Exit Eczema: A Dermatologist Guide To Relieving The Itch

Red scaly patches, severely dry skin, and intense itching. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, chances are, you have eczema. But fret not, you’re not alone. Eczema is a common skin condition in Singapore and other parts of the world. To better understand what is eczema, we consulted certified dermatologists for their expert insights on the matter. Find out everything you need to know about eczema in Singapore, including what triggers eczema, types of eczema, how eczema is treated, and more.

What is eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy skin. According to Dr. Teo Wan Lin (TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre), eczema tends to be a chronic condition that starts from a young age and prevails into adulthood. The condition usually affects the elbows, knees, neck, and parts of the face as the skin in these areas is thinner and more prone to friction. Over time, prolonged scratching of these areas to relieve the itch may result in blisters as well as thickening and flaking of the skin. 

Eczema vs skin allergy

Knowing what is eczema isn’t sufficient if you can’t identify the signs. It can be hard to differentiate between eczema and allergy rashes as both conditions have similar symptoms. We’ve included some tips below on how to better identify eczema vs allergy rashes. However, it is recommended to consult your dermatologist for more accurate information about your condition. 

What are the types of eczema?

While eczema in Singapore can typically be identified by common symptoms like dryness, itch, and red patches, it is important to know that there are different types of eczema so you can understand your symptoms and triggers better. According to Dermatology and Surgery Clinic, these are the most common types of eczema and their causes, symptoms, and ways to manage them. 

What causes or triggers eczema?

To better manage eczema, pinpoint what has caused it and identify the triggers so that you can actively avoid them and prevent flare-ups. Here are the main causes and triggers of eczema in Singapore that dermatologists have pointed out. 

• Air quality, dust mites, and the weather

What is the most common trigger for eczema? According to Dr. Teo, eczema is most commonly triggered or caused by environmental factors. For instance, due to the hot, humid weather, Singaporeans tend to stay in air-conditioned environments. This increases water loss and strips our skin of moisture, leading to an impaired skin barrier which can cause eczema or trigger it to flare up. In addition, Singapore’s hot weather may also indirectly exacerbate eczema as the heat also causes us to sweat more. Sweat contains urea lactate and minerals, which can irritate and dry out skin for people suffering from eczema.

Another environmental factor that triggers eczema outbreaks is exposure to dust mites, which are commonly found in blankets, couches, and carpets. They can damage and kill skin cells, causing inflammation and itching. To curb this, Dr. Teo recommends using a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of airborne particulate allergens in the environment.

• Harsh soaps and lack of moisturizing

Another common cause of eczema is the long-term use of drying soaps and detergents that contain harsh chemicals which can impair the skin barrier and irritate the skin. According to Dr. Patricia Yuen (Patricia Yuen Dermatology), this includes excessive usage of antibacterial soaps and sanitisers. This increases the risk of contact dermatitis which commonly occurs on the hands. The best soaps for eczema are soapless cleansers without harsh ingredients. Also, pay attention to moisturizing skin with fragrance-free moisturizers to repair the skin barrier. 

• Stress and sleep quality

Aside from the climate and harsh chemicals, what are some other triggers for eczema? According to Dr. Yuen, heightened stress can trigger eczema as it causes the body to produce hormones like cortisol which can affect the immune system, causing inflammation to the skin. In the same vein, lack of sleep or poor sleep quality weakens the immune system and makes one more prone to flare-ups. The thing is, eczema disturbs sleep due to the itch – which is why it is important to find ways to manage and treat it.

• Food allergies

According to Dr. Teo, food allergy is a rare trigger for eczema that tends to only affect children below the age of four. If your child is below four and suffering from eczema, it is recommended to identify the specific trigger with a board-certified dermatologist.

How to treat eczema?

• Prescription of eczema-friendly cleansers and medical-grade moisturizers

• Steroid prescription depending on the condition

Do steroids make eczema worse? This is a common question that people in Singapore with eczema have. Steroids have been associated with negative side effects such as thinning of the skin and withdrawals. However, Dr. Yuen assures patients that the use of steroids under the guidance of a dermatologist is safe, and a necessity for severe cases to control the condition. The use of steroids will eventually be tapered off to a non-steroid medicine during the maintenance phase. According to Dr. Kok Wai Leong (Dermatology & Surgery Clinic), topical steroids are but one of the many treatment options for eczema, and fixed routines and good skincare habits are still the cornerstones of eczema management. 

More ways to treat the eczema skin condition in Singapore

We hope this article has helped you understand eczema better so you can manage the condition more effectively. Apart from understanding what is eczema, knowing the products that work best with eczema skin can help to alleviate the condition. Check out the best eczema treatment products in Singapore that are recommended by dermatologists, including moisturizers, itch relief creams, and bodywash. A strong immune system is also vital to preventing eczema flare-ups. Keep your health in check with the best probiotic supplements in Singapore and the best healthy snacks in Singapore!

Special thanks to: 

• Dr. Teo Wan Lin – certified dermatologist, medical director at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, founder of Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals
• Dr. Patricia Yuen – certified dermatologist, founder of Patricia Yuen Dermatology
• Dr. Kok Wai Leong – certified dermatologist at Dermatology & Surgery Clinic

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