Tackling that itch: Demand for help with skin issues on the rise in Singapore
SINGAPORE: It all started 16 years ago when Madam Sally Lim, 43, moved into her newly renovated home in Choa Chu Kang.
A week later, red itchy rashes started popping up on her artillery and cervix. Her condition got worse over the months with the skin on her body and face flaking. A evil-smelling fluid besides oozed from her armpit and neck which were scratched raw considering of the itch.
Doctors she consulted diagnosed her with eczema, apparently triggered by the fresh coat of paint in her newly renovated flat. She received steroid injections for her condition.
"They worked wonderfully. My pare was even better than normal. Just it only lasted a curt while," she told Aqueduct NewsAsia.
Over the years, Mdm Lim tried many other treatments in the hopes of managing her eczema better. However, she still suffers from outbreaks about 3 times a twelvemonth which tin can last for months each time, and she has to take oral steroids to keep them in check.
INCREASED Sensation, CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE
Mdm Lim, a patient at the National Skin Center (NSC), is ane of many in Singapore suffering from peel conditions. Whether it is for eczema, acne or pigmentation disorders, the demand for dermatology services is rising. In 2016, NSC had 304,000 outpatient clinic attendances, up from 263,000 in 2008.
In order to meet the rising need, a new building - scheduled to open in 2022 - will be added at the NSC in Novena which will boost capacity past fifty per cent, NSC said during the building'southward groundbreaking ceremony in April this twelvemonth.
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Dr Lynn Chiam, a dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Infirmary, attributed the increase in need to a combination of factors. This includes a greater awareness of skin issues and treatments available. In add-on, the use of many different skin products at the same fourth dimension can create problems.
Travelling overseas ofttimes exposes an individual to unlike climates and atmospheric condition which tin can also trigger peel issues, Dr Chiam said.
Senior consultant at NSC Associate Professor Chua Sze Hon echoed similar views. He said the greater awareness of skin diseases has led to more people consulting dermatologists.
"Patients now seek more than effective management to salvage the brunt of skin diseases in their lives rather than to suffer in silence," he said.
Assoc Prof Chua said that the touch on on sufferers can be "very significant".
"For example, astringent eczema and psoriasis often consequence in reduced self-esteem, sleep disturbance, loss of concentration at school or work, social withdrawal, depression, increased get out from school or work," he said, adding that caregivers may be faced with fatigue looking after the needs of sufferers as well.
Dr Chiam said that inquiry has shown that skin diseases can bear on a person's quality of life more significantly than other medical conditions, as it is visible to other people.
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Mdm Lim admits it has non been easy dealing with her eczema. She has been approached by strangers request about her skin status and whether it is contagious. She has also received unkind comments from family members, which she said "hurt the almost".
"They would ask me: 'Why are y'all and then dirty? You must have been eating anyway,' and commented that my face is disgusting because of the cherry and black patches I had," Mdm Lim said.
ECZEMA Well-nigh COMMON SKIN CONDITION IN SINGAPORE
For the past three years, eczema has been the nigh common pare disease treated at the NSC.
There were eighteen,405 new cases last year. The next well-nigh mutual condition – benign skin tumours – saw 6,846 new cases, according to figures from the center.
In fact, the incidence of eczema in Singapore is 1 of the highest in the globe, said Dr Chiam.
This could be attributed to Singapore'due south hot and boiling weather, leading to excessive perspiration which tin can affect the pare's barrier role, she said. Over-washing with soaps tin can likewise be detrimental to the peel barrier, she said, adding that with an impaired skin barrier, eczema can result. Firm dust mites that thrive in hot boiling weather are also common triggers of eczema, she added.
MISCONCEPTIONS Be DESPITE AWARENESS
While in that location is increasing awareness of skin diseases, Assoc Prof Chua stressed the importance of continuous public education as there are yet misconceptions.
He recalled the example of a 14-twelvemonth-old male child whose parents were convinced that his rashes were due to a nutrient allergy subsequently they "researched" on the Internet.
They imposed food restrictions on him, but information technology did not help his skin condition. As his condition worsened, the teenager became socially withdrawn.
He was diagnosed with eczema when he was eventually brought to NSC for a consultation. His status improved with treatment.
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Mdm Lim agreed that public education is important. She herself has borne the brunt of such misconception.
"Many people had the misconception that the condition is contagious, can be easily managed and can be cured permanently," she said.
Some also recollect that seafood is the master cause of her condition which is too not true, Mdm Lim said. In fact, food is not a common trigger for eczema, Dr Chiam said. She added that the most common allergen in Singapore is dust mites. The status is also not contagious.
Mdm Lim said she manages her status with the understanding and support of her husband.
"Getting support from loved ones is very of import," she said.
Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/skin-issues-eczema-increase-singapore-rashes-218941
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