Eczema Treatment
In Singapore

There is no permanent cure for eczema, however lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help to reduce symptoms and allow individuals to lead a well-functioning life.

It is important to note that eczema is a chronic recurrent inflammatory condition that needs proper management and care to prevent and minimize flare up.

Major Features of atopic eczema include:

• Intense itching
• Typical red rash in typical locations of the body
• Chronic or recurring symptoms
• Personal or family history of atopic disorders (eczema, rhinitis, asthma)

No, eczema is not contagious. You cannot catch eczema from someone else through physical contact, sharing personal items, or being in close proximity. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that develops due to internal factors like genetics and immune system responses, combined with external triggers.

Yes, eczema has a strong genetic component. If one parent has eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, there’s approximately a 25-30% chance their child will develop eczema. If both parents have these conditions, the risk increases to 60-80%. However, genetics alone doesn’t determine whether someone will develop eczema. Environmental factors, stress levels, and exposure to triggers also play crucial roles.

Several misconceptions persist about eczema in our tropical climate. Many believe that eczema is caused by poor hygiene, but excessive washing can actually worsen the condition by stripping natural skin oils. Another common myth is that eczema only affects children, while 20% of children have atopic eczema, adults can develop it too or experience flare-ups later in life. Some people think Singapore’s humid climate should help eczema, but our combination of heat, humidity, air conditioning, and pollution can actually trigger flare-ups.

Coverage for eczema treatment varies significantly depending on your insurance plan and the specific treatments required. Basic consultations and conventional treatments like topical medications are typically covered under most health insurance plans and Medisave.

We recommend checking with your insurance provider about specific coverage details before your consultation.

Eczema flare-ups vary widely in duration. Mild flare-ups may resolve within 3-7 days with proper treatment, while moderate to severe episodes can last 2-4 weeks or longer. Without treatment, flare-ups often persist and worsen. The key factors affecting duration include trigger identification and removal, treatment compliance, and individual skin barrier function. Chronic eczema may have ongoing symptoms with periods of improvement and worsening.

Allergy testing is recommended if you suspect specific food or environmental triggers, have severe eczema that’s difficult to control, or if there’s a family history of allergies. Patch testing can identify contact allergens, while blood tests or skin prick tests can detect food allergies. However, not all eczema cases require allergy testing. Some patients’ eczema condition may improve with proper skin care and trigger avoidance without formal testing.

Swimming is generally safe with eczema, but requires precautions. Chlorinated pools can irritate sensitive skin, so rinse immediately before and after swimming with cool water. Apply a barrier cream or petroleum jelly to affected areas before entering the pool. Shower with a gentle cleanser afterward and moisturise within 3 minutes of getting out of the water. Saltwater swimming may be better tolerated than chlorinated pools for some people.

Patients may see initial improvement within 1 to 2 weeks of starting proper treatment. Topical medications may show effects within 3 to 7 days, while systemic treatments like oral medications or biologics may take 4 to 12 weeks for full effect. Skin barrier repair through consistent moisturising shows gradual improvement over 2 to 4 weeks. Complete healing of severe eczema can take several months. Consistency with treatment and trigger avoidance is crucial for sustained improvement. For persistent symptoms, consider consulting an eczema specialist Singapore to tailor an eczema treatment Singapore plan to your needs.

See a dermatologist if your eczema:

• Covers more than 10% of your body
• Interferes with your sleep
• Doesn’t improve after 2-3 weeks of over-the-counter treatments
• Shows signs of infection (yellow crusting, increased redness, warmth)
• Significantly impacts your daily activities
• Requires topical steroids for more than two weeks without improvement