Eczema In Singapore – A Most Common Skin Problem

Eczema In Singapore is a common condition affecting almost one-tenth of the total adult population and about one-fifth of the population of children. About half of the patients will probably suffer from this skin problem life-long, found a study carried out by a team of medical students from the National University of Singapore. In this article, we present the causes, symptoms and treatments for eczema.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, of which the most common form is atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). Eczema patients’ skins will get dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It can happen to a person of any age, but children are more prone to develop the disease. It is typically long-lasting and tends to flare periodically.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema symptoms are very obvious, including:

• Itchy skin
• Reddish skin or skin rashes, especially found on hands, legs, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, inside the bend of elbows and knees
• For infants & toddlers, reddish skin commonly be found on scalp or face
• Skin inflammation
• Thicken, cracked or scaly skin
• Raw and sensitive skin while scratching

Causes Or Triggers For Eczema

The exact cause of atopic eczema in Singapore is still unknown. However, the following are widely believed to cause or trigger the condition:

• Family History: if your family has allergies, for example hay fever or asthma, you are more likely to have eczema.
• People with weakened immune system will more likely to suffer from eczema
• Exposed to allergens: change in weather, pollen grains, smoke, air pollutants, insect bites or even food allergy can trigger eczema
• Poor indoor air quality
• Stress
• Reactions to vaccination

How To Treat Eczema?

Simple self help procedures that you can try include not scratching the affected skin area and keeping the area clean and moisturised. There are multiple OTC skin repairing creams such as those from Yuan Skincare (these are non-steroidal creams) that may relieve the symptoms.

You should however see a doctor (you can visit the National Skin Centre, your family GP or skin specialist clinics) if you or your child:

• Present symptoms of eczema and the condition causes discomfort to the extent that it affects sleep and daily activities
• Have a skin infection (symptoms include streaks on the skin, pus, or yellow scabs)
• Have symptoms even after trying self-care steps

Other treatments for eczema may include topical and oral medications, wet dressings, and phototherapy.