Eczema sufferers have variety of treatment options

Docs also stress need to moisturise skin regularly and avoid environment triggers

Eczema is a common chronic condition that causes the skin to be red, scaly and itchy. In severe cases, the skin may even weep, blister or bleed. Doctors agree that while a variety of treatment options is available for eczema patients today, the mains
Eczema is a common chronic condition that causes the skin to be red, scaly and itchy. In severe cases, the skin may even weep, blister or bleed. Doctors agree that while a variety of treatment options is available for eczema patients today, the mainstay of treatment is still topical steroids. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
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The four-year-old boy's skin looked "burnt" because he had been scratching himself so much that his skin got infected with bacteria.

The infection was so bad that a fever set in. When the boy was brought to hospital by his parents, "his whole body looked burnt and his dead skin was flaking off all over his body", recalled Dr Chong Jin Ho of the case, which happened about three years ago.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 17, 2018, with the headline Eczema sufferers have variety of treatment options. Subscribe