Eczema in Singapore is one of the highest in Asia. Also known as dermatitis, this chronic skin disorder causes inflammation or burning of the skin and is present in one out of ten people in Singapore. It is around twenty-five percent in children, with sixty percent developing the condition in their first year, while up to ninety percent of the cases are developed in the first five years. Symptoms include dry skin, redness, and itching of the skin.
These are usually found on the face, knees, hands, or feet. However, it could affect other areas as well. It is important to treat eczema before it impacts anyone's quality of life. People with eczema are more prone to skin damage, which increases the risk of itchy skin and penetration of allergens, and a decrease in skin moisture. There are many factors involved in the development of this skin condition.
A child is more likely to have eczema if one or both parents have it. The most common allergen in Singapore is house dust particles. Other common environmental stimuli are heat, humidity, and sweat.
It was observed that harmful bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, readily colonize the skin environment of eczema patients. This causes more inflammation of the skin and reduces the effectiveness of treating the condition.
There are many ways eczema is managed. Prescription creams are generally classified into topical steroids or non-steroidal creams such as topical calcineurin inhibitors. Topical steroids work to reduce local dermatitis and should be applied as directed by your doctor.
Increasingly, dermatologists are recommending a proactive therapy in which treatment is given even after the rash is gone. This is done to reduce residual inflammation on the skin that is not visible and maintain the rash-free period.
Common oral medications to treat eczema are over-the-counter antihistamines, reducing histamine and ultimately itching. However, it may not work for all patients.
Wet wrap therapy involves applying the desired steroid cream and moisturizer and then wrapping the skin with a layer of open weave tubular bandage that is moist. This way, the rash resolves quickly, and the itching is significantly reduced.
Finally, phototherapy involves exposing the affected skin to specific light bands of ultraviolet B light or ultraviolet light. It is used primarily for treating adults with careful exposure to minimize UV damage to the skin.
Common misconceptions about eczema in Singapore
The climate does exacerbate the condition, and when it comes to Singapore, the hot and humid weather is not your friend. Eczema Singapore people suffer from can lead to discomfort, social isolation, and depression. Therefore, there is a need for education on the subject and let us start off by clearing some myths about the condition.
Eczema is caused by impure blood movement and can be cured: Eczema is a skin condition linked to skin disorders. Eczema is not related to anemia, and although most patients recover from eczema, there is no cure for eczema.
Eczema is caused by food: Although food allergies can trigger eczema, they are much less common. Often, patients or parents think it is related to food because it is more observable than environmental allergens. In older children, house dust particles are more likely to be stimulants.
Eczema is a contagious disease: Eczema is caused by the blockage of a patient's skin and its reaction to the environment and the immune system. However, since eczema looks a certain way, some people may think of it as a contagious disease. That is not the case.
Eczema is caused by poor hygiene: Again, due to the appearance of the rash, some people think that eczema results from improper washing. However, eczema has nothing to do with hygiene, and, conversely, repeated use of soap and detergent can even contribute to the increased spread of eczema. In addition, excessive cleaning dries the skin, which exacerbates eczema.
Comments