Why Won’t My Eczema Go Away? A Dermatologist Shares Why

Eczema is a tricky condition. It can disappear for weeks or even months, only to return when you least expect it. You might think it’s finally gone, only to wake up one morning with itchy, inflamed skin again. This unpredictable nature of eczema can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve tried everything – creams, ointments, lifestyle changes – yet the flare-ups keep coming back.

The reality is that eczema has no permanent cure¹. It’s a chronic condition, which means it can be managed but not completely eliminated. That might sound disheartening at first, but the good news is there are effective ways to control it. With the right combination of treatments, lifestyle habits, and support from a trusted eczema specialist, you can reduce flare-ups, soothe your skin, and feel more confident in your skin health journey. But first, let’s understand why eczema might be so stubborn in the first place.

What exactly is eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin¹. It often starts in childhood, but adults can develop it, too. While the symptoms may look similar among individuals, eczema can appear in different forms, from dry patches behind the knees to weepy blisters on the hands.

At its core, eczema is linked to a compromised skin barrier. The skin’s outermost layer, which is supposed to protect against irritants, allergens, and microbes, becomes weak and allows these harmful elements to enter. As a result, your immune system overreacts, leading to inflammation, itching, and other symptoms².

Common triggers of eczema flare-ups

If your eczema keeps coming back, it’s likely because the root causes or triggers haven’t been addressed. A flare-up can be set off by a variety of things, and each person’s skin responds differently.

Some of the most common eczema triggers include:

1. Environmental allergens: Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mould can all irritate sensitive skin.

2. Harsh skincare products: Soaps with strong fragrances, alcohol, or sulphates can strip your skin’s natural moisture.

3. Dietary factors: Some people notice that dairy, eggs, or certain nuts can trigger their flare-ups, though food allergies are not always the cause.

4. Weather changes: Hot, humid conditions or dry, cold air can aggravate eczema symptoms.

5. Stress: Emotional stress doesn’t cause eczema but can worsen it significantly.

6. Sweat and friction: Exercise or tight clothing can lead to increased skin irritation in some individuals.

Even when you’re avoiding all the usual suspects, flare-ups can still occur because eczema is partly genetic and closely linked to your immune system. This is why working with an eczema specialist is so crucial, as they can help you understand your unique triggers and how best to avoid them.

Eczema and the role of genetics

Your genes might be playing a larger role than you realise. Studies have shown that people with eczema often have mutations in the filaggrin gene³, which is responsible for producing a protein that helps maintain the skin’s barrier function. When this protein is deficient, the skin becomes more prone to dryness, irritation, and infection.

This also explains why eczema often runs in families and why someone with asthma or hay fever is more likely to experience eczema. It’s not something you “catch”; you’re born with a predisposition to it.

Why eczema isn’t always about what you’re using

It’s easy to blame your latest moisturiser or detergent when a flare-up happens. But eczema is often the result of a combination of factors, including underlying immune responses. That means even the most expensive cream may not work if your triggers aren’t being addressed or your body’s inflammation isn’t being managed.

This is why a skin dermatologist in Singapore might suggest not just topical creams, but also oral medication, phototherapy, or even injectable biologics for severe cases. These treatments work to control inflammation from the inside out, rather than just treating symptoms on the surface.

When to see a skin specialist

If your eczema isn’t improving or keeps recurring despite over-the-counter treatments, it might be time to consult a professional. A qualified eczema specialist can help you dig deeper into your medical history, lifestyle, and possible allergens. Through allergy testing or skin biopsies, they can rule out other conditions and guide you towards a long-term management plan.

Getting professional help is especially important if:

Your sleep is affected due to itching.
Your skin is cracked, bleeding, or infected.
You’ve used steroid creams for a long time without improvement.
You’re feeling anxious or depressed because of your skin.

Dermatologists also offer eczema treatment in Singapore that’s tailored to local environmental conditions. For instance, the humidity and heat in Singapore can sometimes require a different skincare approach than what works in a dry climate.

What can you do daily to minimise eczema?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the following practices can help manage symptoms:

Moisturise frequently: Use a fragrance-free moisturiser at least twice a day to keep skin hydrated.

Choose gentle products: Stick to mild, soap-free cleansers and avoid scented lotions or harsh exfoliants.

Wear breathable fabrics: Cotton is your best friend – avoid wool or synthetic materials that can irritate the skin.

Take short, lukewarm showers: Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils.

Manage stress: Meditation, exercise, or counselling can help reduce stress-related flare-ups.

There are also a range of treatment options for managing eczema, including topical corticosteroids, non-steroidal creams such as topical calcineurin inhibitors or even newer topical JAK inhibitors, antihistamines, oral immunosuppressants, and biologic injections depending on the severity of your condition.

Finding the right help

Living with eczema can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep guessing what works. Visiting a skin dermatologist means you can finally stop treating your condition with trial and error and start understanding what your skin truly needs.

A dermatologist can help identify triggers, recommend personalised treatments, and support your long-term skin health with the latest medical innovations. Whether you’re dealing with mild or chronic eczema, getting professional support makes a real difference in how manageable the condition becomes over time.

Conclusion

While eczema may not have a permanent cure, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer endlessly. Understanding the root causes can help you take control of your flare-ups. With the right care plan and professional support, clearer, calmer skin is possible.

If you’re looking for trusted dermatological care in Singapore, Angeline Yong Dermatology offers treatments, including eczema care, tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking advanced eczema care or looking to improve your skin’s health, Dr Angeline Yong is ready to support your journey.

References

Eczema: What it is, symptoms, causes, types & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, March 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema

Ballard, A. (2022, September 24). Skin barrier basics for people with eczema. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/what-is-my-skin-barrier/

Sandilands, A., Sutherland, C., Irvine, A. D., & McLean, W. H. (2009). Filaggrin in the frontline: role in skin barrier function and disease. Journal of cell science, 122(Pt 9), 1285–1294. https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.033969

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Why Won’t My Eczema Go Away? A Dermatologist Shares Why