Mention eczema and many will think of red, peeling skin that itches and flakes off. It can happen anywhere on the body, but it is most noticeable on the face, arms and legs.

What is eczema (atopic dermatitis)?

Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is a type of chronic (severe) eczema causing red and inflamed skin rashes that itch. You may notice:

• Elbow skin problems

• Itchy skin on back

• Itchy skin rash on neck

• Eczema on legs

• Flaky skin

• Foot eczema

• Eczema on hands

• Eczema on lips

• Eczema on fingers

• Eczema on face

• Eczema on eyelid

• Ear eczema

• Scalp eczema

What causes eczema (atopic dermatitis)?

"There is no specific cause for atopic dermatitis, but it is believed to be a combination of genes, immune system issues and causes in the patient’s environment (environmental factors).

Some people can get atopic eczema with other conditions like allergic rhinitis (more often called a ‘sinus’ in Singapore that causes a runny nose and sneezing), food allergies and asthma," shared Dr Phoon Yee Wei, Head and Consultant from Dermatology Service, Department of General Medicine at Sengkang General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.  

Dealing with eczema is quite troublesome and can be embarrassing for some people, so sometimes it’s best to try preventing it. Let’s look at some ways how to do so.

5 ways to prevent eczema (atopic dermatitis)

1. Avoid contact with irritants

Triggering irritants and substances are an environmental factor that can cause eczema flares. Even though you don’t always use harsh soap or detergent, some of these irritants might be in your regular bath soap.

a) Avoid harsh chemicals in personal care products

Soap is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis. When you’re buying personal care products like soap, lotion and cosmetics, check the packaging for the ingredients list. 

Dr Phoon advised, "Try to avoid products that contain common allergens such as:

Parabens (preservatives)

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)

Fragrances

Instead, go for hypo-allergenic products containing:

Syndet (synthetic detergent)

Glycerin

Emollients (substances that retain moisture and prevent skin drying, like lotion and cream)"

If it’s too troublesome to check for ingredients, you can simply buy special bath products that are made for people with dry and sensitive skin. Some soap and eczema cream (like Aveeno for eczema) are made for sensitive skin conditions and contain colloidal oatmeal that soothes and relieves itchy skin.

b) Choose skin-friendly detergent

Harsh detergents can also cause your skin to react with a flare. Try to use household, laundry and dishwashing detergent that’s okay for sensitive skin. Look for those labelled ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘paraben-free’ and ‘gentle’. If you’re not sure, call the manufacturer number on the packaging to ask about their ingredients.

Your laundry detergent should also be fragrance-free (not unscented, as unscented products have a hidden fragrance that you can’t smell). Use liquid laundry detergent instead of powder-based detergent, as powder tends to stick to washed clothes.

c) Wear protective gloves

If you cannot find skin-friendly detergent, use rubber or plastic gloves that protect your skin from detergent exposure when doing housework or washing dishes. Use disposable gloves and replace them every 1 to 2 uses.

It’s important to change your gloves regularly, because they will wear out after repeated washing. If you don’t change them often, the material might tear or become porous (allows water to pass through). Soapy water might pass through tears or holes in the gloves and affect your skin.

d) Avoid touching metals (nickel) 

Sometimes, contact with even small amounts of metals like nickel (the most common) can trigger eczema flares in some people. It could be a metal in jewellery, buttons, embellishments and fasteners on clothing and bags.

Metal jeans buttons are a common cause of nickel-induced eczema flares. You can sew a piece of cloth to cover the inner button or buy jeans with elastic waistbands.

e) Protect against natural allergens

Ever felt itchy or noticed red rashes on your skin after going outside? It could be an allergen from natural sources, like animal fur or plants.

Exercising outside in places with lots of trees (parks, nature reserves) increases exposure to allergens like pollen (the allergen that also triggers sinus for some people).

Cover your skin properly when going out to these places. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and have a bath or shower after finishing.

f) Avoid exercising outdoors under the sun

It can feel good to sweat during a good workout while exercising under the sun. But too much heat and excessive sweating can trigger eczema.

Try to exercise indoors or in a cool, ventilated area. You can go to the gym or a shaded fitness corner near your block. If you’d like some fresh air, go out in the early morning and evening when the sun isn’t so strong.

2. Medication