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BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH
zeem finds out
making eczema research more accessible for youth
about us
eczema affects approximately 15-20% of children and 1-10% of adults globally, with rising prevalence.
if you're in this 10-20%, or even just curious about eczema, this website is for you!
hello!
we are zeem finds out, a team of 6 junior college graduates from Singapore aiming to make eczema research more accessible for the youth.
we summarise and simplify research papers on eczema, removing the access barrier of complex, technical jargon and lengthy barriers by condensing them into 2 minute summaries for you.
what do we do?
our focus:
research papers on eczema triggers and treatments, such that you can find out more about what might be causing your eczema and the treatment options out there for you.
disclaimer: this website is for educational and informative purposes only. it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, symptoms, or treatment decisions.
what is eczema?
eczema, commonly referred to by its most common and chronic form of atopic dermatitis, is a category of inflammatory skin disorders.
the seven types of eczema:
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atopic dermatitis
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contact dermatitis
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dyshidrotic dermatitis
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neurodernatitis
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nummular eczema
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seborrheic dermatitis
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stasis dermatitis
a person can have more than one type of eczema, and each type consists of different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
A Systematic Review of the Cost Concerns of Eczema Treatments
The big idea: This study aims to review all the economic evidence about eczema treatments and prevention at any age. By looking at the current economic studies on eczema, this research will help improve the evidence needed for making decisions about which treatments are most cost-effective. What the study asked: What type of health economic evidence has been used in the evaluation of the prevention and treatment of atopic eczema? Are interventions to prevent and treat atopic
zeemfindsout
Apr 52 min read
A Review of four common Medicinal Plants used to Treat Eczema
The big idea: Many medicinal plant species worldwide are used in traditional medicine for treating different diseases. What the study asked: The study summarised the scientific data published on four common medicinal plants, namely, aloe vera, oats, turmeric, and chamomile. What the study did: The review was achieved using an organised search of scientific data published on the four medicinal plants used for the treatment of eczema. The searches were carried out using va
zeemfindsout
Apr 54 min read
Topical probiotic Lactobacillus lactis treatment in atopic dermatitis: a placebo-controlled pilot study on tolerability and efficacy
The big idea: The tolerability and efficacy of probiotic lactobacillus lactis lysate cream in treating atopic dermatitis is investigated by measuring patients' qualitative feedback (e.g. Dermatology life quality index) and clinical patient data (e.g. eosinophil count). Probiotic lactobacillus lactis lysate creams are part of a newer “microbiome-based” approach to treating atopic dermatitis. This approach repairs the skin barrier function and modulates inflammation. What the s
zeemfindsout
Apr 52 min read
Enhanced early skin treatment for atopic dermatitis in infants reduces food allergy
The big idea: Early-onset atopic dermatitis (AD) is a strong risk factor for food allergy, suggesting that early effective treatment may prevent transcutaneous sensitisation (the process where the immune system becomes allergic to an external substance after it penetrates the skin barrier). What the study asked: This study tested whether enhanced treatment of AD to clinically affected and unaffected skin is more effective in preventing hen’s egg allergy than reactive treatmen
zeemfindsout
Apr 52 min read
Investigating Human T Cell Response to CD1a and Contact Dermatitis Allergens in Botanical Extracts and Commercial Skin Care Products
The big idea: During industrialisation, humans have been exposed to increasing numbers of foreign chemicals. Failure of the immune system to tolerate drugs, cosmetics, and other skin products causes allergic contact dermatitis: a T cell-mediated disease with rising prevalence. Thus, this study explains why some creams and cosmetics may cause eczema breakouts. What the study asked: The goal of the study was to determine whether known contact allergens can bind to CD1a and sti
zeemfindsout
Mar 222 min read
Maternal stress triggers early-life eczema through fetal mast cell programming
The big idea: The effect of prenatal stress (PS) on atopic dermatitis at birth was investigated and was found to induce fluctuations in maternal hormones. This resulted in dysregulations in the fetal immune system, leading to altered mast cell and sensory neuron function, which predisposes offspring to develop eczema as a response to typically harmless friction on skin after birth. What the study asked: Considering that previous studies suggested an association between PS a
zeemfindsout
Mar 223 min read
What adjuvant treatments work for Atopic Eczema? An Updated Review of Clinical Trial Evidence.
The big idea: The aim of this review was to create an updated summary of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that tested different treatments for atopic eczema. By reviewing and combining the results of these trials, researchers hoped to make clearer, evidence-based treatment recommendations using both descriptive summaries and statistical analysis. What the study asked: What evidence supports the usefulness of different treatments, including adjuvant (supportive) therapies,
zeemfindsout
Mar 222 min read
What We Wear Matters: How Fabrics Influence Atopic Eczema
The big idea: Many people with eczema may find that certain clothing fabrics cause overheating, sweating, and irritation, which sets off the dreaded itch. Rough seams, fibres, fastenings, and threads can also cause problems for sensitive skin. Your choice of clothing can make a considerable difference to how comfortable you feel. What the study asked: How do different fabrics interact with the skin to improve or worsen atopic eczema? What the study did: The study reviewed t
zeemfindsout
Mar 123 min read
The use of dupilumab in children and adolescents with severe atopic dermatitis (AD): a systematic review and meta-analysis
The big idea: Dupilumab is a treatment for moderate to severe AD in adults and children aged 12 years and older, and severe AD in children aged 6 months to 11 years. Dupilumab is a type of biologic drug called a monoclonal antibody → these target specific proteins or receptors in the body, blocking the proteins from binding to their receptors, to regulate the immune response or interfere with disease processes. Such biologic drugs have fewer potential side effects than immu
zeemfindsout
Mar 112 min read
Chinese herbal medicine research in eczema treatment
The big idea: This article reviews existing scientific evidence on Chinese herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and concludes that while some studies show potential benefits, overall evidence remains limited and inconclusive. What the study asked: The article sought to examine whether Chinese herbal medicine is an effective and safe treatment option for atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition commonly associated with itching, sleep d
zeemfindsout
Mar 112 min read
How are symptoms of atopic dermatitis influenced by outdoor air pollution?
The big idea: Outdoor air pollution specifically in the form of Particulate matter (PM10) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms. What the study asked: How does outdoor pollution affect symptoms of atopic dermatitis? What the study did: This study was conducted in Seoul, South Korea, with infants (35 month olds average). The parents recorded their child’s daily symptoms. The researchers collected daily outdoor air pollution dat
zeemfindsout
Mar 51 min read
What causes worsening of eczema? A systematic review
The big idea: Flares of eczema are attributed to many factors, often with minimal scientific evidence. Many of these beliefs come from personal experiences or anecdotal advice rather than strong scientific evidence. This study reviewed existing research to find out what actually causes eczema to worsen. What the study asked: The researchers aimed to determine which factors truly cause eczema flare-ups based on scientific evidence. Instead of relying on opinions or patient q
zeemfindsout
Mar 52 min read
Eczema and the Importance of the Physical Environment
The big idea : There is a large relation between eczema and environmental triggers despite eczema being primarily a genetic condition. What the study asked : To what extent does the environment impact eczema’s severity and specifically which factor of the environment. Temperature? Location? etc. What the study did : The study conducted a large ecological study between climatic factors and the level of the state and prevalence of eczema. This survey was also part of the Nation
zeemfindsout
Feb 182 min read
Phototherapy for eczema: Narrow-band ultraviolet B, broad-band ultraviolet A, and visible light – which is the best?
The big idea: In eczema, phototherapy is the use of controlled doses of medical-grade ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce inflammation, itching, and improve skin clearance. There are three types of phototherapy used in the treatment of atopic eczema – broadband UVB, narrowband UVB, and UVA. What the study asked: This study aimed to compare the three different forms of phototherapy, specifically narrow-band UVB, UVA, and visible light therapy, as second-line, adjunctive treatmen
zeemfindsout
Feb 182 min read
Reviewing Frequent Concerns regarding the use of Topical Corticosteroids in Paediatric Eczema
The big idea: To help patients better understand the usage of topical corticosteroids and address misconceptions on corticosteroid treatment of eczema, this study reviewed the possible adverse side effects of topical corticosteroids on patients by reviewing published evidence combined with clinical experience from a panel of physicians working in paediatric dermatology. Introduction to how topical corticosteroids (TCS) treat eczema: Glucocorticosteroids have anti-inflammatory
zeemfindsout
Feb 182 min read
The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study
The big idea: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most frequent cause of hand eczema (HE). There is promising evidence regarding the use of topical oatmeal compounds in the management of inflammation and itch-responses associated with diverse dermatologic conditions. What the study asked: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of colloidal oatmeal cream in the management of chronic irritant hand eczema. What the study did: A double-blind study was conducted to
zeemfindsout
Feb 182 min read
research summaries
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