Thousands in Singapore Isolated This Festive Season As Eczema is Causing More Pain Than Joy Ruining the Festive Season

Published on December 29, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The festive season is typically a time for joy, family reunions, and celebrations. However, for many individuals living with eczema, these gatherings can bring feelings of isolation, discomfort, and emotional strain. In Singapore, where the holiday spirit often emphasizes togetherness, the challenges faced by those with chronic itch are rarely acknowledged.

Eczema, often thought of as a mere skin condition, has a profound impact on both the physical and emotional well-being of those affected. For people like Mr. Li, festive periods represent a time of heightened anxiety. The disruptions to routine, changes in diet, and environmental factors during holidays tend to trigger flare-ups, making what should be a joyful time increasingly difficult.

Who Is Affected by Eczema During the Holidays?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting a significant portion of the population. It is characterized by inflammation, redness, and intense itching, often becoming worse in response to environmental and lifestyle factors. During the festive season, individuals with eczema like Mr. Li face specific triggers such as late nights, rich foods, stress, and the heat from tropical weather, all of which can exacerbate symptoms.

The findings of Medical Channel Asia’s ongoing survey, “The Unseen Itch,” shed light on the broader impact of eczema, especially during the holiday season. Over half of the respondents reported avoiding social events due to flare-ups, making the festive period one of the most emotionally challenging times of the year for many.

What Do the Survey Results Reveal?

The survey data underscores the hidden struggles of living with eczema during the holidays. According to the survey, 34% of respondents avoid social events altogether when their eczema flares up. Another 31% express difficulty going out in public, while 14% find it challenging to attend major gatherings like Christmas or New Year celebrations.

These findings paint a clear picture: the physical discomfort caused by eczema is often compounded by the social and emotional strain of trying to fit into a festive environment. The unpredictability of flare-ups, combined with visible symptoms, can make socializing feel like an impossible task.

When Eczema Leads to Festive Isolation

For many, the physical discomfort of eczema during the holidays becomes too much to handle. Mr. Li recalls a Christmas Eve when his skin became inflamed, forcing him to stay home and avoid attending the celebrations. The emotional toll of not wanting to draw attention to his condition, coupled with the fear of making others uncomfortable, led to a decision that many with eczema may find familiar: staying away from social gatherings.

This sentiment is echoed in the survey, where 59% of participants admitted to skipping events entirely because of flare-ups. The expectation of socializing during festive times only exacerbates the pressure on individuals already struggling with the unpredictability of their condition.

The Emotional and Social Cost of Chronic Itch

Eczema is not just a physical condition; it also affects the emotional and social lives of those who live with it. Persistent itching and visible inflammation create a sense of vulnerability, which is particularly challenging during the festive season when social interactions are at their peak. Many people with eczema feel a sense of being different from others, often leading to feelings of isolation.

Ms. S, another survey respondent, describes how her eczema makes her feel “unlike everyone else” at social gatherings. The emotional toll of not fitting in or being unable to participate in the usual holiday activities can lead to significant mental and emotional stress, which is rarely discussed in public conversations about the condition.

How Eczema Flare-Ups Affect Daily Life

Dermatologists have noted that the factors contributing to eczema flare-ups during the festive season are multifaceted. Warm weather, changes in routine, prolonged physical activity, and certain foods common during celebrations all contribute to making symptoms worse. Persistent itch can affect daily functioning, work, school, and social interactions, creating a vicious cycle that leaves individuals hesitant to attend social events.

Despite the challenges, many eczema sufferers want to be understood, not isolated. However, 95% of survey respondents reported that people around them do not fully comprehend what it’s like to live with eczema. This empathy gap is especially apparent during the holidays, when the expectation to be present and sociable is high.

The Need for Greater Understanding

For people with eczema, one of the most difficult aspects of the festive season is the misunderstanding of their condition. Mr. Li expresses frustration over how people often perceive eczema as a minor inconvenience, unaware of the pain and exhaustion it can cause. Well-meaning but unsolicited advice or comments during gatherings can often deepen the discomfort rather than offer support.

What people living with eczema need most is empathy. By educating the public about the real impact of chronic itch, there is hope for a more inclusive and understanding approach to socializing during the holidays. Li and other sufferers wish for people to put themselves in others’ shoes and avoid commenting on visible symptoms, as it can lead to further emotional distress.

How the Public Can Help

Sharing lived experiences is crucial to building a better understanding of eczema and its emotional and social impact. Medical Channel Asia’s ongoing survey invites individuals living with eczema, as well as caregivers, to share their personal stories. These contributions will help shape future patient stories and public education materials aimed at improving awareness of eczema and chronic itch.

With increased understanding, the hope is that social gatherings can become more inclusive for those with eczema, allowing them to fully participate without the burden of judgment or discomfort.

In conclusion, the festive season, typically a time of celebration, presents unique challenges for people living with eczema. The physical discomfort, emotional toll, and social isolation are real struggles that need to be better understood. By shedding light on these hidden challenges, society can begin to make the holidays a more inclusive and empathetic time for everyone.