Eczema & Itchy Skin Discussion (compiled)

[Guest itchy guy]

I have been having problem with itchy skin and scalp and want to seek for a medical help. I'm Malaysian without PR and because of that, I have to pay a much higher fees for the consultation, treatments etc if i go to the NSC. So what i would like to ask is, is it better to just to go to private dermatologists? Do they charge cheaper than NSC? Thanks ά lot!

[Guest boys-pleasure]

private dermatologists are generally much more expensive... but I could be wrong. Have you tried doing some research? You could try finding out all the private ones and compare their prices and then make a decision from there. XD Gd luck!

[Guest TrendMicro]

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Edited September 11, 2013 by TrendMicro

[fab]

I have been having problem with itchy skin and scalp and want to seek for a medical help. I'm Malaysian without PR and because of that, I have to pay a much higher fees for the consultation, treatments etc if i go to the NSC. So what i would like to ask is, is it better to just to go to private dermatologists? Do they charge cheaper than NSC? Thanks ά lot!

y dont u visit the clinic in JB?

[Guest itchy guy]

i've visited a GP, and he told me to find a skin specialist, he just gave me anti histamine to be taken when i start to fell itchy, but it doesn't eradicate the root of the problem.. i'm quite busy, not possible for me to leave SG and moreover JB is not my hometown.

[Guest TrendMicro]

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Edited September 11, 2013 by TrendMicro

[Guest itchy guy]

if i go to polyclinic and they eventually refer me to a specialist, isn't that mean i have to pay twice? first for the polyclinic and then the specialist? that's why i would prefer to just straight go to a skin specialist on my own

[Guest ountrche]

y dun u go back to where u cum from

[Guest TrendMicro]

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Edited September 11, 2013 by TrendMicro

[Guest Donate]

i've visited a GP, and he told me to find a skin specialist, he just gave me anti histamine to be taken when i start to fell itchy, but it doesn't eradicate the root of the problem.. i'm quite busy, not possible for me to leave SG and moreover JB is not my hometown.

If you want to save some $ and still see a specialist, why not see a GP, tell him that you want to see a specialist in NSC, and ask him to give you a referral letter?

Alternatively, go to Polyclinic and tell the doctor the same.

You will need to pay that extra $20-30 for the GP doctor, not too sure how much Poly doc is, but should be cheaper.

The worse scenario is call up NCS and scheduled for an appointment. The 1st consultation is more expensive, up to $100, with subsequent visits cheaper.

Once u see the NCS specialist once, they will presribe medicine (more $$ of course) to you. After a a few consultations, u will know what type of medicine is effective for you.

Then you can fly to Bangkok yearly to buy the same medicine without any prescription.

In the long run, u save money.

[koolkai]

i've visited a GP, and he told me to find a skin specialist, he just gave me anti histamine to be taken when i start to fell itchy, but it doesn't eradicate the root of the problem.. i'm quite busy, not possible for me to leave SG and moreover JB is not my hometown.

Maybe you have eczema? This problem will never be eradicated and you may need to take antihistamine and use some cream to apply

[Guest KK]

I am a Malaysian working in Singapore. I also have skin problems and went to NSC. For NSC, Foreigns do not get subsided. Only Singaporeans and PRs. I called and made appointment directly to NSC. They dont entertain walk-in.

THere is no use visiting GPs if u are not locals. Referral letters are no use and a waste of time. GPs do not have those skin medicine, only the very basic are avail.

U can forget about those skin specialists. They cost you a bomb. Visiting them is a one-time appointment. I went to NSC for 6 times to get my skin problem cured.

Hope this help

[Guest KK]

Correction: typo error

"Visiting them is not a one-time appointment.."

[Guest KK]

If you want to save some $ and still see a specialist, why not see a GP, tell him that you want to see a specialist in NSC, and ask him to give you a referral letter?

Alternatively, go to Polyclinic and tell the doctor the same.

You will need to pay that extra $20-30 for the GP doctor, not too sure how much Poly doc is, but should be cheaper.

The worse scenario is call up NCS and scheduled for an appointment. The 1st consultation is more expensive, up to $100, with subsequent visits cheaper.

Once u see the NCS specialist once, they will presribe medicine (more $$ of course) to you. After a a few consultations, u will know what type of medicine is effective for you.

Then you can fly to Bangkok yearly to buy the same medicine without any prescription.

In the long run, u save money.

He is not local. Going to GPs then Polyclinic and get a referrel letter do not help him. He will not get a lower rate.

Go and call NSC for appt early.

[Guest guest]

national skin clinic is a waste of time and money. yr problem is eczema.there is a masseur at east he is expert in illness.eczema cause redness, itch ans swelling.u been taking milk , eggs , nuts lately?keep skin dry will help less itch.

[koolkai]

national skin clinic is a waste of time and money. yr problem is eczema.there is a masseur at east he is expert in illness.eczema cause redness, itch ans swelling.u been taking milk , eggs , nuts lately?keep skin dry will help less itch.

Hi, does abstaining from milk, eggs and nuts reduce the effect of eczema?

[Guest itchy guy]

I've googled pics of eczema and i don't think i'm suffering from eczema based from the pic i've seen.. but after browsing, i've come to notice that i might be suffering from another skin condition called dermographism, which also doesn't have a cure..

[Guest Caregiver]

If U r having eczema, i do have a remedy for it but its abit costly. The cost is abt $200+ per month.

[koolkai]

If U r having eczema, i do have a remedy for it but its abit costly. The cost is abt $200+ per month.

Please share with us the $200 remedy?

[joshboy]

go to a polyclinic, they will refer you to NSC. if it doesnt work go private

[delon]

Maybe it's psoriasis?

[Guest GIN]

It's better to go National Skin Centre. Only the professional and skin experts know the different type of skin diseases and infection. They have good medication over there. I applied the cream given for few days. It is recovered fully.

I used to go round to those chinese neighbourhood medication halls and clinics for treatment. A waste of money. Some western skin experts still mentioned need to go NSC. Regretted to listen to those aunties n uncles sayings.

FYI: I had serious ezema and psoriasis.

[stylishvicky]

National Skin Centre! Better get endorsement from polyclinics first to get much subsidized rate.

[inbody123]

I was diagnosed with DISCOID Ezcema by my dermatologist last week.

The ezcema concentrate on the trunk, legs and my foot.

Some are on my arms and body.

 

Never had ezcema ever and it is affecting my mood and well being.

 

I was asked to use emollients ( Cethaphil Restoraderm) and given a steroid cream to applied.

 

It has been 2 weeks and the flare is not subsiding.

 

Any members here have such problems, and how do you cope ?

 

Any home remedy to lessen the itch ? ( I am taking Zyrtec)

[Guest Similar condition]

I have been suffering from atopic eczema since young and it really affects my self confidence and all. 

It began as an on and off thing that gradually became just there during NS and it can be quite stressful. Trying to hide it from people can be real difficult but its a gene thing (for me) so can't help it.

 

Not sure if any of my advice helps but

1) If you feel like your skin is going to itch real badly (cause you will know it), take a Cold shower. Never a hot one. 

2) Dun moisturize too much as you may feel itchier due to the stickiness feeling.

3) Apply steriod cream thinly. Applying too much doesn't help and will affect ur skin in the future.

4) Try to sleep earlier as having late nights stresses out the body .

5) Drink more water to hydrate your body.

6) Trim your nails and file them so that even if you scratch, its not going to leave a mark. 

7) Rubbing dry area is equivalent to scratching so try to avoid.

8) Ice your itching areas for awhile to stop it from itching. If not, ask for antihistamine to help you.

Side note: (My dermathologist introduced to me menthol moisturizer (which they are trying out) that helps alleviate itchiness. If its really itchy then you may wanna try it.)

9) Try to avoid seafood and swimming. The chlorine from swimming might cause your skin to worsen.

 

Lastly, its easy for your skin to flare up and it takes a long while for it to be back to normal. If I have an itchy patch, it usually takes a month or so to be cured, sometimes earlier. All I can say is you that you need to wait it out and see, Try not to think about it cause it will still be there no matter what. If you really hate to see the redness and all, a little makeup will go a long way. Hope it helps.

 

[IkuTube]

This is mind over matter but it is a strong affirmation to subtly heal the problem.  For eczema, affirm this thought pattern to alleviate the situation:

 

"Harmony and peace, love and joy surround me and indwell me.  I am safe and secure."

 

You can do it before you sleep or when there's itch or whenever you feel consciously down.  What's important here, you have to have faith in saying the affirmation and the emotionalized visualization that you are free from it.

 

 

[bluemoonbird]

try BRT treatment, they treat eczema using magnetic waves. 

Here got some testimonials.

http://www.bioresonancetherapy.com.sg/testimonials-skin-problems-(eczema)

[Guest]

Drink lots of ionized electrolysed water. Get an water electrolysing machine if you can afford it. Moisturize whenever you feel the itch coming; emolients act as artificial barrier between your skin and external irritants so your skin don't get an allergic reaction. On top of that, i turn on sharp plasma luster air purifier and ionized at night when i sleep; it kills germs, bacterial, mold spores and neutralizes allergents produced by these, including dust mite skin and faeces. Use an airtight fully sealed "true hepa 13" vacuum cleaner around your house especially in your bed room to prevent dust mite allergents from regurgitating into the air. Invest in a specific dustmite zapping vibrating vacuum cleaner that emits UV rays with again certified airtight "true hepa 13 filter" and use it regularly on and around your beddings. There are koreans brands like samsung or LG selling them online and takashimaya department store home appliances section used to sell them. Use castile soap to replace face and body washes, except maybe for shampooing if you have quite an oily scalp as it's not grease cutting enough - dr bronner's is a good option. Eliminate unnecessary upholstery in your home; use less rugs, caroets, pillows, cushions, thick curtains and quilts as these could harbour more dust mites. Change your beddings regularly. Consider using dust mite proof pillows, quilts and pillow protectors, and encase your mattress in a dust mite proof casing to inhibit their growth in your beddings. Try to wear rubber gloves when washing dishes and cleaning, unless you replace those detergents with castile soap. Use castile soap to laundry your clothes or use a laundry detergent like "top" that neutralizes and eliminates dust mite allergents. Avoid processed food like fast food, packaged snacks and cured meats; eat clean - gear towards freshly prepared food with natural seasonings like herbs and spices instead of artificial flavourings and preservatives. 

 

Lastly, eliminate stressors in your daily life - toxic people, relationships and work environment and go pursue all your neglected interests and passions.

 

If you can do a few of these consistently, your eczema should be eliminated in no time.

 

Good luck and 加油！

[Amethyst]

U can use Pinetasol to bath, where u can buy from Unity or Guardian. (Effective on me)

 

If u can afford to buy crocodile oil, it is good for eczema. 

 

Take vitamin C and zinc as supplement. 

 

Hope this helps. 

[fab]

as long as i take enough oil, my eczema will go away

Edited January 11, 2016 by fab

[Guest]

Yes take a tablespoon of flax seeds or chia seeds daily. The omega 3 and 6 oils and fibre with their internal detoxifying and skin moisturising effects certainly helped.

[Guest]

41 minutes ago, Guest said:

Yes take a tablespoon of flax seeds or chia seeds daily. The omega 3 and 6 oils and fibre with their internal detoxifying and skin moisturising effects certainly helped.

If these are unavailable, black sesame seeds, though not as nutritious, may be a helpful substitute.

[answer]

4 hours ago, inbody123 said:

I was diagnosed with DISCOID Ezcema by my dermatologist last week.

The ezcema concentrate on the trunk, legs and my foot.

Some are on my arms and body.

 

Never had ezcema ever and it is affecting my mood and well being.

 

I was asked to use emollients ( Cethaphil Restoraderm) and given a steroid cream to applied.

 

It has been 2 weeks and the flare is not subsiding.

 

Any members here have such problems, and how do you cope ?

 

Any home remedy to lessen the itch ? ( I am taking Zyrtec)

 

I used Hibiscrub to wash the affected area and take Spirulina (only Green Life brand works for me).

[The.Intrv.]

4 hours ago, inbody123 said:

Any home remedy to lessen the itch ? ( I am taking Zyrtec)

 

Up the antihistamine to hydroxizine (Atarax) if cetirizine (Zyrtec) isn't helping much with the itch.

[APPLE3]

An advice from my dermatologist is to wait 15 mins between application of steroid and emollient.  So, apply thin area of steroid to affected area and wait for 15 mins for the skin to absorb before applying moisturiser. The brand of moisturiser my dermatologist recommends is called Ceraden, can only get from hospital pharmacy and NSC. For body wash, you can use the Cetaphil restoraderm body wash, which is also available only in hospital pharmacy and NSC. 

 

Another method you can try is 'wet wrap' therapy, basically after application of all the creams you wrap the affected area with wet cloth for extended period of time. (at least an hour or so, can put overnight if you want) This will help the skin to absorb the products.

 

Basically try to have healthy lifestyle habits; eat healthy ,sleep early and be diligent in applying the creams at least twice a day. If you're feeling itchy, you can take luke-warm/cool shower and moisturise your skin after. If your condition still persists, do go back to the dermertologist for further advice, he/she will probably give you better advice and stronger medication. 

[FirsTimer]

I just mositurize the skin and take double the dosage - all the dosage per day at once - for stronger effect then my skin healed

[Guest Sport-coholic]

6 hours ago, inbody123 said:

I was diagnosed with DISCOID Ezcema by my dermatologist last week.

The ezcema concentrate on the trunk, legs and my foot.

Some are on my arms and body.

 

Never had ezcema ever and it is affecting my mood and well being.

 

I was asked to use emollients ( Cethaphil Restoraderm) and given a steroid cream to applied.

 

It has been 2 weeks and the flare is not subsiding.

 

Any members here have such problems, and how do you cope ?

 

Any home remedy to lessen the itch ? ( I am taking Zyrtec)

 

I had ezcema too during my poly years (about 16-17 years back), it took a couple of years to fully recover. I was prescribed steroid cream and some pills by my dermatologist and was encouraged to use Cetaphil moisturizer (which I'm still using now). At times, it was so bad that there were pus on the fingers joints. I would woke up seeing bed sheet with bloodstains as I had scratched myself during my sleep because of the itch. Then I decided to wear cotton gloves during my sleep.

Sometimes when it got so bad, I had to ask for injections just so that it will subside for a short period. During that time, my mum also brewed seahorse for me to drink (not sure if it's still available at medicinal shops now).

You may want to ask your dermatologist if you can have a blood test done to diagnose what trigger the ezcema. Reduce your stress as I feel it will definitely worsen your eczema.

 

 

[Guest]

What I did last time was to tale a good shower to clean out my body as much as possible, then put copious amount of moisturizer onto the affected parts, and SHRINK WRAP the area before going to sleep.

 

This help in many areas:

(1) force the moisturizer into your skin

(2) prevent water from evaporating out from your skin

(3) PREVENT YOU FROM SCRATCHING YOUR SKIN

 

The next day you wake up, immediately unwrap the shrink wrap and clean yourself out thoroughly to remove any dirt that your body had been trying to purge out from the skin the night before. Take a good long shower for that.

 

You will notice your skin is more flexible immediately , but this is only temporary. Don't expect eczema to be cleared overnight. You will need to keep doing this , but you will see an accelerated rate of recovery.  

[Guest]

Try to consume turtle soup and turtle herbal jelly . A HK style dessert shop opposite fool hai building in chinatown area along the main road , with row of shophouses leading to hotel 81 , near bus stop sells authentic herbal jelly , price ranging from $28 to $8 a bowl of cold or hot herbal jelly . My uncle used to have skin problems and tried these for a whole till the problem is gone . But as with most herbal stuff , suggest you take with moderation and see if it works for you .

[Guest]

Drink superbly detoxifying and low caffeine or caffeine free beverages like white tea, green tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, camomile tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, chai/masala tea like water! I used to drink large jugs of white tea, adding rose buds, lavender buds, chrysanthemum flowers and peppermint leaves with a bit of honey daily and they surely helped to calm down those eczema flareups. Detoxifying, stress reduction, eating clean and nutrition - detoxifying compounds from fruits and veggies, teas, herbs and spices; polyunsaturated fats and vitamin D for supple skin - and occasional moisturising are the various keys to recovery.

[Guest]

Just now, Guest said:

Drink superbly detoxifying and low caffeine or caffeine free beverages like white tea, green tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, camomile tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, chai/masala tea like water! I used to drink large jugs of white tea, adding rose buds, lavender buds, chrysanthemum flowers and peppermint leaves with a bit of honey daily and they surely helped to calm down those eczema flareups. Detoxifying, stress reduction, eating clean and nutrition - detoxifying compounds from fruits and veggies, teas, herbs and spices; polyunsaturated fats and vitamin D for supple skin - and occasional moisturising are the various keys to recovery.

Coupled with personal hygiene - bathing daily, regular change of bedsheets and vacuuming around the house and bedroom, eliminating unnecessary and dust accumulating upholstery, rugs, cushions and curtains - using a sharp plasma cluster air purifier with ionizer in your bedroom daily, if possible drinking ionized+electrolyzed water at home, cutting down on junk and processed food and as much as possible, use only fresh and natural (vegetarian if you can) ingredients in your food, embrace a positive mindset with daily purpose to live your life fully doing the things that you love and eliminating toxic relationships from your life, you will be on a fast and steady route to recovery.

[Guest]

Castile soap, flax seeds and a powerful and fully sealed airtight "true hepa" 13 filter  enabled vacuum cleaner are essential. Avoid the bagless types as you will be exposed to the dust when you empty the dust box.

[inbody123]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am surprise so many of us are suffering from ezcema.

 

Looks like to prevent it - is to moisturize, healthy diet, de-stress, keep one healthy, use chemical free soap. 

 

A good friend suggest bathing in the sea,  and go sun-tan, which is an old school thought. 

Where in Singapore can one find an unpolluted sea to soak in ? Haizz

[Guest]

15 hours ago, IkuTube said:

This is mind over matter but it is a strong affirmation to subtly heal the problem.  For eczema, affirm this thought pattern to alleviate the situation:

 

"Harmony and peace, love and joy surround me and indwell me.  I am safe and secure."

 

You can do it before you sleep or when there's itch or whenever you feel consciously down.  What's important here, you have to have faith in saying the affirmation and the emotionalized visualization that you are free from it.

 

 

 

Eczema is a real problem. It's not something that a mind-over-body mentality will help.

[Guest]

15 hours ago, IkuTube said:

This is mind over matter but it is a strong affirmation to subtly heal the problem.  For eczema, affirm this thought pattern to alleviate the situation:

 

"Harmony and peace, love and joy surround me and indwell me.  I am safe and secure."

 

You can do it before you sleep or when there's itch or whenever you feel consciously down.  What's important here, you have to have faith in saying the affirmation and the emotionalized visualization that you are free from it.

 

 

Do not be like some doctors who does not know how to cure illness these days and keep saying stress brought upon it and blaming  me to have caused certain health problem upon myself when  another eventually prescribe the right medicine for me to get cured ! Sometimes it is best to see another doctor or specialist when one is not capable of helping much .

Just recently there was this business woman here who was partially paralysed due to stroke  and after a year of therapy , the specialist suggested giving up the treatment since there isn't much improvement ,  however her maid who is not a trained therapist used her massage skills to eventually help the business woman recovered  ! 

[azimuth]

There is usually a trigger for Eczema whether it is something you eat, feel or touch. Maybe you have been stressed out lately?

[Guest tourist]

I had very bad eczema for about 10 years... went to the point of it appearing on my knuckles, wrist and back of my neck, and elbows. 

Went on a trip to maldives, and believe it or not, everywhere (but one spot, on my elbow, which was the first place it appeared) disappeared.

i heard that ocean water is meant to be good.

[answer]

On 12/01/2016 at 8:06 AM, inbody123 said:

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am surprise so many of us are suffering from ezcema.

 

Looks like to prevent it - is to moisturize, healthy diet, de-stress, keep one healthy, use chemical free soap. 

 

A good friend suggest bathing in the sea,  and go sun-tan, which is an old school thought. 

Where in Singapore can one find an unpolluted sea to soak in ? Haizz

 

Another suggestion: Drop your anti-perspirant / deodorant.  My skin condition improves after I dropped this item.

[robin]

On 11 January 2016 at 5:22 PM, bluemoonbird said:

try BRT treatment, they treat eczema using magnetic waves. 

Here got some testimonials.

http://www.bioresonancetherapy.com.sg/testimonials-skin-problems-(eczema)

 

Please don't ever try bioresonance! I have ecezema & tried it. Not only it did not help, my life became hell. Now after 3 years, I am still recovering from damage it cause on my body. I have several frens who have other ailments who have tried it. All of us did initially experience certain level of healing at the beginning & therefore, spent more money on it. In the end, our health got worse. Please do not try it. 

[bluemoonbird]

48 minutes ago, robin said:

 

Please don't ever try bioresonance! I have ecezema & tried it. Not only it did not help, my life became hell. Now after 3 years, I am still recovering from damage it cause on my body. I have several frens who have other ailments who have tried it. All of us did initially experience certain level of healing at the beginning & therefore, spent more money on it. In the end, our health got worse. Please do not try it. 

 

What damage! Tell me leh!