Understanding Eczema, Dermatitis & Sensitive Skin
Eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin are common conditions that occur when the skin barrier becomes impaired, making the skin more vulnerable to irritation, inflammation and moisture loss. This may result in symptoms such as dryness, itching, redness, burning, stinging or increased sensitivity to skincare products and environmental triggers.
These conditions can vary in severity and may include atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and skin barrier impairment. While each condition has different underlying causes, they often share one common feature: a compromised skin barrier. Although these conditions are often chronic or recurrent, appropriate assessment, personalised skincare and trigger management can help improve skin health and reduce flare-ups over time.
How our Dermal Clinician's Support You
Your dermal clinician works alongside you to improve skin barrier function and support healthier, more resilient skin through evidence-based, personalised care.
Throughout your treatment journey, your dermal clinician may:
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Conduct a comprehensive skin assessment and identify possible triggers
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Assess the health and function of your skin barrier
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Develop a personalised management plan tailored to your skin and lifestyle
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Recommend evidence-based skincare to help restore and protect the skin barrier
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Provide professional treatments where clinically appropriate
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Monitor your progress and adjust your management plan over time
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Educate you on trigger avoidance and long-term skin health strategies
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Collaborate with DermAssist and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Phil Tong when specialist assessment and support management is clinically appropriate
Skin Barrier Impairment
A healthy skin barrier helps retain moisture while protecting the skin from irritants, allergens and environmental damage. When the barrier becomes impaired, skin may become dry, tight, inflamed or increasingly reactive. Supporting skin barrier repair is often the foundation of treatment for many inflammatory skin conditions.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterised by burning, stinging, itching or discomfort that may occur after using skincare products or following exposure to environmental factors such as heat, wind or UV exposure. In many cases, these symptoms are associated with increased skin reactivity and impaired barrier function.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a strong genetic predisposition, commonly causing dry, itchy and inflamed skin. If eczema is suspected, your dermal clinician may recommend medical assessment through DermAssist and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Phil Tong or your GP to confirm the diagnosis before ongoing management.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis develops when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen following direct contact.
This may include:
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Irritant Contact Dermatitis – caused by repeated exposure to substances such as soaps, detergents, cleaning products, chemicals or frequent hand washing.
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis – an immune response triggered by allergens such as fragrances, preservatives, metals or other ingredients.
Accurate assessment is important to help identify potential triggers and guide ongoing management.
Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that commonly appears as small red bumps, scaling or irritation around the mouth, nose or eyes. It is often associated with prolonged topical corticosteroid use, barrier disruption, certain cosmetics or other environmental triggers. Management focuses on identifying triggers, simplifying skincare and supporting skin recovery.
