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March 11, 2024

Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Eczema, Answered

Believe it or not, Singapore houses Asia’s highest rates of Eczema cases. In the country, a study by the medical students of the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2015 surveying 681 people found that 11% of adults and 21% of children have this skin condition. 

The humid and hot Singapore weather and other environmental factors do not help with Eczema patients, and these have been the most common trigger factors for “eczema flare-ups.”

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dryness, itching, redness, inflammation, and sometimes infection. Extreme itchiness is the topmost symptom, and scratching does nothing but aggravate the rash.

While the condition seems prevalent in Singapore and other parts of the world,  some misconceptions still need to be debunked, and some concepts related to Eczema need to be clarified to ensure proper treatment and management are given to patients. 

We’re here to drill them down as we forge ahead in answering some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eczema. 

Uncover facts, debunk myths–read up to learn more. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Eczema

Eczema commonly occurs in children and adults and is an inflammatory skin disorder resulting in scaling, dryness, and redness that incessantly itches. As a result, a person’s skin barrier function weakens, which means the skin fails to support itself in retaining moisture and defending the body from external elements. 

Cracks and wounds on the toes, chest, and around the mouth may elicit intense pain, with scratching making matters worse as it opens up the skin.  According to Board Certified Dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, inflamed skin opening up may expose nerves, increasing pain and infection risks. 

Eczema manifests differently in every person’s body, with flare-ups not occurring in the same areas constantly. But one thing lasts indefinitely: the itch. Pay attention to your skin if it displays the following symptoms:

  • Dryness
  • Redness
  • Roughness, state of being “cracked”

Signs may also depend on the severity of the skin condition. For mild cases, the skin may be darker than the individual’s normal skin tone, dry and itchy. But in extreme instances, the skin may experience crusting and bleeding. 

Additionally, for adults, the rash usually happens on the wrists, hands, face, feet, and back of the knees. The skin may be extremely thick, scaly, and dry, with flare-ups lasting many weeks or days.  

Eczema has no “main” or “exact” causes. However, some common factors may likely cause the condition to appear in your body. Below are some factors contributing to eczema causes:

  • Genes–family history of asthma and allergies. Do you have a history of dermatitis or eczema within your family? If yes, you’re more likely to be at higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, check whether you have an asthma history or allergies to pollen, foods, or pet hair, as this can pose a risk.  
  • Skin barrier problems. An issue with the skin barrier, where moisture goes out and germs go in, can be a factor contributing to Eczema’s development and severity. 
  • Environment. Exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, laundry detergents, certain fabrics, and more can irritate your skin. Heat, dry air, and high humidity can also cause reactions, like dryness and itchiness, with sweating making the itch even worse. 
  • Emotional triggers. Depression, anxiety and stress can be factors in inducing eczema symptoms and frequent flare-ups. Do know that your mental health can affect your skin’s health as well. 
  • Immune system. If you have eczema, your immune system can overreact to minor environmental irritants or allergens. When you have been in contact with these triggers or allergens, your system treats them as intruders that can harm your body, activating the body’s natural defence system. When activated, it causes the body to create inflammation, causing symptoms of eczema on the skin. 

An eczema flare up is the return of symptoms involving redness, itchy skin rash, thickening and cracking skin, etc. The skin condition affects each person differently–what causes your flare-ups may differ from someone else’s. But here are some common triggers: 

  • Environmental conditions and the weather
  • Food allergens
  • Sweat
  • Hormone fluctuation
  • Stress
  • Certain personal care products 
  • Clothing material

Can eczema go away? There is no permanent cure for eczema, but lifestyle changes and some treatments can provide itching for relief and prevent future breakouts. 

One of the most common questions and myths about Eczema is that it is contagious. Here’s the truth: Eczema is NOT contagious–you can’t “catch” it from someone. 

However, it is vital to note that eczema makes the skin vulnerable to infections, also known as secondary infections. How? Let’s say a person with eczema scratches their skin. It may cause skin damage, allowing viruses, bacteria, or fungi to enter the skin. It may lead to secondary infections, which can be contagious. 

According to the National Eczema Association, there are seven types of eczema. 

  1. Contact Dermatitis – this eczema type happens when the skin is inflamed or irritated after contact with triggers that cause an allergic reaction. It has two types: irritant and allergic. 
  1. Atopic Dermatitis – it’s the most common type of eczema. It triggers inflammation, damaging the skin barrier. It leaves the skin prone to itching, dryness, and rashes. 
  1. Dyshidrotic Eczema – also called foot-and-hand eczema, causes small blisters on the feet and palms of the hands and finger and toe edges. This eczema type is more common in women than men. 
  1. Seborrheic Dermatitis – This eczema type typically affects the scalp but may also affect body parts. Seborrheic dermatitis appears in parts of the body with many oil-producing glands, such as the nose, scalp, and upper back–it is a chronic form of eczema. 
  1. Neurodermatitis – this eczema type is not widespread. Neurodermatitis is usually confined to one or two skin patches. It rarely goes away with proper treatment. 
  1. Stasis Dermatitis – happens to people with poor blood flow, typically in the lower leg. With this, eczema often appears near the ankles. 
  1. Nummular Eczema – features coin-shaped lesions found on hands, forearms, or lower legs that are itchy and sometimes oozing. This eczema type is more common in people with stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or atopic dermatitis. 

Some foods that typically cause flare-ups are eggs, dairy, soy, citrus, tomatoes, gluten, and some spices like cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon. Additionally, for people diagnosed with dyshidrotic eczema, foods that worsen symptoms are canned meats, seeds, peas, shellfish, etc. 

Dermatitis causes skin irritation and swelling and can manifest in different forms, such as blisters, itchy and dry skin, and flaky skin, among others. Meanwhile, Eczema describes a group of itchy, dry, and inflamed conditions. Both terms are often used interchangeably. However, dermatitis is a broader term, comprising more than eczema rashes. 

Is it eczema or psoriasis? Knowing the difference between the two is essential because both are distinct skin conditions that may need varying treatment plans. Let’s differentiate both conditions according to itch and cause.

The level of itching for these conditions differs. With psoriasis, itching may be mild to moderate, but with Eczema, it can be pretty intense. For their causes, psoriasis is an immune-related condition, while environmental and genetic factors may cause eczema (although experts still don’t know the exact reason). With eczema, inflammation may be related to allergens or irritants that prompt the immune system to cause eczema flare-ups. 

Managing eczema may be challenging but possible. Determine what provokes and worsens your eczema so you can know what to avoid. The ultimate goal should be preventing infection and flare-ups and reducing discomfort and itching. 

Eczema treatment may be unique to everyone, and what causes their symptoms to come out; however, it may typically include:

  • Doing your best not to scratch your rash or skin
  • Keeping fingernails cut short
  • Avoiding irritants like wool, harsh soaps, etc. 
  • When taking a bath, do not scrub dry skin too hard. 
  • Moisturising your skin with gentle options 

Keeping Eczema In Check 

Moisturisers can stop the skin from becoming dry, and one of the moisturising skin care products in the market for Eczema is with the brand Kenkay. Kenkay’s range of high-quality products targets dry skin, from face cleansers to moisturisers.  Its formulations are engineered to relieve eczema and dermatitis symptoms. 

As a medical-grade skincare distributor in Singapore, we understand how difficult it may be to manage Eczema symptoms. There are many factors to consider, but with proper self-care and treatment, you can successfully manage this condition. Zoe Nissi brings Kenkay products close to you to keep Eczema under control.