Eczema

What is eczema/ skin rash?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that starts in infancy or childhood. 1 in 5 children is estimated to suffer from eczema.

Looking for Eczema treatment in Singapore? 

Finding a specialist based in Singapore who can provide the appropriate eczema treatment can greatly alleviate the condition. Healthsprings Clinic offers quality eczema treatment in Singapore to manage your symptoms.

It starts as an itchy red rash with cracked skin, commonly over the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, the rash may be on the neck, eczema appears on face, and body as well. Over time, the skin may thicken due to repeated rubbing and inflammation.

Some children outgrow eczema, however, for others, eczema may wax and wane even in adulthood.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of eczema? 

The symptoms of eczema depends on the type and age of the person. Signs can begin as young as when you are a baby, with itchy and dry patches affecting the scalp and cheeks. The rashes can be so itchy that they will affect one’s sleep and even cause infections and bleeding when they scratch.

Most signs and symptoms of eczema are developed when growing up (which is usually before the age of 5), and can last till adolescence and adulthood. It is critical to be aware that not all cases of eczema are alike.

How does eczema occur?

Eczema is a result of the interaction of genes and environment. People with eczema have a more permeable or ‘leaky’ skin barrier, therefore the skin is more susceptible to irritation by things such as soaps, chemicals, fragrances, dust, smoke, sweat, clothing fibres, and more — resulting in the itchy rash.

Eczema is not caused by bacteria, and is not contagious. However, broken skin due to repeated scratching can be at risk of getting infected. The most common signs will be:

• Redness
• Inflammed and infected pores and skin on the body, including the neck, elbows, wrists, knees, nape, legs, ankles and buttocks.
• Dry and sensitive skin
• Rough
• Discoloured
• Scaly / Leathery patches of skin
• Bumpy and Itchy rashes
• Crusting and Oozing blisters

Why do I experience eczema? 

The actual cause of eczema remains unknown, however genetic elements are lengthy concept to boom one’s threat of developing it. For example, when a baby is born to a parent or parents diagnosed with eczema or any other atopic disease like asthma and allergic rhinitis, they will have extra risk of developing pores and skin condition.

Eczema is likewise believed to be induced through environmental factors along with:

• Allergens (dander, pollen, dirt mites, mold)
• Irritants (shampoos, soaps, detergents and disinfectants)
• Microbes (bacteria, viruses and fungi)
• Food (dairy products, egg, wheat, gluten, citrus, nuts, fruits and seeds)
• Extreme cold or hot temperatures
• Execessive or low humidity
• Hormonal flunctations
• Stress

How to manage eczema?

As people with eczema have more sensitive skin, it is important to avoid things that can cause eczema to flare up. Even if the skin is clear with no rashes, care must be taken to keep the skin moisturised and healthy. Here are some eczema treatments in Singapore to help alleviate eczema, ranging from medication, moisturiser creams and ointments, to lifestyle changes.

Daily maintenance care

• Use a soap-free body wash and lukewarm water in the shower. Avoid taking long or hot showers as it dries out the skin.
• Apply a non-fragranced moisturiser to the whole body twice a day. This is best done within a few minutes after showering.
• Avoid exposure to trigger factors where possible.

Treatment during flares

• Steroid creams or ointments may be prescribed by your doctor for eczema flares. Steroid creams reduce the acute inflammation quickly.
• Antihistamine tablets help to relieve itch, especially at night to allow better sleep.
• For moderate to severe eczema which is not improving despite proper application of steroid creams, calcineurin inhibitor creams such as Elidel or Protopic are an option. You may wish to discuss this with your doctor.

• Wet wraps help to soothe itchy and irritated skin, and reduce oozing discharge from rashes and broken skin. Wet wraps lock in moisture to the skin, similar to the effect of facial sheet masks. They can be left for several hours overnight, and have been shown to reduce scratching and improve sleep quality in children with eczema.

Other ways to prevent flare-ups

• Avoid food, materials or chemical substances that cause or worsen signs and symptoms.
• Keep the pores and skin hydrated through the usage of eczema-friendly creams and moisturisers.
• Protect any cracked pores and skin or wounds to save you from possible infections.
• Avoid touching or scratching the affected areas.
• Avoid sudden change of temperature and humidity flunctations.
• Reduce level of stress.

If you suspect you or your loved one has eczema, see our friendly doctors for a thorough assessment and more information on how to manage it. Treat your flare-ups with Eczema treatment in Singapore today.

Photo credit: https://www.eczemacompany.com/what-is-wet-wrap-therapy-for-eczema/