What is Eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by itchiness, redness and a disrupted skin barrier. It often appears as dry, scaly or crusted patches, and can affect children and adults alike. Common sites of eczema include the inner elbows, behind the knees, face and neck, though any area of the body may be involved.
Why do I have eczema?
Eczema results from a combination of factors: genetic predisposition, a weakened skin barrier, immune system dysregulation and environmental triggers. Many patients (or family members) have a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergies, which suggests an atopic background.
Understanding Eczema Treatment in Singapore
There are multiple effective treatment options available. It’s best to consult a dermatologist to tailor a plan for your individual situation. Common approaches include:
Common Eczema Treatments Options in Singapore
Managing Eczema in Singapore
- Use your treatment and moisturiser as directed and maintain good skin hydration to reduce itchiness and scaling.
- Develop healthy lifestyle habits: eat a balanced diet, moderate alcohol (if relevant), exercise regularly, manage stress and maintain good sleep.
- Avoid scratching: scratching damages the skin barrier, perpetuates inflammation and may lead to infection.
- Address triggers: identify and minimise contact with known irritants or allergens, and keep indoor humidity at comfortable levels.
- Be patient: it may take several weeks to see improvement. Remain consistent with treatment and follow up regularly with your dermatologist.
Types of Eczema in Singapore
1. Atopic Eczema
What it is
The most common form of eczema — a chronic, inflammatory skin condition linked to genetics, allergies, and a weakened skin barrier.
Who it tends to affect
Common in children but can persist or appear in adults, especially those with asthma or hay fever.
Appearance
Red, dry, itchy, and scaly patches; may ooze during flare-ups.
Common Areas
Face, neck, inner elbows, behind knees, hands, ankles.
Common Areas
Dry weather, heat and sweat, allergens, stress, harsh soaps, wool fabrics.
2. Contact Dermatitis
What it is
A reaction caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen.
Who it tends to affect
Adults frequently exposed to chemicals, cleaners, or beauty products — e.g., healthcare workers, cleaners, hairstylists.
Appearance
Red, dry, itchy, and scaly patches; may ooze during flare-ups.
Common Areas
Hands, wrists, face, or areas that touch irritants.
Triggers
Soaps, detergents, metals (nickel), fragrances, latex, cleaning agents.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
What it is
A chronic form of eczema that affects oil-rich (sebaceous) areas of the skin.
Who it tends to affect
Common in infants (“cradle cap”) and adults aged 30–60; more frequent in men.
Appearance
Greasy, yellowish scales or flakes with redness.
Common Areas
Scalp, eyebrows, sides of nose, ears, chest.
Triggers
Stress, hormonal changes, cold weather, yeast (Malassezia) overgrowth.
4. Nummular Eczema
What it is
A form of eczema with distinct, coin-shaped lesions that may ooze or crust.
Who it tends to affect
Adults, particularly men in middle age and those with very dry skin.
Appearance
Round, red, or brownish scaly patches that itch or sting.
Common Areas
Arms, legs, torso, and sometimes hands.
Triggers
Dry skin, insect bites, cold weather, skin injury, frequent hot showers.
5. Dyshidrotic Eczema
What it is
A type of eczema that causes small, fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet.
Who it tends to affect
More common in adults under 40 and in people with seasonal allergies or stress.
Appearance
Tiny, itchy blisters that can burn, peel, or crack as they heal.
Common Areas
Palms, sides of fingers, soles of feet.
Triggers
Stress, sweating, metal exposure (nickel, cobalt), humid weather.
6. Stasis Dermatitis
What it is
Eczema caused by poor blood circulation and fluid buildup in the lower legs.
Who it tends to affect
Older adults, especially those with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
Appearance
Red, scaly, itchy skin with swelling, darkening, or shiny texture.
Common Areas
Lower legs and ankles.
Triggers
Prolonged standing, vein problems, swelling, high blood pressure in leg veins.
7. Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus)
What it is
Eczema that develops from repeated scratching or rubbing of a specific spot.
Who it tends to affect
Adults, especially women aged 30–50, and individuals with anxiety or chronic stress.
Appearance
Thickened, leathery, scaly plaques; darker than surrounding skin.
Common Areas
Neck, wrists, ankles, forearms, scalp.
Triggers
Stress, tight clothing, bug bites, dry skin, habit scratching.
8. Asteatotic Eczema (Eczema Craquelé)
What it is
A dryness-related eczema that leads to cracked, itchy, inflamed skin.
Who it tends to affect
Older adults, especially during cold or dry seasons.
Appearance
Cracked, flaky, “crazy-paving” skin with fine lines and redness.
Common Areas
Shins, arms, torso.
Triggers
Cold weather, overwashing, low humidity, aging skin, frequent bathing.
9. Juvenile Plantar Dermatitis
What it is
A type of eczema affecting the soles of children’s feet due to friction and sweat.
Who it tends to affect
School-aged children, more often boys.
Appearance
Shiny, red, dry, and sometimes cracked skin on the soles.
Common Areas
Soles and undersides of toes.
Triggers
Sweat, occlusive footwear, synthetic socks, heat, friction.
10. Hand Eczema (Hand Dermatitis)
What it is
A broad category of eczema affecting the hands — often a mix of contact and dyshidrotic eczema.
Who it tends to affect
Occupations with frequent handwashing — healthcare workers, cleaners, food handlers.
Appearance
Dry, cracked, scaly skin or blistering on fingers and palms.
Common Areas
Palms, fingers, backs of hands.
Triggers
Water exposure, detergents, sanitizers, gloves, cold weather.
11. Xerotic (Dry-Skin) Eczema
What it is
Mild eczema caused by excessive skin dryness.
Who it tends to affect
Older adults or people living in low-humidity environments.
Appearance
Rough, flaky, and itchy skin that can appear dull or scaly.
Common Areas
Legs, arms, trunk.
Triggers
Cold or dry air, overwashing, aging, lack of moisturising.
How Eczema is Diagnosed
Our eczema specialists in Singapore perform a detailed evaluation to distinguish eczema from other skin conditions:
Physical Examination
The diagnostic process usually begins with a thorough physical examination of the skin. Our dermatologists look for typical signs of eczema, such as redness, dryness, inflammation, and the presence of intense itching, rashes, or blisters. They may also check if the skin shows signs of thickening, scaly patches, or cracking, which are common in chronic cases.
Medical History Review
Our dermatologist will ask about current symptoms, their duration, and whether these symptoms worsen at certain times or in specific environments. Family medical history also plays a role, as eczema often runs in families and is linked to other conditions like asthma and hay fever.
Symptom Assessment
Our dermatologists assess the severity and frequency of the symptoms. They evaluate flare-ups and identify factors that may aggravate symptoms, such as stress, seasonal changes, or exposure to allergens and irritants. This assessment helps in understanding the patient’s unique triggers, which is key to managing the condition.
Allergy and Patch Testing
To rule out allergies or other skin disorders that share similar symptoms, dermatologists may conduct allergy testing. Skin prick tests or specific IgE blood tests can help identify allergens that might be triggering flare-ups. Additionally, patch testing is used to detect reactions to specific substances like cosmetics, detergents, or metal.
Exclusion of Other Skin Conditions
Eczema symptoms can sometimes resemble other skin issues like psoriasis, fungal infections, or contact dermatitis. Our dermatologists carefully differentiate eczema from these conditions based on physical evaluation and, if necessary, perform skin biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes eczema worse?
- Dry skin and inadequate skin hydration
- Irritants such as soaps, detergents, wool or synthetic fabrics
- Heat, sweating and friction
- Stress or poor sleep
- Flare-triggering factors such as certain foods or allergens (depending on individual)
- Skin infections (bacterial or viral) can worsen or complicate eczema
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious. You cannot “catch” it from someone else, nor does it spread through casual contact.x
Will I pass eczema on to my children?
Not necessarily. While there is a hereditary component, having eczema yourself does not guarantee your children will develop it. Genetic predisposition plus environmental triggers are both required for disease expression.
Are there foods to avoid, or supplements to help my eczema?
In most cases, there is no need to avoid specific food groups automatically unless your dermatologist has identified a food allergy or intolerance that triggers flares. Excessive consumption of certain foods (e.g., high-histamine, processed foods) may exacerbate inflammation for some people, but this is very individual. Always consult with your dermatologist before starting any supplements, as their efficacy may vary and some may interact with prescribed treatments.