Eczema isn’t ‘just dry skin’ — and social media cures could make it worse

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Persistent itching, dry skin and redness are often dismissed as minor skin problems.

However, for eczema sufferers, these symptoms can become a long-term burden that disrupts sleep, work, learning and even emotional well-being if not properly managed.

Consultant dermatologist at Avisena Specialist Hospital, Dr Kartini Farah Rahim, said eczema is more than just a skin condition.

It is a chronic disease that can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life when symptoms persist.

“The condition becomes serious when it continues for a prolonged period, disrupting sleep and work while affecting a person’s emotional, physical and mental well-being,” she said during a recent appearance on Bernama Radio’s Solusi Sihat programme.

Dr Kartini said eczema in children is commonly linked to genetic factors, while adults may develop the condition after being exposed to certain substances such as cosmetics, chemicals or soap.

She said eczema is also frequently mistaken for ordinary itchiness, even though the two conditions have distinct characteristics and require different treatment approaches.

“People with eczema typically develop dry, red and scaly skin. Excessive scratching can cause the skin to break and become wounded. That is why it is important to seek a medical examination, as other conditions such as fungal infections can also cause scaly skin but require different treatment,” she said.

Dr Kartini advised individuals experiencing persistent itchiness or worsening skin conditions despite using moisturisers or over-the-counter pharmaceutical products to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

“Not all eczema cases are caused by food allergies. This link is more common among infants with severe eczema, whereas food-triggered eczema is relatively rare in adults. The diagnosis can be confirmed through allergy tests such as a skin prick test or an IgE blood test,” she said.

According to Dr Kartini, about 70 per cent of children with eczema recover by adolescence.

However, the remaining patients may continue to experience the condition into adulthood, particularly if they remain exposed to common triggers such as water, soap and chemicals.

“Adults, especially homemakers, are more likely to be exposed to eczema triggers. Patients are advised to minimise contact with water and soap, take breaks from activities that aggravate the condition, and wear gloves when carrying out household chores involving chemicals,” she said.

Dr Kartini also urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing eczema treatments, particularly products marketed on social media, as some are believed to contain undeclared steroids despite being promoted as natural remedies.

“Prolonged use of high-dose steroids can cause the skin to become thinner. If the steroids come into contact with the eyes, they may lead to cataracts and glaucoma,” she warned.

She said regular use of moisturisers remains the cornerstone of eczema treatment, while the wet wrap technique has proven effective in relieving itchiness, particularly among patients with severe eczema.

“The wet wrap method helps retain skin moisture while reducing inflammation and itchiness. For infants and young children, their hands or nails may also be wrapped to prevent skin injury caused by scratching,” she said.

At the same time, Dr Kartini said advances in medical technology have brought renewed hope to eczema patients through the availability of safer and more effective treatment options, including biologic injections, which no longer require regular blood monitoring as was necessary with older therapies. — Bernama