Eczema Management

I believe alot of young children are plagued with this. I am concluding what have worked for Vera after having to trial and error for this 15 months anad I hope this post can help mums who are dealing with a similar situation as me.

Vera's first eczema flare was when she was 9 months old.

Two years later, a sudden flare came in December 2015. 

The flare did not completely go off and turned for the worse in May 2016 when she was supposed to start her Nursery 1.

After much contemplation, I’ve made the difficult decision to hold Vera back from attending school. It felt unfair to both the school and to us — the teachers, as loving and supportive as they are, cannot give her the full attention she needs right now. On our end, we simply cannot afford to let her go through that painful cycle again. It's exhausting — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our sleep is constantly disrupted, as we stay alert just to prevent her from scratching.

For 10 months, we managed her flares with non-invasive, drug-free, and steroid-free treatments. No small feat. But during that time, there were moments I felt like I was slipping into a mild depression. I found myself crying without warning — once on the way to the clinic, and again while watching Vera undergo electromagnetic wave therapy. The treatment isn’t painful, but it broke me to see her endure something repeatedly — three times a week for seven months — and yet, that stubborn patch on her left foot remained dry, red, and occasionally blistered. It just refused to heal fully.

Still, I can’t say the treatments didn’t help. Each session calmed her flares. But the cost — emotionally, physically, and financially — was heavy. Traveling back and forth, paying for every session… I was tired. I thought of giving up more than once. I asked the doctor repeatedly, “Why is the patch still there? Is there something else we can do?” Through it all, Don kept me going. His steady support reminded me that we had to hold on for Vera’s sake.

Looking back, I’ve learned a lot over the past year. Vera saw three different doctors — all of whom used non-invasive approaches focused on restoring the body’s natural healing through energy flow. No medication, just a focus on natural recovery. From them, I’ve gathered that three things are crucial in managing eczema: Diet, Skincare, Discipline These three pillars have become our way of life now.

One Year of Healing Eczema — What I’ve Learned from 3 Holistic Doctors

In our journey managing Vera’s eczema without drugs or steroids, I’ve sought guidance from three different doctors — all using non-invasive, holistic approaches. Each one brought a new perspective and insight that shaped our understanding of her condition. Interestingly, their treatments didn’t contradict but actually complemented one another. Here's what I’ve learned so far, how their treatments worked in harmony, not contradiction. Each of them helped us understand different facets of eczema that I had never encountered before, even through conventional or TCM routes.

From Dr Lai @ Bai Chuan Clinic:

Dr Lai shared a perspective I had never heard before — that eczema is an autoimmune disorder linked to inflammation in the brain stem, which then affects the hypothalamus and pineal gland. According to him, Vera belongs to a minority group where flares happen before flu symptoms appear, rather than after — meaning her skin is the first to react when her immunity is compromised. In contrast, most children without eczema would just show common signs like a runny nose or fever first.

Another concept Dr Lai introduced me to was the CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF). From what I understand, when there’s inflammation in the brain and spine, it can obstruct CSF flow. This poor flow may be linked to eczema flares. I’m still trying to fully grasp how this works, but the connection between neurology and dermatology is something I hadn’t considered before.

Lastly, he talked about nerve fibre sensitivity — how certain vertebrae in the spine are connected to different parts of the body. This was a completely new area for me. Apparently, irritation or misalignment in specific areas of the spine could influence skin conditions in corresponding body zones. It was eye-opening — no other doctor, Western or TCM, had ever explained eczema in such terms.

Bai Chuan Japan Enrac Collateral Meridien Therapy
1 lrving Place
#02-05
The Commerz @ Lrving
Singapore 369546
Tel: 67379611

From Dr. Diana Tan at NAET (Shenton Clinic), I learned a completely different way of understanding Vera’s condition — through energy testing. I know it might sound absurd to some, especially if you’re not familiar with natural healing methods (like how Don was at first), but over time, I managed to "educate" him too.

Through this energy testing, we discovered that Vera had leaky gut — which I later learned is common among eczema sufferers. We also found out which organs were weaker and what specific foods she should be avoiding. The test showed she was allergic to yeast (found in bread and buns), cow’s milk, egg whites, almond milk, beef, beta carotene, gluten, and papaya.

I’m so grateful to my chiropractor, Dr. Daniel, for recommending Dr. Diana — this was truly a turning point for us.

With no other options left, I decided to give diet change a try. I cut out her favourite bread and mantou (buns) for just one week. Remember that stubborn patch on her left foot? The one that would sometimes get inflamed and blistered? After just a week without yeast in her diet, that patch miraculously improved. The blisters dried up, the redness subsided — it wasn’t angry anymore. It returned to a calmer state, still dry, but no longer flaring.

That was the moment I truly understood: You are what you eat.

By that time, I had already removed dairy, seafood, and some fruits from her diet (you can see the full list here). So with just the addition of removing yeast and a few newly identified allergens, I was amazed by the huge improvement. I finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel — Vera was thriving with the diet change.

Dr. Diana also asked me to bring along all the creams I had been using on Vera for energy testing. Thankfully, all of them passed! One standout was Young Living’s Boswellia Wrinkle Cream — just two applications on the dry patch on her foot, and it became noticeably smoother.

Shenton Clinic
Blk 498, Jurong West St 41
#01- 464
Singapore 640498
Tel: 65654442

The Next Step: Naturopathic Testing and Practical Adjustments

I have to admit — preparing Vera’s meals with such a limited list of safe foods has been one of the biggest challenges. Some mummies were shocked when I told them I had to cut dairy completely. Many exclaimed, “No, my child cannot do without milk!”

I get it. But here’s the truth: dairy is acidic in nature, and it doesn’t benefit eczema flares at all. Thankfully, there are alternatives — oat milk and rice milk, for example — but always remember to read the labels carefully. “No added sugar” doesn’t mean it’s sugar-free. Watch out for ingredients like sucrose or fructose — if you see them, skip it.

Currently, Vera is drinking Oatly at home, and I also pack oat drinks in tetra packs for her to bring to school. By then, Vera had started school, and traveling all the way to Lakeside for more testing became increasingly difficult. The tests there weren’t quick either — they were broken into multiple segments, and it simply wasn’t feasible to complete everything in one visit.

So, again through recommendation, I brought Vera to Naturopathic Therapies Clinic, where we sent a hair sample for allergy testing. Two weeks later, Dr. Saravanan shared the results, and it confirmed that Vera was indeed reactive to several allergens — some of which were already removed from her diet. He also gave us a set of health support strategies to help Vera heal from within:

- Support and improve digestive health

- Promote gentle detoxification

- Strengthen the immune system

- Progressively avoid all foods that tested positive

- Avoid all foods and supplements that may contain yeast

- Beyond just food, Vera was also found to be allergic to:

- Echinacea

- House dust and dust mites

- Certain antibiotics, like Trimethoprim, Erythromycin, and Acetyl Salicylic Acid

- Feathers and droppings of certain birds like lovebirds and parrots

- Two common cosmetic ingredients: Ethylene Oxide and Formaldehyde

Once again, it reminded me of the importance of reading product labels — not just food, but skincare and household products too.

Even oils and sugars were tested. She was allergic to:

Peanut oil , Canola oil, Sunflower oil, Palm oil, Refined olive oil

The recommended cooking oils were:

Rice bran oil

Coconut oil

Ghee (clarified butter)

For sweeteners, I was advised to use molasses if Vera really needed something sweet — though for the past six months, we’ve eliminated refined sugar completely. I give her fresh fruits instead, and I make a conscious effort to cook with whole, fresh ingredients as much as possible. Essentially, Vera has been on a vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, wheat-free, and sugar-free diet — and she’s been thriving on it.

Here’s one of the simple meals I prepared for her using quinoa as a base — it's now a staple in our home.

Dr. Saravanan also taught me a very important principle when it comes to food elimination: do it by block. Here’s how it works:

First, list down all the foods to be removed.

- One “block” equals one week.

- In Week 1, remove just one allergen.

- In Week 2, remove the second allergen — but continue avoiding the first.

Repeat the process gradually, building one block at a time.

This gradual method ensures the body doesn’t go into shock from having too many changes all at once — and makes the transition smoother for the child, too.

Getting to know Vera’s food allergens — and then removing them from her diet — took a great deal of discipline and determination. Honestly, it wasn’t easy. But it was doable. And I say that with confidence because I witnessed the improvement with my own eyes. If we hadn’t made these changes, there’s no way she would have been well enough to start school in January.

The journey was tough, but seeing her finally able to thrive — attend school, play with friends, and live like any other child — made every sacrifice worth it.

Naturopathic Therapies Clinic
1 Coleman Street, #03-20
The Adelphi
Singapore 179803
Tel: 68365615

If you’re looking for a non-invasive, drug-free solution for eczema, I highly recommend consulting these three doctors. Each of them contributed a different piece to Vera’s healing puzzle — and together, their insights helped us find a path that truly worked.

And if you’ve come across other doctors who practice natural healing, I’d love to hear your recommendations too. Let’s learn from and support one another.

Always remember: healing starts from the inside out. Skincare products can help, but they only offer external support. The real work begins within the body — with the food we eat and the allergens we avoid.

If you’re not sure where to start, begin by looking into the most common triggers:

Yeast, dairy (cow’s milk, butter, eggs), soy, seafood, and sugar.

These few changes alone can make a huge difference.

Next, let me share a little on Skincare products. If you recalled reading my bloody and weepy post ?

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast remains my top favourite. It’s non-steroidal, and I highly recommend it for skin with open wounds. Among all the creams I’ve tried, this is the only one that soothed Vera’s broken skin without any stinging — and it actually helped her wounds heal faster. It’s been a true lifesaver during flare-ups.

🌿 Product Recommendations

(Based on what worked for Vera’s sensitive and eczema-prone skin)

Over the years, I’ve tried many products, and I’ve learned that label-reading is key. For Vera’s sensitive skin, I always look for products that are:

- Hypoallergenic

- Fragrance-free

- Alcohol-free

- Colorant-free

- pH-balanced

- Paraben-free

Below are the creams and lotions that made a positive difference for Vera:

💧 1. For Open Wounds / Flare-Ups

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

This remains my top favourite, especially during flare-ups with open wounds. It’s non-steroidal, doesn’t sting on broken skin, and actually promotes healing. The texture is gentle yet effective — truly a must-have in our eczema kit.

🌬️ 2. Daily Moisturizing (Hot, Humid Weather)

Curel Moisture Gel Lotion

This is my go-to daily moisturizer for Vera in Singapore’s humid climate. It has a cooling effect, is lightweight and non-oily, and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling on the skin. Perfect for hot weather or when she’s active during the day.

❄️ 3. Deep Hydration (Air-Con or Cold Climates)

Curel Intensive Moisture Cream

If you're sleeping in an air-conditioned room or travelling to a cold country, this thicker cream is a great option. It provides intensive hydration and acts as a good barrier cream for dry environments.

🧴 4. DIY Oil Blend for Dry Patches

This is my personal blend, especially useful for stubborn dry spots or after bath time to lock in moisture. I apply it directly to affected areas and massage gently into the skin.

Ingredients:

2 oz AgriLife Organic Coconut Oil

15 drops Lavender essential oil

15 drops Melrose essential oil

15 drops Frankincense essential oil

Every skin is different, but if your child is also dealing with eczema, I hope this list gives you a helpful starting point. And again — always read the labels. Even natural or “gentle” products can contain hidden allergens like fragrance, parabens, or preservatives that may irritate sensitive skin.

Curel body wash too has became part of her daily skincare. If you have watched on TheAsianParent Facebook Page as well as on Curel Singapore Facebook page on production of a mum fighting eczema, yes that's us.

Before we were selected to shoot the ad, I had already gone through several bottles of the product for Vera — it had become part of her daily routine. That’s why I was genuinely happy to share our experience with them. It was also our first time doing a shoot, and the whole experience was awesome and memorable!

Thank you for taking the time to read this (admittedly long!) post. To all the parents out there — whether it’s your child or yourself dealing with eczema — I truly hope this post has been helpful in some way.

Always remember: it can get better. But it takes discipline and the courage to take that first step, especially when it comes to making changes in the diet.

Don’t give up. Healing is a journey — and you’re not alone. ❤️

Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might benefit from it. I’m not an expert — just a mum learning along the way. It’s been a journey of trial and error, but each step brought me closer to understanding how to manage Vera’s eczema more effectively.

If you’re also exploring natural healing methods, I’d love to hear your story. Please do share your eczema management tips with me — I’m always open to learning and growing alongside this community.

Thank you for reading and if you would like to stay tune for future updates, do follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram !