In partnership with Watsons Malaysia, Eau Thermale Avène organized an educational workshop on eczema at Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur. Eczema (also known as Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic inflammation of the skin that becomes extremely itchy and inflamed causing redness and swelling. Severe dryness (Xerosis) is one of the characteristics found in patients with eczema.
Eau Thermale Avène Eczema workshop was held to educate consumers on understanding eczema, methods to manage it, emollient application steps using Avène emollient cream and alternative methods to scratching. The workshop started with a speech from Dr. Leong Kin Fon, a Pediatric Dermatologist from General Hospital Kuala Lumpur on symptoms of Atopic Eczema, alternative methods to scratching and how to manage Atopic Eczema among children effectively.
Dr. Leong Kin Fon informed us that decades ago, not many kids had eczema but numbers have increased since then. Atopic Eczema tests include the skin prick test, Atopic Eczema is not due to one single cause but includes genetic and environmental factors such as harsh cleansers, food (minor factor which accounts for 10% of eczema in kids), hyperactive immune system and dry, porous skin. 24°C is the best temperature for skin to stop sweating and is not too dry. The more immunized a country is, the higher the incidence of eczema.
Atopic Eczema has 3 features:-
1. Itch and scratching.
2. Dry and scaly skin.
3. Inflammation and infection.
Use the right moisturizer and cleanser and steroids to treat the inflammation. Reduce the infection with antibiotics and antiseptics. Steroids can be good or bad depending on how you use them. Steroids are okay with restrictions. Steroids are categorized from Class 1 to 4, the higher class the steroid is, the higher the anti-inflammatory effect.
As for the skin prick test, if there’s a 3mm hive on skin after 15 minutes of pricking skin, you are allergic to the allergen pricked. Depending on your suspicions, you can test on cow’s milk, cheese, Vitagen etc. Charges are based on how many items you want to test.
Dr. Ch’ng Chin Chwen, a Dermatologist from University Malaya Medical Centre, then spoke about the possibilities of adults having eczema as well. The typical onset of Atopic Eczema is from birth to 15 years old. Some adults had Atopic Eczema when they were kids, the Atopic Eczema stopped when they were in secondary school and resumed in adulthood. Hand eczema is common among adults. The cause is working with hands, stress, detergents, perfumed lotions.
Tips to deal with eczema include not bathing for too long, no more than 10 minutes and no frequent baths. Use hypoallergenic non-soap products. Oatmeal and bleach baths are recommended. Moisturise skin at all times. Use a cold compress by keeping moisturizer in the fridge. Wear loose-fitting and comfortable fabrics. Cotton helps absorb sweat and keeps skin dry, Lace can make skin itchy. A lot of people are allergic to wools and synthetics. Keep nails short and free of dirt and bacteria. Know your medications, what it is, how to use it, how much and how frequent to use and whether there are any side effects.
The talk was then followed by Mr. Alexandre Giraudon (Avène ASEAN Marketing Manager) on the introduction to Eau Thermale Avène and its range of skin care products intended for extremely dry skin and eczema skin in infants, children and adults. Furthermore, Mr. Alexandre also explained on the skin care regime for eczema patients using Avène Tolerance Extreme and Avene TriXèra range.
A video of two severe eczema patients receiving treatment from Avene Hydrotherapy Centre in France was then shown to the audience on the patients’ progress and their positive results after treatment. The workshop ended with three volunteers called to be on-stage for a hands-on demonstration by Ms. Denise Goh on the effective methods of applying emollient cream. The audience got to experience the products themselves and follow the application steps.
