Eczema

With the current measures of government regulation in Singapore, increased mask usage is all time high and prolonged duration. While everyone plays a part in fighting the virus, some suffer from wearing masks for too long a time. A recent interview on Channel 8 Hello Singapore with skincare experts, mentioned that in the recent 2 months, eczema and various skin diseases have been on the all time high by an increase of 3 times.

What is eczema

According to Healthhub, eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a recurrent, itchy skin condition that commonly affects children. Eczema is associated with a personal or family history of atopy, which is a group of disorders that include eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

How does masks cause eczema?

The proper way to wear a mask requires you to ensure there is little to no gap from the area around your nostrils to your chin. While this serves as  a maximum protection against the virus, the humidity builds up under the mask.

Due to the humid climate in Singapore, our breathing and the filter and material of certain masks, some air or heat is trapped between our lower face and the mask. Moisture loss will increase, disrupting its balance, which can trigger perioral dermatitis.

Furthermore, secretions such as saliva or mucus, are trapped inside the mask. That can act as an irritant dermatitis to the skin and upset the natural balance of the skin around the mouth. 

Prolonged wearing of masks leads to less ventilation, thus secretion of more sweat and oil, resulting in blocked pores which sometimes encourage the growth of bacteria thus increasing the risk of eczema and other skin disease.

Rashes, redness, irritation and scaling around the nose and mouth will then start to appear.

Symptoms of eczema

Healthhub states that Eczema symptoms can include intense itching, redness, small bumps and flaky, scaly skin.

1. In babies, eczema tends to occur at the front of the arms and legs, cheeks and scalp. The diaper areas are usually not affected.

1. In older children and adults, eczema occurs at the side of the neck, elbow creases and the back of knees. For adults, eczema tends to affect the face, wrist, hands and forearms. Also, the skin can darken and become thick. Scars can form from repeated scratching.

The affected area can become crusted. Excessive scratching may lead to infection, which appears as painful red bumps with pus.

Find out more symptoms from our blog about eczema at: https://theo10.com/what-are-the-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-for-eczema/

Treatment

Eczema is a chronic condition that fluctuates in terms of severity, where it sometimes improves and worsens. Some people can have no symptoms for many years. It cannot be cured, but symptoms can be controlled with moisturizers, topical and oral medicines, and self-care measures.

Below are some measures that can be taken to prevent eczema flare-ups:

1. Avoiding Trigger Factors (reduce the duration of wearing mask)

Trigger factors include heat (overheating of the skin), perspiration and dry environment. Emotional stress or anxiety may also trigger eczema. Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. soaps, detergents, perfumes, or cosmetics), materials (e.g. wool or synthetic fibres), dust, sand and smoke also may trigger a flare-up. It may take some effort and time to identify the trigger factors, but it is important to avoid such factors for long-term control of the condition.

2. Keeping the Skin Moisturized and Hydrated

The skin can be kept hydrated with emollient cream and ointment formulations. They are best applied straight after bathing, and to be used as frequently as possible. While lotions contain more water and are more comfortable for application as compared to creams and ointments, the latter is better at retaining moisture in the skin.

In addition, take lukewarm baths or showers to hydrate and cool the skin. Use unscented, mild soap or soap-free cleansers. Avoid hot and long baths or showers (do not exceed 15 minutes). Bleach baths may be recommended for severe eczema with recurrent infections. Speak to your pharmacist about this.

3. Topical and Oral Medications

When there is a flare-up with inflammation and itch, topical steroids may be used. Topical steroids of the right potency should be used for a short period of time to avoid side effects. It is important to apply a thin layer that is adequate to cover up the affected area. Oral antihistamines can also be given for a short period to relieve the itch. 

THEO10 Eczema Cream

Intro Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTPqSQE0ag&feature=emb_logo

Theo10 ECZEMA is a non-steroidal cream that relieves intense itch and redness. We use Neem seed oil that is cold pressed with no heat to extract as many benefits without losing its natural properties. Our Peppermint essential oil from America contains at least 50% menthol and this can only be achieved under very strict farming and processing conditions. Our beeswax has been tripled filtered using very fine micron-sized mesh to ensure no impurity without destroying its natural properties and benefits. With the added propolis, it has a soothing effect at the affected area. 

How does it work?

Theo10® ECZEMA contains high menthol content that relieves itch to stop the user from scratching. Neem oil comes to contact with the skin and helps improve the skin condition. Beeswax ensures that the oils are in constant contact with the skin. It also lends its water-resistant property for a prolonged duration of protection. It moisturizes the skin as our beeswax lend its water-resistant properties to keep the skin constantly moisturized.

Our ingredients

We use Neem seed oil that is cold pressed with no heat to extract as many benefits without losing its natural properties.

Our Peppermint essential oil from America contains at least 50% menthol and this can only be achieved under very strict farming and processing conditions.

Our beeswax has been tripled filtered using very fine micron-sized mesh to ensure no impurity without destroying its natural properties and benefits. With the added propolis, it has a soothing effect at the affected area.

Things to Note:

– Suitable for children

– Theo10 ECZEMA cream is dark brown in colour with black spots

Method of Application:

– Use regularly when needed

Uses:

1. Relieves itch
2. Reduce redness

Ingredients include:

1. Peppermint Essential oil
2. Neem seed oil
3. Triple filtered Beeswax
4. Bee Propolis

Uniqueness:

1. No Steroids
2. Smells like mint honey

Suitable for:

1. Young children
2. Adults

As eczemas are persistent, it comes and goes, we can prevent it by using the THEO10 MOISTURISER as well. 

While the eczema creams stop the itch, the mosituriser creates a barrier to prevent the infected area from coming into contact with bacteria in the air, thus preventing further outbreak.

Find out more about our moisturiser at: https://theo10.com/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments/

To purchase our eczema creams:

https://theo10.com/product/eczema-2/