Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as an atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. It is a very common condition in developed countries and city areas. About 20% of school children in Singapore have eczema and majority of patients show improvement as they grow older but 30%-40% may still have eczema symptoms as adults. The condition is not contagious.

Eczema may vary in appearance depending on your skin tone. For light to medium skin tones, it may appear as pink or red rashes with bumps and crust. For medium to dark skin tones, eczema may appear as dark brown or purple rashes with dry, small bumps. 

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

Symptoms may vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of this condition include:

• Itch
• Small bumps and flaky skin 
• Swelling of the skin
• Dry and red skin
• In severe cases, the skin may appear crusty and be bleeding

Areas that are more commonly affected by eczema include:

• Elbow creases
• Back of knees
• Neck
• Face
• Wrist
• Hands and forearms

You should seek medical attention if your eczema is affecting your sleep or daily activities, your skin shows signs of infection or you develop a fever with worsening eczema symptoms.

What causes Eczema?

There is no exact cause for eczema as the condition may occur due to a myriad of factors such as environmental triggers, family history of allergies, stress, or changes to your immune system.

Some triggers that may cause eczema include:

• Food
• Insect bites
• Environmental allergens such as dust, dander or pollen
• Temperature changes 
• Chemicals in soaps, perfumes or detergents
• Sweat

How do you manage Eczema?

1. Recognise and remove triggers
   • Identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
   • Some triggers may include changes in temperature, sweating or feeling stressed
2. Care when showering
   • Shower with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water strips the natural oils protecting your skin from dryness, worsening your eczema.
   • Use fragrance-free shower products to avoid irritating your skin.
   • After showering, gently pat your skin dry. Do not rub your skin with your towel.
3. Moisterise
   • It is important to moisturise at least twice daily.
   • Use fragrance-free moisturisers.
   • Apply moisturisers within five minutes after showering to retain moisture in your skin better

How is Eczema diagnosed?

Biopsy
A skin biopsy is done to distinguish one type of dermatitis from another.

Blood Test
Blood tests may be done to check for causes of the rash.