly Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume Ultra Soothing Balm (available on CNC Shop) is one of the best eczema treatments in Singapore as it is ultra-gentle, soothing, and nourishing to the skin. Personally recommended by Dr Yuen, this soothing balm uses a unique Skin Barrier Therapy to prevent harmful bacteria from thriving on the skin’s surface.
That’s not all – the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume also boasts a patented complex that helps to strengthen skin resistance, making it less sensitive to external stress and environmental changes. Furthermore, it is enriched with soothing and purifying agents that rapidly calm the skin down during irritations, and contains an exclusive Lipigenium complex which repairs the skin barrier. There’s no surprise why this product has been hailed as the best eczema treatment in Singapore!
Say goodbye to parched, irritated skin with the Aveeno Body Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream (available on Johnson & Johnson Official Store), which has been clinically proven to relieve the main symptoms of eczema such as itch, redness, and dryness. For that, it is marked with a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association (NEA) – which speaks volumes about its efficacy and safety.
The Aveeno Body Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream works wonders to calm the skin as it contains colloidal oatmeal – not just any oatmeal, but prebiotic oatmeal that encourages good bacteria to thrive on your skin’s microbiome. It also contains ceramides to repair your skin barrier and prevent recurrence of flare-ups.
Aquaphor is a cult-favourite product that has been touted to heal skin quickly and protect it from further irritations. The key to its effectiveness? Petrolatum. According to Dr Kok, petrolatum or petroleum jelly are compounds that have undergone research and they’ve shown to have measurable effects on improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. That’s why the Aquaphor Healing Ointment (available on healthmart.sg) containing 41% petrolatum is one of the best eczema treatments in Singapore that has been widely recommended.
If your eczema only appears on your heels and feet, get the version that’s formulated especially for that! We recommend soaking your feet in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes, and coating the affected area with a generous amount of Aquaphor before bed.
Ceradan is a dermatologist-recommended brand that specialises in ceramide-based products. According to them, it is not as straightforward as simply choosing a ceramide-dominant product when it comes to treating eczema and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. You have to pick one that uses the right ratio of ingredients.
That’s why the Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream (available on Ceradan SG Official Store) is one of the best treatment products for eczema in Singapore. For them, no detail is too small. The Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream is scientifically formulated with a 3:1:1 ratio of ceramide, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. This has been clinically tested in a study with Singaporean children under six years old, where 81.3% of participants saw improvements in their eczema condition after 12 weeks of using the product. With proven results, it’s definitely worth a try to use this to build up your skin barrier!
Rich moisturisers are warranted for those with eczema patients to restore their skin, but on days when the humidity is overwhelming, turn to lightweight ones like the Cetaphil PRO AD Derma Skin Restoring Moisturiser (available on Cetaphil Official Store). Despite its non-greasy texture, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated throughout the day so you won’t have to keep reapplying it. This is because it contains filaggrin – a protein that is responsible for how well your skin retains moisture. This ingredient helps your skin to restore its natural moisturising factors, which results in skin that is less prone to itch. The brand recommends applying it immediately after showering while the skin is still slightly damp for best results.
You may have come across many facial cleansers claiming to be gentle on your skin. But what does that truly mean? Cue the Dr. TWL Miel Honey Cleanser (available on DrTWL Dermaceuticals Official Store) which contains medical-grade honey that works to eliminate impurities on your skin without stripping or damaging your skin’s barrier.
But that’s not all the honey can do. It boasts anti-microbial properties and is antibacterial and antifungal which tackles Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin bacteria. This bacteria may cause an inflammatory response, especially on sensitive eczema skin types. By getting rid of the bacteria, the Dr. TWL Miel Honey Cleanser can restore the balance of bacteria on your skin to manage eczema. It’s no wonder this is one of the best eczema treatment products in Singapore to kickstart your skincare routine!
As one of the most renowned skincare brands in Singapore that’s recommended by dermatologists, Cetaphil provides a wide range of eczema skin-friendly products that you can choose from. Case in point: the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (available on Shopee Supermarket) which contains a non-irritating formulation to deeply moisturise and soothe sensitive skin. It’s also soap-free (a point to look out for as suggested by Dr Yuen), non-comedogenic and pH balanced so you need not worry about throwing your skin’s pH balance off scale.
The best part about the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is its two-in-one application. You can either rinse off the cleanser with water or wipe off the product from your face gently with a tissue. This makes it the best eczema treatment product in Singapore for those who are travelling!
You know you’ve found yourself the best eczema treatment product in Singapore when the product has received the Seal of Acceptance from the NEA. The CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water (available on Best Group Buy) is recognised by NEA as an eczema treatment product that has been proven to be beneficial for eczema and sensitive skin.
Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water features a three-in-one multipurpose formula to cleanse skin, remove makeup and restore skin’s barrier. The fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and non-irritating formula also contains three essential ceramides (Dr Teo says this is a key ingredient for eczema treatment products) which protect and restore the skin barrier.
Known for their extensive range of hypoallergenic products, Physiogel is one of the best brands to turn to when you’re looking for suitable eczema treatment products in Singapore. The Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser (available on Physiogel Official Store) has earned itself a loyal following among the eczema community with its mild formula. This soap-free baby-friendly cleanser maintains your skin’s pH balance to minimise irritation.
But don’t mistake this gentle cleanser for its effectiveness. It makes your skin squeaky clean in an instant while promoting hydration to give you a soft and healthy complexion! You can choose to rinse off the cleanser with water or simply remove it with a cotton pad for a non-rinse application.
While the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser (available on La Roche Posay Official Store) may throw you off with its complicated name, its ingredient list is anything but. Formulated with exactly eight simple ingredients, you’ll have no trouble figuring out what exactly is being applied onto your skin.
The Toleriane Dermo Cleanser contains the famous La Roche-Posay Thermal Water which is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. Another key ingredient is glycerin, a natural humectant that’s vital for trapping moisture in the skin and promoting skin regeneration. It’s no wonder the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is one of the best eczema treatment products in Singapore, living up to the brand’s reputation for being the specialist for sensitive skin.
Tap on the soothing properties of oatmeal with the Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash (available on Johnson & Johnson Official Store) and feel the itch wash away during your relaxing bath! This creamy body wash is specially formulated with triple oatmeal complex (oat flour, oat oil and whole oat extract) and rich emollient to deeply moisturise and cleanse very dry and itchy skin. This best eczema treatment soap in Singapore by Aveeno is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so you need not worry about skin irritation or flare-ups!
With no paraben, alcohol, soap, colourants or preservatives, the Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Shower Oil (available on Bioderma Official Store) is one of the best eczema treatment soaps in Singapore that you know you won’t go wrong with. The anti-irritation formula contains Bioderma’s patented Skin Barrier Therapy which works to minimise adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that’s responsible for skin inflammation. This significantly reduces the itch and irritation of your skin.
You’ll also find niacinamide in the body wash, which can help to reduce redness from eczema and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. Follow up your shower with the Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume (#7) to stay moisturised and itch-free all day!
Goat milk may be the last thing that comes to your mind when looking for the best eczema treatment product in Singapore. But this wonder ingredient may just be the solution to eczema-prone skin. Compared to the harsh chemicals found in many body washes in the market, natural goat milk can help to soothe skin, maintain pH balance, reduce inflammation and nourish the skin.
Keen to try goat milk in your eczema skincare routine? The Oatmeal Honey Goat Milk Soap (available on The Soap Haven) is a good place to start! This 100% natural soap contains simple ingredients that are good for your skin. You know the drill – it is formulated without fragrance, parabens or sulphate. What it has, though, is natural skin-loving ingredients like goat milk, pure raw honey and oatmeal. Honey and oatmeal both act as gentle moisturisers with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch benefits that work well with sensitive eczema skin. If you’d prefer to avoid goat milk, the Organic Shea Oatmeal Honey Soap Bar (available on The Soap Haven) is a good alternative!
As part of the trio from Restoration Essence (RESS), the Eczema Defender Liquid Soap (available on Restoration Essence Official Store) is a coconut based liquid soap designed for a soothing bath experience. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria on skin and reduce the chances of inflammation. In addition, it is also highly moisturising to relieve scaly dry eczema skin. This body wash is so gentle, it is suitable for both babies and adults. Once you’re fresh out of the shower, be sure to lather your skin with the Eczema Fighter (available on Restoration Essence Official Store) – one of the best moisturisers for eczema in Singapore!
We hope this article has given you practical tips for managing eczema and helped you with your search for solutions on how to stop eczema itch immediately. For more insights from the ecz-perts, check out this dermatologists’ guide to eczema in Singapore. Apart from the best products for eczema treatment such as moisturisers and creams to reduce flare-ups, keep your health in check with the best probiotic supplements in Singapore and the best healthy snacks in Singapore!
Special thanks to:
______________________________________________________________________
New to Shopee? Get $7 off (min. spend $15) with code*: ECZEMA7
*TNC Applies. Valid for new users from 23 Jun to 30 Jun 2021 only.
Time to jingle his bells!
‘Tis the season to be jolly and a little competitive!
For a-meow-zing staycays.
Ending the year with a blast (of fireworks).
Leave a Comment