{"id":63034,"date":"2022-04-29T15:30:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-29T07:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=63034"},"modified":"2022-09-08T19:50:26","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T11:50:26","slug":"eczema-guide-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/eczema-guide-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Exit Eczema: A Dermatologist Guide To Relieving The Itch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Red scaly patches, severely dry skin, and intense itching. If you\u2019re experiencing these symptoms, chances are, you have eczema. But fret not, you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is eczema?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"what
(Credit: TY Lim<\/a> \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eczema vs skin allergy<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"eczema
(Credit: Orawan Pattarawimonchai<\/a> \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Knowing what is eczema isn\u2019t sufficient if you can\u2019t identify the signs. It can be hard to differentiate between eczema and allergy rashes as both conditions have similar symptoms. We\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Skin condition<\/b><\/td>\nEczema<\/b><\/td>\nSkin allergy rash<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common symptoms<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Dry, scaly skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Intense and persistent itch<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Red patches<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Fluid leaking through the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Itch<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Red patches<\/span><\/li>\n
  • May be swollen or have blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common causes<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Immune system activation<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Genetics<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Environmental triggers<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stress<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Skin deterioration due to age<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Impaired skin barrier<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Airborne allergens<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Food allergy<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Other types of allergens such as plants, insect bites, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Infections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Occurrence<\/span><\/td>\nMostly occurring since a young age<\/span><\/td>\nSudden onset rash<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frequency<\/span><\/td>\nChronic, recurring<\/span><\/td>\nOccurs when triggered by allergens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common affected areas<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Elbows<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Knees<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Neck<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Face<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Anywhere on body<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What are the types of eczema?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"dermatologist
(Credit: Fuss Sergey<\/a> \/ Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Types of eczema<\/b><\/td>\nCommon causes<\/b><\/td>\nCommon symptoms<\/b><\/td>\nWho suffers from it?<\/b><\/td>\nWays to manage<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atopic dermatitis<\/span><\/td>\nHyper-reactive immune system to environmental stimuli<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Itching, sore, painful skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dry, discoloured skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lichenification (thickening and hardening of the skin) due to continuous scratching<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Babies under six months old and people with asthma or hay fever.<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Improving sleep quality<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Maintaining a healthy diet<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Managing stress<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Strengthening skin barrier through a regular cleansing and moisturizing routine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contact dermatitis<\/span><\/td>\nSkin irritation or allergic reaction to a substance<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Itch<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Burning sensation on the skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Blistering<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
People whose lifestyle or profession involve daily contact with chemicals e.g. hairstylists and health care workers<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Steroid prescription by board-certified dermatologists<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Identifying and avoiding irritants and allergens<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seborrheic eczema<\/span><\/td>\nExcessive growth of a type of yeast on oily parts of the skin such as the scalp, upper back, and groin area\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Dandruff\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Greasy scaling, redness, and swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Infants and adults between 30 – 60 years old<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Washing affected areas daily with a gentle cleanser or medicated shampoo for the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Asteatotic eczema<\/span><\/td>\nExcessive dryness of skin due to environmental factors like cold weather, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying health conditions<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Flaky, scaly, cracked skin<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Inflamed skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Elderly people and people in their 20s<\/span><\/td>\n\n