Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a condition that affects skin, the largest organ of our body. Indiscriminate in whom it strikes, eczema causes skin to become dry, red, itchy and with the potential to affect any site of the body. While not contagious, due to the severe itching and prominent physical features of eczema, affected individuals may be at the receiving end of some unfavourable attention or even discrimination.
Unfortunately yet unsurprisingly, a significant number of Malaysians are also affected by eczema. Certainly this is the observation according to Dr. David Netto, a Doctor in Primary Care with accreditations in Dermatology and Occupational Health Doctor from Public Health Centre located in Port Dickson, who encounters patients with varying degrees of eczema almost daily.
A multifactorial condition, eczema can be caused by multifactorial be it from strong family history, genetic, immunological and environmental factors. Prevention and management of Eczema can be very challenging, as explained by Dr. Netto. It’s main pathology is hypersensitivity to allergens that causes a break in the skin barrier hence producing the cardinal symptoms as mentioned above. For environmental factors, the list of potential triggers of eczema becomes endless – ranging from food, inhalants, climate, clothing. One who has strong family inheritance of eczema can have eczematous symptoms if he experiences emotional stress
Based on Dr Netto’s experience, standard treatment for eczema consists of antihistamine and potent topical steroids prescriptions as its main remedy in primary care. In addition, he strongly recommends patients to regularly apply moisturiser (body lotion), as well as avoid triggering factors wherever possible.
