3 Most Common Skin Disorders in Singapore

Skin disorders can cause uncomfortable symptoms like redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Many skin problems, such as acne, affect your appearance. This article provides an overview of common skin disorders in Singapore and how you can get help.

Skin problems vary in severity and symptoms. Skin diseases and disorders can be:

• Temporary or permanent
• Treatable or incurable
• Acute or chronic
• Hormonal or genetic
• Painless or causing discomfort
• Benign or malignant

Most skin disorders can be treated with oral, topical, subcutaneous, or laser treatments and require the attention of a dermatologist. It is advisable to treat or manage your skin condition before it worsens. Here are the three most common skin disorders in Singapore.

1) Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common skin disorder that can affect people of all ages. Signs and symptoms of eczema include dry, itchy, and scaly red spots. In severe cases, symptoms can become painful and result in blistering and thickening of the skin. Eczema often recurs and can lead to scarring.

Environmental factors known to trigger eczema symptoms include:

• Irritants: Soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables
• Allergens: Dust mites, pets, pollens, mould, dandruff
• Microbes: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, certain fungi
• Temperature: Hot weather, high and low humidity, perspiration from exercise
• Foods: Dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat
• Stress: It can worsen symptoms but is not a direct cause
• Hormones: Women may experience worsening symptoms during pregnancy and certain points in their menstrual cycle

Eczema treatment

To treat eczema, focus on these three areas:

1. Moisturising: Use a good medical moisturiser (emollient) to keep the skin hydrated and prevent flare-ups.
2. Avoiding triggers: Remove triggers such as certain detergents, soaps, or clothing materials that can aggravate the condition.
3. Topical steroids: Apply topical steroids to reduce inflammation.

2) Hives (Urticaria)

Hives, or urticaria, are a type of skin rash often resulting from an allergy. Symptoms include itchy, raised bumps with clear edges that turn white (blanch) when pressure is applied. This condition can be triggered by various factors, such as certain foods, insect bites, medications, and viral infections. Symptoms can last from minutes to years. In severe cases, swelling of the throat and airway can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment for hives can be highly effective, so it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and receive specialised care.

3) Acne

Acne is a skin condition that affects the oil glands in your skin. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin through a canal called a follicle. When the follicle becomes clogged, a pimple forms. Acne is very common, and early treatment is the best way to prevent acne scars.

Tips for Choosing a Skin Clinic in Singapore

If you are suffering from skin disorders and want relief from uncomfortable symptoms, seek the advice of a Singapore skincare professional. Look for the following when choosing a skin clinic:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the clinic has experienced dermatologists accredited by the Ministry of Health and the Singapore Accreditation Board.

2. Evidence-based services: Choose a clinic that offers evidence-based skincare services and cost-effective medical treatments.
3. Affiliation and trust: Select a trustworthy healthcare provider with strong affiliations with leading healthcare organisations.

Find Singapore dermatologists and skincare experts at Thomson Specialist Skin Centre. Our trained, experienced, and licensed team can help you find relief and treatment for skin disorders.