Eczema: Understanding the Itch Beneath Your Skin

If you’ve ever experienced dry, itchy, or inflamed skin that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common chronic skin conditions affecting 20% children and 10% adults. Eczema greatly impact daily comfort, confidence, and sleep quality.

At Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre (OMSMC), our Consultant Dermatologist (Skin Specialist) often sees patients who have lived with eczema for years without realising that effective treatments are available. Understanding the condition is the first step toward relief.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema develops due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to develop it. Triggers can include:

• Dry or cold weather
• Harsh soaps and detergents
• Dust, pet dander, or pollen
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Certain foods or fabrics

When the skin’s natural barrier is weakened, it becomes more sensitive to irritants, leading to dryness, redness, and itching.

Recognising the Symptoms

Eczema may appear differently from person to person, but common signs include:

• Persistent itching, especially at night
• Dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• Red or brown patches on the face, neck, hands, or behind the knees
• Oozing or crusting during flare-ups

In infant, eczema often starts on the cheeks, while in children, it tends to appear on the flexural skin and neck.

How Is Eczema Treated?

While eczema has no permanent cure, there are many ways to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Treatment plans often include:

• Moisturizers and barrier creams to keep skin hydrated
• Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamines to ease itching
• Phototherapy, systemic therapy tablet and biologic injection for chronic or severe cases
• Identifying and avoiding triggers through lifestyle adjustments

A dermatologist or skin specialist will tailor treatment based on your skin condition and medical history.

Daily Skin Care Tips

• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing
• Avoid long, hot showers
• Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching injuries

When to See a Dermatologist or Skin Specialist

If over-the-counter creams aren’t helping or if your eczema interferes with sleep and comfort, it’s time to seek professional help.

At OMSMC, we provide comprehensive skin assessments, allergy testing, and personalised treatment plans to help patients manage eczema effectively.

Take Control of Your Skin Health

Eczema may be a lifelong condition, but with proper care and professional guidance, it doesn’t have to control your life.

If you or your child suffer from persistent skin irritation, consult our Consultant Dermatologist at OMSMC today. Together, we can find a treatment plan that soothes your skin and restores your confidence.

To understand more skin, hair and nail conditions managed at OMSMC, kindly refer to our Dermatology specialty page.