Condition Deep-Dive 5 Common Types of Eczema in Singapore

Eczema is a chronic skin problem that many people in Singapore suffer from. In fact, according to research, around one in five children and one in 10 adults experience this condition, primarily attributed to the rising humidity levels and the hot, tropical climate in our country.

Find the need to understand this skin condition and what triggers it? Here’s an overview of the common types of eczema in Singapore.

1. Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema in Singapore. The symptoms it can cause include:

Chronic skin inflammation
Intense itching
Rashes marked by red or brownish-gray patches
Dryness
Rough and scaly skin
Blistering with oozing
Thickened skin

Learn More: Experts Share Tips on Managing Eczema with the Right Regimen

These can appear on the face, neck, arms, knees, and back of the knees in older children and adults, while infants mostly experience them on the cheeks and scalp. Applying an eczema cream twice every day can help to moisturize the skin and prevent these symptoms.

Atopic eczema can be triggered by:

Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and food allergies
Irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, and fragrances
Changes in humidity and temperature
Hormonal changes
Bacterial or viral infections
Scratching

2. Asteatotic Eczema

Mainly affecting older adults, asteatotic eczema is a form of eczema that occurs during the colder or drier climates when skin is dry, which can be caused by:

Dry and low humidity environments
Frequent bathing or handwashing
Underlying health conditions
Medications

Those suffering from psoriasis or thyroid disorders are also at a higher risk of asteatotic eczema.

Not sure if you have asteatotic eczema? These are its symptoms:

Dry and flaky skin
Scaling
Redness
Itching
Cracking and fissuring
Tightness and discomfort.

For a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, do consult a skin specialist.

Here are some tips for the management of asteatotic eczema:

Apply an eczema relief moisturizer immediately after bathing
Switch to a mild soap to reduce skin irritation
Use a humidifier to introduce moisture into the air

3. Discoid Eczema

Also known as nummular dermatitis, discoid eczema is a distinct form of the condition characterized by coin-shaped or oval lesions on the skin. They can vary in size, usually exhibit a reddish, inflamed appearance, and are more pronounced at the edges. Other indications include:

Dry, scaly, and crusty skin
Itching
Pain and discomfort
Blistering with oozing

Triggers of discoid eczema:

Extreme cold and dry weather
Excessive heat
Skin trauma
Allergens
Irritants
Stress
Underlying health conditions
Medications

Here’s how to care for discoid eczema:

Apply an eczema relief moisturizer to the skin to prevent it from becoming dry
Take antihistamines or other allergy medicines that can reduce itching
Relieve severe symptoms with ointments and creams containing a small amount of steroid

4. Seborrhoeic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema primarily affects areas rich in sebaceous (oil-producing) glands around the scalp, face, ears, chest, and back. It can even appear in the ear canal. Watch out for these symptoms:

Red, scaly, and sometimes greasy patches of skin
Itchiness
Irritation

Here’s what triggers seborrhoeic eczema:

An inflammatory reaction to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin
Hormonal fluctuations
Oily skin
Weather and environment
Stress
Neurological conditions
Medications

Here are some tips for managing seborrhoeic eczema:

For seborrhoeic eczema scalp rash relief, shampoo twice or thrice a week with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Choose a mild soap to reduce irritation. You may want to apply olive oil or an eczema cream one to two hours before shampooing to remove thick scales.
For seborrhoeic eczema on the body or face, cleanse twice daily with a gentle soap and apply an eczema relief moisturizer to hydrate the skin.

5. Venous Eczema

As its name suggests, venous eczema affects individuals suffering from issues related to the veins, such as chronic venous insufficiency. Over time, the affected skin may thin, dry out, or develop a reddish-brown or purplish discoloration. Some may also experience symptoms like:

Redness and inflammation
Itching
Scaling and crusting
Swelling
Skin discoloration
Skin ulcers

To relieve venous eczema symptoms, keep your skin moisturized by applying an eczema cream regularly. You’ll also want to protect your skin from injury and to seek medical attention to address your venous conditions.

Looking for eczema-relief products? AweMed Series offers eczema-care products formulated to enhance skin repair and relieve symptoms. From eczema creams to eczema sprays, there is a solution for everyone. Shop the range here.

If you have yet to consult a specialist for a personalised treatment plan for eczema flare-ups, it’s best to do so instead of attempting to self-treat.

References
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 9). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279#:~:text=Moisturize%20your%20skin%20at%20least%20twice%20a%20day
Weber, B. (2023, February 13). Asteatotic eczema: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asteatotic-eczema#treatment:~:text=applying%20moisturizer%20immediately,to%20the%20skin
Website, N. (2023, March 28). Discoid eczema. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/discoid-eczema/#:~:text=Treatments%20include%3A,can%20reduce%20itching
Seborrhoeic dermatitis | National Skin Centre – NSC. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.com.sg/patients-and-visitors/Health-Library/Conditions-And-Treatments/Pages/Seborrhoeic-Dermatitis.aspx#:~:text=Scalp%20seborrhoeic%20dermatitis%20is%20treated,overnight%20to%20remove%20thick%20scales.