Dermatologists answer some common eczema-related questions to better manage the itchiness, redness and flakiness many Singaporeans suffer from.
Individuals with eczema will be familiar with the frustrating, recurring situation: Intense itching that compels you to scratch or rub, which leads to the skin becoming darker, thicker, bloody or even pus-filled when infected – if it isn’t already looking red and flaky.
To alleviate the itch and skin’s inflamed appearance, it is not surprising that besides topical hydrocortisone or steroids, some have turned to alternative treatments or advice, especially if they haven’t had much success with conventional medicine.
Patients may even skip the use of steroidal creams as they are under the impression that these creams can thin the skin or create a perpetual reliance on them. Some may believe that a diet overhaul, including giving up dairy, seafood and meat, can help the body get rid of eczema-causing toxins.
While the efficacy of such practices remains to be seen, what is a fact is that many people suffer from eczema in Singapore – about 10 per cent of adults in Singapore, according to Associate Professor Lee Haur Yueh, the head and senior consultant with Singapore General Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.
Furthermore, about 11 per cent to 13 per cent of adult eczema cases begin in childhood, said Dr Uma Alagappan, a consultant dermatologist at KK Women’s And Children’s Hospital.
Here’s a look at what dermatologists say about the common misconceptions on eczema:
MISCONCEPTION #1: SEAFOOD, DAIRY PRODUCTS, MEAT AND ADDITIVES CAN TRIGGER ECZEMA
MISCONCEPTION #2: ESSENTIAL OILS AS WELL AS HERBAL AND NATUROPATHIC PRODUCTS ARE SAFER TO USE
MISCONCEPTION #3: TOPICAL STEROID CREAMS THIN YOUR SKIN SO USE THEM SPARINGLY
MISCONCEPTION #4: ONCE YOU START ON STEROIDS, YOU NEED INCREASINGLY HIGHER DOSES TO CONTROL YOUR ECZEMA
MISCONCEPTION #5: TOPICAL STEROIDS HAVE THE SAME SIDE EFFECTS AS STEROID INJECTIONS AND ORAL STEROIDS
MISCONCEPTION #6: YOU’RE LIKELY TO BE PUT ON TOPICAL STEROID CREAMS FOR MONTHS
I – Word Understanding
Alleviate – to make something, such as pain or suffering more bearable.
II – Have Your Say
1, What foods help clear up eczema?
2, Is Essential Oil good for eczema?
971 How to deal with eczema: Does skipping seafood help? Are essential oils effective?
