- What is eczema?
- Causes of eczema
- Common signs & symptoms of eczema
- Tips for better control of eczema
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition, which is common in both children and adults. It often affects people who suffer from asthma and allergies or have family members who do. One in five school-age children in Singapore has eczema and it is more common among the Chinese and Malays compared with the Indians and other races. In more than 50% of patients, the onset of eczema occurred before the age of 10 years.
Causes of eczema
- Irritating soaps, detergents or chemicals
- Changes in temperature or humidity
- Clothing made of wool
- Certain food
- Stress
Common signs & symptoms of eczema
Some common signs and symptoms of eczema include:
- Rash
- Itch
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Inflamed skin
These symptoms are long-term in nature and they may recur after a period of apparent recovery. It is recommended that you see your doctor to discuss the symptoms, which you may have. |
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Tips for better control of eczema
- Bathe or shower in lukewarm water
- After bathing, pad skin dry rather than rub the towel against the skin
- Keep your skin moisturised (apply your personal choice of moisturiser)
- Use mild soaps
- Keep your fingernails short (to prevent injury to skin during scratching)
- Wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothings
- Reduce stress
- For very young children, it may be useful to war mittens during sleep (this will prevent skin injuries due to unconscious scratching)
