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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

Matthew

Hi there, I am having an issue with my skin. I have eczema and sometimes it gets worse when I am feeling stressed or when the weather gets too humid. How can I mitigate this? Thank you.

Hi there, I am having an issue with my skin. I have eczema and sometimes it gets worse when I am feeling stressed or when the weather gets too humid. How can I mitigate this? Thank you.

Best Answer

  1. Dr Paul Yow
    Best Answer

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you!

    You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczema. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to mitigate the flares and soothe the skin faster.

    1. Moisturizing is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and reducing the number of flares you do experience. Even if the skin looks to be ok, I would still advocate the regular use of moisturisers to keep your skin healthy. 
      With regards to which type – as there are many brands out there, I would advise for a moisturizer that is adequate for your lifestyle and one that does not irritate your skin. For example – you can consider a thicker moisturiser for the night especially if you sleep in an airconditioned room. The main takeaway would be to find a moisturiser that you will apply frequently and just keep reapplying it.
    2. Seek treatment early.
      In the case of a bad flare, it is always good to see a doctor early to review the condition and see if medical treatment such as topical steroids to control the flare or anti-histamines to control the itch are required. Delaying a review can often lead to a prolongation of the flare and may contribute to other side effects such as excoriations and infections from scratching at the eczema sites.
    3. Avoid triggers.
      If there are certain instances or products you know will cause a flare – do your best to avoid them to reduce the chance of a flare occurring.

    If you have any concerns about your options, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!

    Dr. Paul Yow
    Director of Aesthetic Medicine
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
    Instagram: Dr. Paul Yow

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

2 Answers

  1. The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    Managing eczema, particularly when exacerbated by stress and environmental factors like humidity, requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that may help mitigate flare-ups:

    1. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate eczema, incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your routine can be beneficial. Consider practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress levels. If stress is significantly impacting your life, consulting a mental health professional might be beneficial.

    2. Skin Care Routine: Maintaining a consistent skin care routine is crucial. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. Apply a thick, emollient moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture. Ointments and creams are generally more effective than lotions for eczema-prone skin.

    3. Environmental Control: In humid conditions, try to stay in air-conditioned environments when possible. Use a dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level. Conversely, in dry conditions, a humidifier can help maintain skin moisture.

    4. Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid potential irritants that can trigger eczema flare-ups. These may include certain fabrics (like wool or synthetic fibers), harsh soaps, and detergents. Opt for hypoallergenic products whenever possible.

    5. Diet and Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Some individuals find that certain foods can trigger their eczema, so keeping a food diary might help identify any dietary triggers.

    6. Medical Treatments: If over-the-counter treatments are insufficient, consult a healthcare professional. They may prescribe topical corticosteroids or other medications to manage inflammation and itching. In some cases, phototherapy or systemic treatments may be considered.

    7. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms and any potential triggers. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and adjust your management plan accordingly.

    8. Education and Support: Educate yourself about eczema and consider joining support groups where you can share experiences and strategies with others facing similar challenges.

    Remember, eczema management is highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and care.

  2. Dr Paul Yow
    Best Answer

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you!

    You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczema. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to mitigate the flares and soothe the skin faster.

    1. Moisturizing is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and reducing the number of flares you do experience. Even if the skin looks to be ok, I would still advocate the regular use of moisturisers to keep your skin healthy. 
      With regards to which type – as there are many brands out there, I would advise for a moisturizer that is adequate for your lifestyle and one that does not irritate your skin. For example – you can consider a thicker moisturiser for the night especially if you sleep in an airconditioned room. The main takeaway would be to find a moisturiser that you will apply frequently and just keep reapplying it.
    2. Seek treatment early.
      In the case of a bad flare, it is always good to see a doctor early to review the condition and see if medical treatment such as topical steroids to control the flare or anti-histamines to control the itch are required. Delaying a review can often lead to a prolongation of the flare and may contribute to other side effects such as excoriations and infections from scratching at the eczema sites.
    3. Avoid triggers.
      If there are certain instances or products you know will cause a flare – do your best to avoid them to reduce the chance of a flare occurring.

    If you have any concerns about your options, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!

    Dr. Paul Yow
    Director of Aesthetic Medicine
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
    Instagram: Dr. Paul Yow

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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