https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news.atomMummybrand - #1 Skin Rescue In Singapore - Understanding Eczema & Other Skin Conditions2021-03-07T01:22:02+08:00Mummybrand - #1 Skin Rescue In Singaporehttps://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/understanding-eczema-from-a-sufferer2021-03-07T01:22:02+08:002021-09-05T15:17:22+08:00Understanding Eczema From A SuffererKristen Low
For many Eczema sufferers out there, they have to endure tremendous pressure from outsiders look. “I have to ignore the looks from strangers and even have to withstand direct questions from uncle and aunties in polyclinics”, said one Eczema Sufferer.
Eczema is the top skin condition seen at the National Skin Centre. In 2017, it saw more than 18,000 cases.
It is estimated that about one in 10 adults in Singapore suffer from atopic dermatitis. In up to a quarter of the cases, the adults have a moderate-to-severe form of the condition, which severely impacts their quality of life. This number also means that a majority of Eczema cases went undetected and this number is growing every year.
Eczema is not contagious however anyone with or without a family history of Eczema can develop it anytime in their lifetime, largely due to stress in their adult life. While genes play a role in the development of this chronic inflammatory skin disease, external factors as environment, food, pollution, chemical irritants, allergens such as house dust mites may trigger symptoms in people predisposed to the disease. However one should take note that mental stress and mental health play a big part in triggering the symptoms or making the condition worse.
It can be very difficult to find out your triggers as there are too many factors however one of the main environmental triggers is Singapore’s hot and humid weather that aggravates the Eczema.
A study here published in the British Journal of Dermatology last year showed patients reporting that hot weather, exposure to a dusty environment, and physical exercise are the major reasons for flare-ups. Any drastic change in the temperature can also trigger a flare-up so don’t be too happy when Singapore’s temperature drop. It can be a season for flare-ups.
The key to combating Eczema is to understand it and most importantly understand your own skin together with your immune system. Most of the time, if you are born with Eczema, you need to look at a variety of factors that may have contributed to your flare-ups such as a dirty washing machine, dust mites, and food.
My personal major allergic attacks are dust, nuts and dairy products. I did not know what caused those flare-ups until I made an elimination from my food intake. I noticed dairy products triggers me largely and caused stomach upsets with a bloated stomach most of the time. Once i eliminate dairy from my food intake, my Eczema heals up faster and I did not have any flare-ups. It is not easy, in fact, it is a pretty hard hit on my lifestyle as this also means no more milk tea and no more coffee latte.
What I also found out is that you may not be allergic to a certain food but you may be non-tolerant to a certain food such as peanut. I can still have a little peanut and have no flare-ups.
Once you know what you are allergic to, you are one step closer to understanding your body. Once you are in control, you are one step closer to a more complete recovery and one step away from steroids.
There are little reasons to give in to steroids if you understand your body a little better and reduce unnecessary flare-ups. There are risks associated with long term or inappropriate use of steroidal medication. Eczema is basically inflammation of the skin however they come and go. If you understand your condition better and eliminate allergens, you can be in control. However, once you become old friends with steroids in any form, you will be much more busy with Eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal that is 100 times worst than Eczema.
So friends, if you are just having Eczema, it is not the end of the world, many people got it and its not something to be ashamed of. Most of them outgrow it while some have occasional flare-ups but its not something that should affect your life.
For friends with TSW, I am sorry you are in this stage but please do not give up. The journey to recovery is slow and painful however every minute spent with TSW is another minute nearer to better skin. TSW will blow over and every flare-up recovery without steroids will be less serious than the previous.
Most importantly, remember not to neglect the 4 pillars of Eczema treatment.
Repair and moisturise
Control itch
Avoid Triggers
Heal the skin naturally
You can achieve a state of well-being and be functional as long as you stick to this 4 "mantra". Good luck and be safe!
]]>
https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/how-to-calm-itch-in-children2021-03-07T01:22:02+08:002021-09-05T15:17:53+08:00How To Calm Itch In Children?Kristen Low
Telling your child to stop scratching itchy skin rarely works.
Eczema is just too itchy, and telling your child to stop scratching can feel stressful. Stress often makes eczema worse.
Try these methods instead:
Distract your child:Helping your child forget about the itch can be effective. Be sure not to mention the itch, just distract your child with a favorite activity. You can:
Play peek-a-boo
Feed your child a snack
Play with a toy
Tell a story
Calm a stressed child: Research shows that stress can cause eczema to flare. Stress can also make skin itchier. If you feel stressed, your child often feels stressed. It’s important to find ways to reduce your stress, too.
Pinch skin near a patch of itchy eczema: Yes, a gentle pinch can actually reduce the itch. Just be sure to pinch skin without eczema.
Prevent skin damage caused by scratching
Constant scratching can break the skin. To prevent bleeding and infection, dermatologists recommend the following:
Keep your child’s nails short: Checking nails after your child’s bath lets you know when the nails need trimming.
Cover itchy skin: When skin is covered, children seem less likely to scratch. When dressing your child, be sure to:
Dress your child in loose-fitting clothes made from a soft, natural fiber-like cotton, a cotton blend, silk, or bamboo.
Consider using eczema mittens and eczema sleeves. Eczema mittens can be effective when eczema flares on your baby’s face. Your baby may still scratch, but the scratching will cause less damage because the fingernails cannot dig into the skin.
Let them scratch with cotton gloves and comfort them by telling them the areas are done and move them to other activities.
Itch relief can be fickle
You may find that a technique works one day and not the next. If one technique fails, try another.
]]>
https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/7-common-questions-about-topical-steroid-withdrawal-explained2021-03-07T01:21:41+08:002021-09-05T15:14:58+08:007 Common Questions About Topical Steroid Withdrawal ExplainedOOm Pte Ltd Collaborator
What is topical corticosteroid withdrawal?
Topical corticosteroid withdrawal also commonly known as Topical Steroid Withdrawl (TSW) refers to a rare adverse reaction relating to the use of a topical steroid after it has been discontinued. This reaction can occur after prolonged, inappropriate, and/or frequent use/abuse of moderate- to high-potency topical corticosteroids. There are two distinct clinical presentations of topical steroid withdrawal:
Red burning skin – this has incorrectly been given a variety of names, including topical steroid addiction and steroid dermatitis.
Papulopustular rashes – these include steroid rosacea and perioral/periorificial dermatitis.
While topical corticosteroid has in recent years garnered a bad reputation for being the main culprit of TSW, it is in fact being mistaken for being the bad actor. Topical steroids are just like any other medication such as Paracetamol and any other off-the-counter medicine however inadequate or unconscious abusive usage of the medicine that causes the problem.
We noticed many users do not know that they are prescribed a topical steroid and are unaware of the proper usage of topical steroid cream that results in a more severe rebound flare right after they stop their topical steroid. While it is important for users to be advised of the right regime for topical steroid usage, it is also the user’s responsibility to find out exactly what they are being prescribed and how to use it properly.
An improper application of topical steroids may result in a situation where it is worst than Eczema and harder to get rid of. Hence please do your due diligence and find out what you have been prescribed.
What is the cause of red burning skin and who gets it?
Signs of topical corticosteroid withdrawal may develop within days to weeks after stopping high-potency topical corticosteroid that has been over-used/abused — this is mostly for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Treatment with the topical steroid has usually been prolonged, greater than 12 months, and frequent, ie daily or more often. It has not been reported with the correct use of topical steroids.
All cases reported in the medical literature of this form of steroid withdrawal have been over the age of 18 years, with a female predominance.
The overall prevalence of red skin after topical steroid withdrawal is not known, nor is it yet understood whether the lack of reported pediatric cases is due to children not being affected or to under-reporting. In a Japanese study of atopic dermatitis, 12% had poorly controlled skin disease and this group would include topical steroid-addicted patients.
However, from our data till date of a few hundred users in Singapore, children are affected early in their age, some right from infant and most of the TSW cases are not reported as users moved on to find other remedies.
What are the clinical features of topical corticosteroid withdrawal (TSW)?
Before stopping the topical corticosteroid, the skin is typically normal or near-normal, although localised itch, ‘resistant’ patches of eczema or prurigo-like nodules may be present.
Redness (erythema or flushing) typically starts on the face, genital area, or other steroid-treated sites; in some cases, this may extend to untreated sites.
Early in the flare, the skin can feel quite thickened. Swelling (oedema) and papules can occur.
The usual symptom described by patients is burning and/or stinging. The itch may also be reported, especially once the redness starts to fade and the dry scaly (desquamative) phase begins. Patients often report skin sensitivity, including intolerance to moisturisers and environmental factors. Excessive sweating and itchy weals are a sign of recovery.
One of the difficulties in determining whether the skin reaction observed is due to the stopping of topical corticosteroids, or is simply a worsening of the underlying skin disease for which the topical steroids had been prescribed.
Complications of topical corticosteroid withdrawal
Patients with red burning skin after topical corticosteroid withdrawal may be distressed by the intensity of itch, lack of sleep, and difficulty in treatment.
They may also develop a secondary infection.
How is topical corticosteroid withdrawal diagnosed?
The definition of topical corticosteroid withdrawal requires the following features to be present:
A rash that has appeared within days to weeks of discontinuing topical corticosteroid that has been used for many months. This flare may be worse than the pre-treatment rash.
The rash must be only where the topical corticosteroid was being applied, at least initially, although it can later spread more widely.
A flare of the underlying skin disorder such as atopic dermatitis can be difficult to distinguish clinically. Topical corticosteroid withdrawal should be considered if:
Burning rather than itch is the main symptom
The redness is confluent rather than patchy
The rash resembles atopic dermatitis but involves unusual sites and is ‘different’
There has been a history of continuous prolonged use of mid- or high-potency topical corticosteroid (greater than 1 year).
Skin biopsy is generally unhelpful to distinguish from a flare of the underlying skin disorder as the histopathology overlaps.
Patch testing may identify some cases of contact allergy to the topical agents being applied to the skin, eg topical corticosteroid or other topical medications, moisturisers, cosmetics.
What is the treatment for topical corticosteroid withdrawal?
There is no agreed treatment for topical corticosteroid withdrawal, apart from ceasing the topical corticosteroid. However, whether this should be tapered or abrupt has not been determined. Japanese reports suggest there is minimal difference in the outcome, so recommend immediate cessation. A tapering course of oral steroids is helpful, as the addiction appears to relate only to the use of topical corticosteroids however it has also been observed among users that oral steroid users may develop some form of Eczema extension. Oral tetracyclines and low-dose isotretinoin have been used in steroid rosacea and perioral/periorificial dermatitis.
Supportive measures such as cold compresses and psychological support are often recommended. Prevention or treatment of secondary infection may require oral antibiotics.
How can topical corticosteroid withdrawal be prevented?
Prevention is best, with patients and doctors being alert to the risk and avoiding prolonged frequent and prolonged use of moderate to high potency topical corticosteroids. The higher the potency, the longer the period of application (ie more than one year), and the more frequent the application (more than once daily), the more likely that topical corticosteroid withdrawal may occur.
Concerns about the risk of topical corticosteroid withdrawal should not prevent appropriate management of atopic dermatitis with topical corticosteroids, as far more people respond to appropriate topical corticosteroid use than develop a withdrawal rash.
What is the outlook for topical corticosteroid withdrawal?
The duration of acute topical corticosteroid withdrawal and time to peak is variable from days to months before eventually, the skin becomes ‘normal’. It can take weeks to years to return to its original condition.
What should you use to combat TSW?
At Mummybrand, we have the data to assess which product will work for TSW warriors and our success rate is 98%. So far our users follow our regime religiously and update us promptly on their progress. As a general guideline, TSW sufferers should rely on Zinc Oxide Soothing Moisturiser to draw out the inflammation till the skin is no longer warm nor red. At this point, you may apply the Eczema Healing Balms on the dry skin to accelerate healing.
Basically, every TSW sufferer should get the items listed below to recover from TSW. We want to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters for their blessing, kind words, and testimonials. We love to help everyone out there and hope you guys experience skin freedom as soon as you can.
]]>
https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/what-food-should-eczema-tsw-avoid2021-03-07T01:08:17+08:002021-09-05T15:16:44+08:00What Food Should Eczema/TSW Avoid?Kristen Low
While we do not have a hard and fast rule to this question due to individual intolerance and allergies to certain food, there is a general list of food to avoid for people with eczema.
Many people who have eczema are also diagnosed with food allergies however they may simply have food intolerance where they are still able to consume that food but at a regulated rate, else an eczema flare-up will happen. However, everyone is different and discovering your personal food needs is important to minimize issues with allergies and eczema. Not everyone will have issues with the foods listed below, but common food allergies associated with eczema include:
cow’s milk
eggs
soy products
gluten
nuts
fish
shellfish
We should also look out for high histamine food that causes more itch than other food such as:
alcohol and other fermented beverages
fermented foods and dairy products, such as yogurt and sauerkraut
dried fruits
avocados
eggplant
spinach
broccoli
processed or smoked meats
shellfish
aged cheese
There are also a number of foods that trigger histamine release in the body, such as:
alcohol
bananas
tomatoes
wheat germ
beans
papaya
chocolate
citrus fruits
nuts, specifically walnuts, cashews and peanuts
food dyes and other additives
How about food high in sugar?
Foods containing preservatives and artificial ingredients may also exacerbate symptoms. This includes foods high in trans fats, such as margarine, processed food, and fast food.
Foods high in sugar may also trigger eczema flare-ups. Sugar causes your insulin levels to spike, which can result in inflammation.
Items typically high in sugar include:
cakes
some coffee drinks
some sodas
some smoothies
fast food items, such as burgers
processed food such as nuggets, fish fillets, etc
fast food
Elimination diet
The elimination diet is recommended for people who have diagnosed with food allergies. If you aren’t sure what your eczema triggers are, trying the elimination diet may or may not reduce flare-ups.
There are many triggers for eczema outside of what you eat, including stress, topical products, and the environment. This may make it harder to determine what’s causing your outbreaks.
If you wish to try the elimination diet, start by removing specific foods or food groups from what you eat for at least three days to see if your flare-ups subside. For best results, try to introduce food groups one at a time every 3 days.
The Bottom Line
Many triggers might bring on eczema-related symptoms, including what you eat. There isn’t a single diet that eliminates eczema in everyone, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid any foods that seem to make your symptoms worse. There is a higher sensitivity of food for TSW sufferers and it is important to reduce body inflammation through food elimination.
Although symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are redness, burning, and stinging of the skin. These symptoms can start while you’re still using topical steroids, or they may appear days or weeks after you stop taking them.
Although the rash will first show up in the area where you used the steroid, it can spread to other parts of your body. Our co-founder, Kristen has experienced RSS before and it appeared on his face, arms and legs even though the topical steroid was applied on hands and body.
If you’re currently using a topical steroid Symptoms that can appear while you’re using topical steroids include:
redness in areas where you are — and aren’t — applying the drug
intense itching, burning, and stinging
an eczemalike rash
significantly less symptom improvement even when using the same amount of steroid
If you’re no longer using a topical steroid
Erythematoedematous. This type affects people with eczema or dermatitis. It causes swelling, redness, burning, and sensitive skin within one to two weeks after you stop using the steroid.
Papulopustular. This type mainly affects people who use topical steroids to treat acne. It causes pimplelike bumps, deeper bumps, redness, and sometimes swelling.
Overall, symptoms that can appear after you stop using the steroid include any of the following:
raw, red, sunburn-like skin
flaking skin
fluid oozing from your skin
blisters
swelling from fluid collecting under the skin (edema)
red, swollen arms
increased sensitivity to heat and cold
nerve pain
dry, irritated eyes
hair loss on the head and body
swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin and other areas of the body
dry, red, sore eyes
trouble sleeping
appetite changes and weight loss or gain
fatigue
depression
anxiety
Is RSS the same as topical steroid addiction or topical steroid withdrawal?
RSS is also called topical steroid addiction (TSA) or topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), because the symptoms can appear after people stop using these drugs. However, these terms have slightly different meanings.
TSA: Similar to an addiction that occurs from other types of drugs, topical steroid addiction means that your body has become used to the effects of the steroid. You need to use more and more of the drug to have the same effect. When you stop using the steroid, your skin has a “rebound effect” and your symptoms reemerge.
TSW: Withdrawal refers to symptoms that arise when you stop using the steroid or go on a lower dose.
Who’s at risk for RSS?
Using topical steroids and then stopping them increases your risk for red skin syndrome, although not everyone who uses these drugs will get RSS.
Factors that increase your risk include:
using topical steroids daily for long periods of time, especially for a year or longer
using high-strength doses of steroids
using topical steroids when you don’t need them
According to the National Eczema Association, you’re more likely to have a skin reaction if you use steroids on your face or genital area. Women are at greater risk for this condition than men — especially if they blush easily. RSS rarely occurs in children.
You can also develop RSS if you regularly rub a topical steroid on someone else’s skin, such as your child’s, and you don’t properly wash your hands afterward.
How is RSS diagnosed?
Typically when you visit the doctor, they will classify RSS as Eczema and the common solution is to administer topical steroid, which is not something you need at this moment.The complication with TSW and RSS is that there are many variation to TSW and diagnosis can be difficult for medical practitioners to identify. If you need help in identifying TSW/RSS, you may dm us on instagram.
How long does it last?
It may last for weeks and even months, extending to years for some cases. It depends on your body, diet, and natural topical application. Your body needs help to regain back to normal state and a good diet that does not aggravate the situation is crucial. Having a good range of natural skincare catered for Eczema and TSW is important to maintain the skin’s moisture as well as aid the skin in healing. I personally suffered 8 months of RSS before the RSS got lightened and one fine day, the redness disappeared. It was a joyous occasion and I could eat anything I want (with limitation) even those lists of items that I avoided.
One thing to note is that wet wraps will not help reduce the RSS as it is a way for your skin to regain normalcy.
Can you prevent RSS?
You can prevent RSS by not using topical steroids. If you have to use these medications to treat eczema, psoriasis, or another skin condition, use the smallest dose possible for the shortest period of time needed to relieve your symptoms. Always ask your doctor the timeframe to apply the steroids and ask the doctor to show you how small a portions to apply.
However, there are also cases where doctors (GPs and PDs) who are not well versed in dermatology and gave the wrong advise hence your best bet is to go directly to a dermatologist.
If you are looking for natural products, you may want to talk to us on Instagram (@mummybrandsg) or simply click on the live chat.
]]>
https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/do-you-know-what-is-a-corticosteroid-how-strong-are-they-and-how-to-recognise-them2021-03-06T00:17:20+08:002021-09-05T15:15:30+08:00Do you know what is a corticosteroid, how strong are they, and how to recognise them?Kristen LowYou may want to know the side effects of corticosteroids as normally doctors do not tell you about them such as weight gain, mood changes, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, abnormal skin behavior and feeling cold all the time.
I'm sure many of us who had eczema before in our lifetime had been to a doctor who prescribed a cream or an ointment, with or without your knowledge that it was a topical steroid. Some came in its original packaging with all the needed labels while some doctors prescribed self compounded cream that may consist of topical steroid and antibiotics, filled in a small white container, with no labels.
Commonly known as steroids, these topical steroids's correct name is corticosteroid and they are very different from the steroids that you've heard was injected into bodybuilders which are called anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are either taken orally or by injection that influence the body's hormonal system to produce extra testosterone. The goal of taking anabolic steroids is to increase muscle mass. Anabolic refers to this muscle-building capability.
Anabolic steroids should not be confused with corticosteroids, which are used routinely as anti-inflammatory medications to help treat illnesses in which inflammation is part of the disease process.
You may want to know the side effects of corticosteroids as normally doctors do not tell you about them.
Weight Gain (Steroids affect your metabolism and how your body deposits fat.)
Insomnia and broken sleep (Steroids may impair your ability to fall asleep, especially when they are applied in larger dosage.)
Mood changes (Steroids, especially in doses over 30 milligrams per day, can affect your mood. )
Fluid retention and elevated blood pressure (Because cortisone is involved in regulating the body's balance of water, sodium, and other electrolytes, using these drugs can promote fluid retention and sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure.)
Elevated blood sugar (Since cortisone is involved in maintaining normal levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, long-term use may lead to elevated blood sugar or even diabetes.)
Abnormal behavior of skin (skin loses its natural defense mechanism and it is more prone to infections as well as reduced ability to heal.)
Feel cold all the time (due to weak skin barrier)
If your doctor has prescribed you with topical steroids and you want to know how potent they are, you may refer to the chart below. You may use the strength as a gauge to determine the possibility of a Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
If you are worried about TSW, you may want to know the potency and the duration of the application period. While a concrete number is hard to obtain, it is safe to say that the longer the period of application and the more potent strength of the topical steroid leads to more frequency.
Potent – Brand Name
Common Name
Clobex Lotion/Spray/Shampoo, 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate
Cordran Tape, 0.05%
Flurandrenolide
Cormax Cream/Solution, 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate
Diprolene Ointment, 0.05%
Betamethasone dipropionate
Lexette Foam, 0.05%
Halobetasol propionate
Olux E Foam, 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate
Olux Foam, 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate
Psorcon Ointment, 0.05%
Diflorasone diacetate
Psorcon E Ointment, 0.05%
Diflorasone diacetate
Temovate Cream/Ointment/Solution, 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate
Topicort Topical Spray, 0.25%
Desoximetasone
Ultravate Cream/Ointment, 0.05%
Halobetasol propionate
Ultravate Lotion, 0.05%
Halobetasol propionate
Wynzora Cream, 0.005%/0.064%
Calcipotriene and Betamethasone dipropionate
Vanos Cream, 0.1%
Fluocinonide
Potent to Superpotent – Brand Name
Common Name
Bryhali Lotion, 0.01%
Halobetasol propionate
Doubrii Lotion, 0.01%/0.045%
Halobetasol propionate/tazarotene
Potent – Brand Name
Common Name
Diprolene Cream AF, 0.05%
Betamethasone dipropionate
Elocon Ointment, 0.1%
Mometasone furoate
Florone Ointment, 0.05%
Diflorasone diacetate
Halog Ointment/Cream, 0.1%
Halcinonide
Lidex Cream/Gel/Ointment, 0.05%
Fluocinonide
Psorcon Cream, 0.05%
Diflorasone diacetate
Topicort Cream/Ointment, 0.25%
Desoximetasone
Topicort Gel, 0.05%
Desoximetasone
Upper Mid-Strength – Brand Name
Common Name
Cutivate Ointment, 0.005%
Fluticasone propionate
Lidex-E Cream, 0.05%
Fluocinonide
Luxiq Foam, 0.12%
Betamethasone valerate
Mid-Strength – Brand Name
Common Name
Cordran Ointment, 0.05%
Flurandrenolide
Elocon Cream, 0.1%
Mometasone furoate
Kenalog Cream/Spray, 0.1%
Triamcinolone acetonide
Synalar Ointment, 0.03%
Fluocinolone acetonide
Topicort LP Cream, 0.05%
Desoximetasone
Topicort LP Ointment, 0.05%
Desoximetasone
Westcort Ointment, 0.2%
Hydrocortisone valerate
Lower Mid-Strength – Brand Name
Common Name
Capex Shampoo, 0.01%
Fluocinolone acetonide
Cordran Cream/Lotion/Tape, 0.05%
Flurandrenolide
Cutivate Cream/Lotion, 0.05%
Fluticasone propionate
DermAtop Cream, 0.1%
Prednicarbate
DesOwen Lotion, 0.05%
Desonide
Locoid Cream/Lotion/Ointment/Solution, 0.1%
Hydrocortisone
Pandel Cream, 0.1%
Hydrocortisone
Synalar Cream, 0.03%/0.01%
Fluocinolone acetonide
Westcort Cream, 0.2%
Hydrocortisone valerate
Mild – Brand Name
Common Name
Aclovate Cream/Ointment, 0.05%
Alclometasone dipropionate
Derma-Smoothe/FS Oil, 0.01%
Fluocinolone acetonide
Desonate Gel, 0.05%
Desonide
Synalar Cream/Solution, 0.01%
Fluocinolone acetonide
Verdeso Foam, 0.05%
Desonide
Least Potent – Brand Name
Common Name
Cetacort Lotion, 0.5%/1%
Hydrocortisone
Cortaid Cream/Spray/Ointment
Hydrocortisone
Hytone Cream/Lotion, 1%/2.5%
Hydrocortisone
Micort-HC Cream, 2%/2.5%
Hydrocortisone
Nutracort Lotion, 1%/2.5%
Hydrocortisone
Synacort Cream, 1%/2.5%
Hydrocortisone
Steroids and TSW is not an easy subject to educate but we will write a blog of this in the near future, so do look out for it by signing up for our newsletter.
]]>
https://mummybrand.com/en-hk/blogs/news/eczema-in-children-how-to-help-kids-survive-the-itchy-days2021-03-05T14:19:07+08:002021-09-05T18:08:39+08:00Eczema in Children: How to Help Kids Survive the Itchy DaysKristen LowMore]]>
Any medical condition that is contracted by an infant is always ten times more difficult since they have lower pain tolerance. Every infant experiences pain, and it can significantly affect their nervous system and could cause physiological changes. It also can lead to sleep disturbances, feeding problems, and lose the ability to self-regulate. The source of that pain shall be addressed immediately, especially if it is the itchy skin condition ,eczema.
Eczema is what doctors call a group of conditions that causes someone’s skin to turn red, itchy, and inflamed. One common misconception about it is that it is contagious, it is not. The exact cause of it is unknown, but researchers say that it is usually caused by the combination of family genes and environmental factors. If a member of your family has eczema, then there is a higher possibility for you to have it.
Your baby can be the one in five children in Singapore that get eczema (also referred to as atopic dermatitis). It can appear anywhere on their bodies within the year they were born. Usually, you will see these rash-like dry patches on their cheeks and in the folds of their arms and legs. It is always itchy and rough, so they cannot help but relieve the pain by scratching it themselves. As a result, it leaves a scar on their skin, and it amplifies the pain they feel even further. Since they cannot tell you anything about how they are feeling, it is difficult to know the severity of their pain.
For 1 to 6 months old babies, monitor their scalp and face since these are the areas where red and dry patches of eczema will appear. While rashes of eczema for older children will be found in the creases of their elbows, the back of their knees, on the neck, and around the eyes. Determining if they have the same condition that you have can take some time and professional help, but it will help you if you know more about this common skin condition.
Allow this article to supply you with in-depth information about baby eczema, how you can find the correct treatment that your baby needs, and how to help them develop healthy skin habits keep their eczema at bay!
Part I: Why Are Kids More Prone to Eczema?
Eczema produces uncomfortable sensations that can interfere with your baby’s sleeping and eating. Since their brain keeps getting pain signals from these itchy feelings, they cannot get their minds to focus on what they are supposed to be doing. Instead, they cry, and it can be quite challenging to comfort them. As a parent, you want to keep them from crying, so you want to eliminate the problem on its root. The problem with eczema is that the root of it is undetermined, so people who have this condition can only go as far as managing it for the rest of their lives, or until a cure surfaces. Researchers, however, have shown that some of their studies revealed that there are causes why kids are more prone to getting eczema. It is because they have:
Sensitive skin
It no longer needs to be stated that newborn babies have sensitive skin. Their skin is so delicate that they can acquire various types of skin problems aside from eczema. A newborn’s wrinkly skin has a protective covering called vernix. It will naturally peel off in its first week, so you should not be worried about it. The skin care, such as applying creams and giving them baths, should be minimal. Frequent baths can aggravate eczema since they can remove your baby’s natural oils that serve as protection.
Families who have eczema
Children who came from families with a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, or other allergies have higher odds of developing eczema. Keeping track of your family’s medical history is helpful, especially if you want to determine the source of you and your children’s medical conditions. More than that, do not cross out this possibility even if you do not have eczema since it has come from other relatives that have it.
Contaminated living conditions
In Singapore, dry air and pollution exists. Eczema treatment creams may sell more than average lotions in the market during the dry season. The dry air can affect your baby’s eczema. Some parents would bring out a humidifier in the room to keep the air from being too dry, but the best solution is to keep your baby’s skin moist. Remember that your baby’s skin is in the process of building a skin barrier. If it gets disrupted by inflammatory chemicals, it can cause an allergic reaction from direct skin contact. These red and itchy rashes caused by these environmental triggers are called contact dermatitis, one of the main types of eczema.
Types of Eczema
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, eczema is a term that is used to describe the reaction pattern that the skin produces in several diseases. Simply put, it is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions that cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. There are different types of eczema, and they are broken down into specific categories here:
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema. “Atopic” means there is an inherited tendency of hypersensitivity when exposed to environmental factors. Combining it with the word “dermatitis,” which means skin inflammation, your baby acquired the condition due to their genetic predisposition to inhalant allergens that prompts skin inflammation. It starts in infancy that causes the red, scaly, and excoriated skin in the scalp and face of 2-month-old babies.
Contact dermatitis
A baby’s skin can develop allergic reactions when it is exposed to the same substance repeatedly. This substance may be foreign or not, as long as it irritates their skin. It may include perfumes, chemicals in skincare products, jewellery made of gold or material, and even latex gloves. Once in contact with one of these, the immune recognition system of your baby is activated and produces red, itchy rashes.
Hand eczema
Based on its name, hand eczema occurs when one or both of your hands start itching with pain and dryness to the point of flaking. Children who are five years old and beyond can develop this type of eczema. It can impact their self-esteem unless they learn to treat it with eczema moisturizing creams that have higher oil content.
Neurodermatitis
This form of eczema is common to adults aged 30 to 50 years old and rarely occurs in children. Specific personality types can influence the development of this condition which can occur anywhere in the body that can be reached and scratched. Usually, neurodermatitis is found in one or two patches of the skin. The pleasure that one feels when they intensely scratch these patches can irritate the nerve endings, and thicken the skin. Treatment usually includes calming inflammation and softening the skin with potent topical steroids.
Nummular eczema
You will notice this skin condition on older folks rather than children. The coin-shaped patches on their arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs irritate skin caused by nummular eczema. Aside from its coin shape, this causes the skin to have a crusty and scaly texture. More than that, they are extremely itchy.
Stasis dermatitis
People with underlying health conditions, such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and congestive heart failure, are the common victims of stasis dermatitis. Poor circulation of blood can cause symptoms of this eczema. It will appear as orange-speckles of the skin on the ankles. Itching and shining skin due to scaling are early signs of it, too.
What triggers eczema?
Likened to any recurring health problems, eczema can appear when the skin is exposed to triggers. Organising your belongings at home can prevent your baby from worsening eczema. It includes the toys, clothes, and bed or crib sheets that come in contact with your baby’s skin. As much as possible, you should keep unsanitary items out of reach and clean their play area regularly.
Environmental
Infections
Insect or mosquito bites
Stress
Scratching
Vaccinations
Food allergy
Food allergy vs. eczema
As a parent, you cannot blame yourself from panicking over the appearance of red patches on your baby’s skin. It is a sign that you have parental instincts that are built around your deep knowledge of your child. While these instincts are often right, it might not apply in the situation when you need to determine a food allergy reaction from eczema.
Firstly, you have to know that food allergies and eczema are separate conditions. The former happens when your baby consumes foods that trigger an abnormal immune response to a specific food protein, which are also called food allergens. As soon as your child eats a food allergen, their bodies react quickly and go away quickly when they stop eating the food. Unlike when your child has eczema, it does not go away quickly since it is a chronic condition that needs long-term maintenance.
Another symptom that differentiates these two is the location of the reaction on the skin. Food allergy reactions occur in unpredictable locations of your baby’s body each time they eat the food that causes the allergy. However, as discussed in this article, eczema occurs in specific areas of the body that can help you determine the reason why your baby’s skin is developing red, inflamed patches of skin.
How do you know if your child has eczema?
Even when you have read every article that the internet has about eczema, an official diagnosis by a certified physician is a must. Consulting a doctor will be the first step to know, and make sure, that your baby has eczema. Their early diagnosis can prevent worsening the skin condition that could lead to the need for costly biologic injections, such as dupilumab. A trustworthy paediatrician will lay down an effective treatment plan that includes recommendations for the best anti-itch cream for eczema that will nurse your baby’s skin back to its smooth soft skin!
When will kids outgrow the condition or will they ever?
Most cases of eczema grow out of the condition once kids have surpassed their formative days. Many eczema-prone kids have better skin by the age of 3 years, and they will have less to no symptoms of it when they become teenagers. Although they may have a greater tendency to dry and sensitive skin in adult life, your child’s eczema will eventually improve.
Part II: How to Help Kids Live Better with Eczema
All kids have the right to a good and eventful childhood, even when they will be less likely to remember all of it when they grow older. It might be a challenge for parents who have kids with eczema to give them the freedom to enjoy their environment since eczema triggers are always present.
In this part of the article, you will learn about helping your child grow into the world despite having this skin condition.
Why is it necessary to control your child’s eczema?
Even though some cases atopic dermatitis resolve itself, several complications can occur when a child’s eczema is untreated. Scarring from intense scratching can be one of them. With open scars, your child becomes more vulnerable to acquiring different kinds of illnesses when they are exposed to unsanitary conditions. Their skin can become thick with scaly and dry texture as they grow older. Also, areas of hair loss and skin colour changes can occur. Lastly, your child’s skin affected by long, untreated eczema is susceptible to secondary infections.
If you want to improve the quality of your child’s when it is more enjoyable, then you should learn how to control their symptoms. With the guidance of a trusted dermatologist, teaching your child how to practice an effective eczema skincare routine will help them have a remarkable childhood and develop stable emotional health!
The Psychological Effects of Eczema on Children
Aside from what we see on the physical side of eczema, the impact of this skin condition on your child’s mental health is also present. If your child has atopic dermatitis, they are said to have higher rates of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of depression in children include:
Irritability
Social withdrawal
Changes in appetite and sleep
Having a hard time to concentrate
Low energy
Tiredness
The risk of your child having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also on the table when the stress of eczema gets to them. Thus, you should pay attention to these symptoms as well:
Lack of organisation skills
Hyperactivity
Making impulse decisions that could be harmful
All of these are preventable, as long as you know how to keep your child’s eczema symptoms at bay. Consistent treatment with eczema moisturizers will help them get a restful sleep to reduce their feelings of irritability and moodiness.
What can you do to help your child deal with the stress of eczema?
Children with eczema perform poorly at school since they are common victims of bullying when their schoolmates see their red, peeling skin. It is an added stress to the already heavy stress that they are experiencing to maintain their academic standing. Thus, developing emotional stability is crucial when you have eczema. To help them deal with their skin condition, you have to support their treatment. It may include:
Getting consultation
Constantly reminding them that they are not alone
Providing them with medications
Patiently applying their topical creams
Treatments available for eczema
Treatments for a child’s eczema require the collaboration of a paediatrician and a dermatologist. Both of these professionals are equipped with the right knowledge and skills that can contribute to your child’s eczema journey. One thing to remember is that consistency is key when it comes to these treatments, which are:
Wet dressings
Calcineurin inhibitors
Oral medications
Ultraviolet light and phototherapy
Injectable medications
Topical Creams
The Dangers of Steroids
Following one of the possible treatments that your dermatologist may recommend, topical steroids cream treatment has side effects that can grow to skin problems. While its varying potency has rendered therapy to inflammatory disorders, it still has its own set of dangers. Thus, its application and use shall always be monitored. If not, effects such as high blood pressure, fluid collection in the legs, bone damage, and skin discolouration can occur.
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is also reported as an effect from long-term users who have been dependent on the drug-induced cream. The burning, redness, and oversensitivity of the skin can last up to 2 years to your child. Thus, it is recommended that you find non-steroid eczema cream to keep these dangers away. Do not forget to get the approval of your child’s doctor to make sure that it can alleviate the symptoms of eczema.
Can eczema be treated permanently?
Currently, there is no cure developed to treat eczema, or any type of it, permanently. Consistent treatment for the condition is still the most effective method to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups of symptoms. As long as you have a trusted physician to guide you in this process, you can almost eliminate all the times that eczema can reoccur as your child grows to adulthood!
Part III: What Are Your Natural Treatment Options for Your Child’s Eczema?
More often than not, the treatment options that your child’s paediatrician will lay down in front of you are conventional topical steroids. This treatment is deeply integrated into the medical approaches of eczema that natural treatments become an afterthought. Experienced and expert dermatologists will say that navigating how to manage baby eczema takes more effort than simply applying drugs on their skin. You also have to explore other holistic approaches that will help your child deal with the itchiness brought on by her eczema. One of those approaches is switching to natural remedies such as:
Aloe vera gel
Apple cider vinegar
Shea Butter
Coconut oil
Honey
Zinc Oxide
Pairing these methods with a healthy diet and consistent eczema cream application, your kid can say goodbye to random flare-ups at school and home! However, it does not mean that they fall too comfortable that they do not watch the food they eat that may trigger their eczema. Remember to monitor the foods that your child eats since the heavy intake of gluten and dairy products tend to be one of the common root causes of eczema flare-ups.
Practical Measures
Building a good skincare routine can help your kid manage their skin on their own. In the future, you are assured that their skin condition is minimised knowing that you have taught them the practical measures that they should do to keep their eczema at bay! You can start by:
Keeping their skin moist
Using gentle soaps
Opting for clothes that are gentle on their skin
Avoiding stress
Collaborative care among you, your child, and their dermatologist is key to decreasing eczema symptoms. When there is harmony among the three of you, then you can expect that your child will feel better as quickly as possible. Staying loyal to one brand of eczema cream is also a big contributor to eliminating the overwhelming process of eczema skincare!
The Mummybrand® approach to eczema skincare
Our people here at Mummybrand® understand the pain that your kid experiences since we come from a family of eczema sufferers as well. Essentially, we think everyone should know that eczema can be worsened or improved according to your approach to skincare and dietary practices. It is a trial and error process that may leave feelings of frustrations, but mostly feelings of control over what you feed your skin.
The ingredients we use in our handmade baby eczema creams here in Singapore are all formulated with skin hydrating properties to combat itchiness, dryness, and inflammation that every person with eczema suffers from every day. Our natural and wholesome ingredients are safe for your baby’s skin as well! From 2 months old babies onwards, our baby eczema creams seal in moisture even at the most sensitive areas of their skin - the face, chest, folds of their arms and legs, and neck.
We also have products designed for Wet Wrap Therapy to give you zero trouble of doing it to your baby at home. Packed with shea butter and a unique blend of essential oils, it will help your baby’s skin regain its suppleness the natural way!
Allow us to give your baby the ultimate hydration experience for their eczema! Go to our website to explore our multiple eczema creams and balms for delivery today.