5 common mistakes to avoid if you want to keep eczema at bay

Constant, consistent care is needed to deal with one of the most common skin concerns among kids and adults in Singapore.

Eczema isn’t a condition that should be ignored. Its recurring symptoms range from bothersome to severe and can adversely affect the lives of people with the condition.

The good news though, is that it can be managed. Maintaining healthy skin involves constant care, awareness of what’s healthy and harmful, and having the right mindset. The key lies in first understanding the condition.

Eczema can be caused by endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) factors. Common to all types of eczema, the onset (acute stage) makes skin itchy and inflamed. The skin may also develop blisters with pus that “weeps” or seeps out.

During the chronic stage, the skin becomes dry, scaly and rough. This can affect skin on any part of the body – even the ears.

As a long-term skin condition with recurring episodes or flare-ups, eczema can be difficult to deal with physically and emotionally, as it may hinder one’s daily activities and quality of life. The causes of these flare-ups are sometimes unknown, so it’s vital to be aware of the need for management and care throughout the eczema cycle.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you want to keep eczema at bay.

1. FORGETTING ECZEMA UNTIL IT FLARES UP

Some people treat their eczema only when it flares up. But taking proactive steps can help prevent such episodes. Think of eczema-prone skin as a plant that must be watered and cared for year-round, not only when it looks parched.

A good daily skincare regimen that focuses on skin restoration will help care for eczema-prone skin. It could significantly reduce eczema flare-ups and spare you having to deal with the constant itch and discomfort after an outbreak.

2. BEING UNAWARE OF TRIGGERS

Ignorance may be bliss, but not when one suffers from eczema. Eczema may be triggered by a wide variety of factors, from weather, dust and detergents to sweat and smoke.

Any ingredient, chemical or material that’s new to the skin could trigger eczema, along with environmental factors like seasonal change and even stress. If you are often stressed, find ways to manage this, especially now that COVID-19 restriction measures may limit one’s options to relieve stress.

It’s also important to know that eczema flares may be triggered by a combination of factors, not a singular one. Constant vigilance is key.

3. ASSUMING ALL MOISTURISERS ARE THE SAME

Hydrating the skin by drinking water and applying topical moisturisers is vital, but some of that effort might be wasted if skin restoration – which is the root of eczema care – isn’t part of the equation.

Skin that has been afflicted with eczema suffers from compromised integrity. This can lead to the loss of moisture and reduced protection from irritants and pathogens. It can manifest itself as skin that is inflamed, red and dry.

The skin barrier consists of lipids, which are dominantly ceramides that hold the skin cells together. Ceradan’s range of products, which is formulated with Optimal Ceramide Science 3:1:1, aims to help restore the skin barrier as you moisturise, cleanse and care, and build resilient skin.

“Ceramides with lipids and cholesterol in the right ratio have been proven to be important in holding skin cells together to build a strong protective barrier against eczema flare-ups. Maintaining this barrier is a critical part of defence,” said Dr Joyce Lim, senior consultant dermatologist at Joyce Lim Skin & Laser Clinic and past division head of Dermatologic and Laser Surgery at National Skin Centre.

4. MY SKIN FEELS BETTER, I DON’T NEED CREAM

It’s tempting to assume that skin barrier restoration is only for “broken” skin or that it’s okay to buy cheaper moisturisers when the skin is calm. The reality is quite different.

While the skin barrier is not visible to the naked eye, it requires consistent moisturising to repair and preserve it in the long run. As eczema is a chronic and recurring condition, it is important to use a moisturiser that targets skin restoration so as to continually maintain skin’s integrity and reduce eczema flare-ups.

5. IF MY ITCH STOPS, I CAN STOP MY SKINCARE REGIMEN

This may not be the case. “Managing eczema goes beyond mere symptom relief. A damaged skin barrier predisposes skin to the entry of harmful bacteria and irritants, leading to consequences like itch and inflammation,” explained Dr Mark Tang, senior consultant dermatologist at The Skin Specialists & Laser Clinic and past head of Eczema and Wound Clinics at National Skin Centre.

“While itch and redness are troubling symptoms, skin barrier repair and protection is fundamental to eczema management. A resilient skin barrier can help to reduce reliance on steroids,” he added.

Ceradan Soothing Gel has been clinically proven* to provide relief from itch in five minutes and leaves a cooling sensation. Beyond remedies, addressing the root of the eczema cycle – skin barrier health—will help to break the itch-scratch cycle.

For long-term eczema management, go beyond moisturisation to skin restoration with Ceradan and build good habits around skin health.

Ceradan products are available at Guardian, Watsons, Unity as well as the Ceradan SG Official Store on Shopee and the Ceradan Flagship Store on Lazada. Follow @ Ceradan311sg to learn more about managing eczema and sensitive skin.

*Prakoeswa CRS. et al. World Dermatology Congress abstract. Efficacy to control itch and disease severity in mild AD. June 2019.