Ah, the orgasmic pleasure that comes from an act so simple as scratching an itch; what some might call a solution for eczema. Primates do it as an art of stress reduction and it is a sign of subservience to their alphas. Even marine mammals like whales and dolphins fall prey to the pleasures a good grazing can give. When should humans draw the line — when blood is drawn? What are the signs associated with the human body breaking out in a field of red under one’s fingertips? According to Dr Kok Wai Leong of Dermatology & Surgery Clinic, if one’s body has turned red and itchy, it is a common form of atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis.
“While psoriasis or contact dermatitis may look like eczema, dermatologists look for unique characteristics in the symptoms, as well as the location and distribution of the rash to differentiate these conditions. Eczema is usually itchy, and afflicted individuals have dry and sensitive skin which may swell, ooze or crust. The best way to find out is to consult your dermatologist who will ask about your symptoms and look at your skin.”
“While childhood eczema is common, eczema can affect people in any age group, and hence adults can develop eczema as well. If atopic eczema begins after your 18th birthday, dermatologists call it adult-onset atopic dermatitis. There are also certain subtypes like asteatotic eczema and stasis eczema, which are more common in older age groups. People often ask about diet and its link to eczema. In children, 30-40% of those with moderate to severe atopic eczema have food allergies. However, removing the foods that cause allergies rarely gets rid of the rash. Years of research into understanding the causal links between diet and eczema have not yielded any conclusive results. In fact, elimination diets can even do more harm than good due to malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.”
What about the wellspring of soothing skincare then as a topical solution for eczema? Mexican women have been applying aloe vera on their skin since the Aztec era while colloidal oatmeal baths put simple showers to shame. The navel-gazing into this affliction came from an encounter with a colleague who had trouble finding the right products for her own prickly situation. As it turns out, she was messing up her routine — a fact that Dr Kok has attributed to eczema-stricken skin.
“Eczema skin is often irritated and sensitive. This means that skincare products that contain ingredients that are harsh on the skin, including exfoliating agents in facial scrubs or alcohol in facial toners may exacerbate eczema. This is especially relevant for the face. Moreover, botanical extracts in skincare products may also cause a flare of eczema in predisposed individuals. Other common triggers include irritants like soaps and detergents, including hand sanitisers that we are using more often these days. Environmental factors like cold, dry weather or sweat accumulation in skin folds are also important. For certain individuals, specific allergens like house dust mites and pet fur may also be relevant.”
No alcohol in our products? Fine, then. Stopping the use of foaming agents or sensitisers like parabens? A non-negotiable when stocking our shelves; regardless of whether we’re looking for a solution to eczema. However, Dr Kok has a simpler solution — a Biologic Treatment that targets the cause of eczema itself. “The treatment involves using agents that are designed to target specific immune pathways that cause eczema. Therefore, it takes an ‘inside-out’ approach to tackle the problem at the root. The currently available biologic therapy for eczema is Dupilumab, which is approved for use in moderate-to-severe disease in Singapore. Results from clinical trials show that nearly half of adult patients using the drug for 16 weeks saw 75% skin improvement and four times more reduction in itch symptoms. It is administered every two weeks via an injection under the skin, and this can be performed in the clinic. This medication must be given by injection because if given in a pill, the digestive tract will break it down and render the drug ineffective. The drug is reported to have a good safety profile with few serious side effects. There is little to no downtime in between injections and one can continue their daily routine. However, there are some precautions while on treatment and your dermatologist would be able to advise before commencing the treatment.”
(Clockwise from top left) GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO CERAMIDE RECOVERY SERUM An avocado butter and extract combination instantly lessens visible redness — a constant within five weeks. BIODERMA ATODERM PP BAUME Increasing the skin’s hydration by 90.8% in two hours, this cream also reduces irritation by 100%. PORCELAIN ESSENTIALS DEEP RECOVERY GEL Specially formulated with aloe vera, this fast-sinking gel can even be used on open wounds, burns and insect bites. LAB SERIES RESCUE WATER LOTION More than just a refreshing and hydrating lotion, this lotion even helps to balance the pH of one’s skin. CLARINS CALM-ESSENTIAL REDNESS CORRECTIVE GEL Formulated with a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, white horehound fights pollution while instantly reducing redness. IRÉN SKIN KEEP CALM SOOTHING SERUM Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate instantly reduces skin redness and sensitivity with just one application. LA MER MOISTURIZING SOFT CREAM Moisturising spheres deliver a soothing dose of Miracle BrothTM and lime tea to strengthen the skin barrier. DR. JART+ CERAMIDIN CREAM Deeply moisturising and soothing, this cream also contains hyaluronic acid for all-day moisture.
*These products are not certified by the Dr Kok Wai Leong of Dermatology & Surgery Clinic.
Photography Jeff Chang
Art Direction Izwan Abdullah
Styling Manfred Lu
This story about the solution for eczema first appeared in our May 2021 issue.
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